Getting started as a private landlord
The short version - what letting on Domovita involves in 2026, so you can decide before you commit. No sign-up needed to read it. Domovita is built for estate and letting agents, so if you use one, ask them to list here free. If you let it yourself, or your agent has not joined yet, this page is for you.
Already signed with a letting agent? Speak to them before you advertise it yourself, and check your agreement.
What you will need before you let in England
- A valid EPC. The minimum to let today is band E, unless you have a valid exemption (gov.uk: MEES landlord guidance). The government has decided to raise this to the equivalent of EPC C from 1 October 2030, with the spending cap rising to £10,000, but that still needs new legislation before it becomes law (gov.uk: government response, January 2026).
- An annual gas safety check where there is gas (Gas Safety Regulations 1998, regulation 36), and an electrical safety report (EICR), renewed at least every five years or sooner if the report says so (Electrical Safety Standards Regulations 2020, regulation 3).
- Working smoke alarms on every storey and a carbon monoxide alarm in rooms with a fixed combustion appliance (gov.uk: smoke and CO alarms).
- An approved deposit scheme ready, so you can protect the deposit and serve the prescribed information within 30 days of taking it (gov.uk: deposit protection).
- Written information about the key terms of the tenancy, which you must give your tenant before you agree a new tenancy. This has applied since 1 May 2026, and not giving it can lead to a fine of up to £7,000 (gov.uk: written information for your tenant). The old How to Rent guide was withdrawn on the same date (gov.uk: How to Rent, withdrawn).
- A right to rent check on your tenant (gov.uk: landlord responsibilities).
It looks like a lot the first time. Our checklist walks you through each item in plain English. Letting rules change often, so treat the gov.uk links above as the authority.
How long it takes
Once your certificates are in hand, building the advert takes under an hour and you can save and return. After that you set the pace - vet enquiries and reply on your own schedule, with tenant messages reaching you through Domovita.
What you will pay
Advertising is free - there is nothing you must buy. The only paid option is a clearly labelled featured slot, open to any lister. See the full price list.
What happens after your listing goes live
Your property appears to tenants searching Domovita, fully briefed from day one. Enquiries come to you, you reference and choose your tenant, protect the deposit and serve the right documents. If you would rather a professional handled the let or the full management, you can get a free rental valuation from local letting agents and hand it across whenever it suits.
Where to go next
- How letting on Domovita works - including the 2026 compliance checklist.
- What it costs - the whole price, up front.
- Get a free rental valuation - if you would like a letting agent's view first.
- Invite your agent - it is free for them to list here.
Common questions
Does it cost anything to advertise my rental?
No. Advertising your property to let is free, and there is nothing you must buy. You can see the full price list on the pricing page.
What safety certificates do I need before I let?
Generally a valid EPC, an annual gas safety check where there is gas, and an electrical safety report (EICR). The exact duties can change, so check the current gov.uk landlord responsibilities before you rely on this.
How quickly must I protect the deposit?
If you take a deposit you generally need to protect it in an approved scheme and serve the prescribed information within 30 days (gov.uk: deposit protection).
Can a local agent take over the let?
Yes. If you would rather a professional handled the let or the full management, you can get a free rental valuation from local letting agents and hand it across at any time.
Not sure what rent to ask?
Get a free rental valuation from up to 3 local letting agents before you set your price.
Last reviewed: September 2026. Letting law in England changes often - always check the current gov.uk guidance for the latest rules before you act.