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, and no pressure either way: advertise it yourself, or bring in a local agent. Whatever fits your situation.
What you will need before you let
- A valid EPC. The minimum is band E to let today, and the government has set a path to raise the standard - EPC C is the target date being worked towards for 2030, so check the current position before you rely on it (gov.uk: MEES landlord guidance).
- An annual gas safety check where there is gas, and an electrical safety report (EICR), typically renewed every five years (gov.uk: landlord responsibilities).
- 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).
- The current government information sheet for renters to serve your tenant - this replaced the old How to Rent guide, so always serve the latest version (gov.uk: renting out a property).
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, and that is the whole price - there is nothing else to buy. 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 valuation from a local agent and hand it across whenever it suits.
Three things to read next
- How letting on Domovita works - including the 2026 compliance checklist.
- What it costs - the whole price, up front.
- Get a free valuation - if you would like an agent's view first.
Common questions
Does it cost anything to advertise my rental?
No. Advertising your property to let is free, with nothing else to 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 valuation from a local agent and hand it across at any time.
Last reviewed: June 2026. Letting law in England changes often - always check the current gov.uk guidance for the latest rules before you act.