Using a letting agent? Ask them to list here - free
Domovita is built for estate and letting agents, and they list here free. If you use one, ask them to put your rental on Domovita. If you let it yourself, or your agent has not joined yet, you can advertise it free too. In 2026, with the Renters' Rights Act in force, it pays to get the details right, so we keep this guidance current and plain, from deposit rules to the safety certificates you need.
Already signed with a letting agent? Speak to them before you advertise it yourself, and check your agreement.
Renters' Rights Act 2025 - what changed for private landlords
Since 1 May 2026 the rules are materially different, and a lot of advice online is still out of date. The headlines:
- Section 21 "no fault" evictions are abolished - possession now runs through Section 8 grounds.
- All assured shorthold tenancies have converted to assured periodic tenancies.
- In England, new tenancies from 1 May 2026 need written information about the key terms given to the tenant before the tenancy is agreed - a fine of up to £7,000 if not. The Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 was for existing tenancies (due by 31 May 2026), not new ones.
- Rent in advance is capped, bidding wars are banned, and pet requests cannot be unreasonably refused.
We review these pages as the detail beds in - always check the gov.uk guidance we link to before acting. The full picture is in our Renters' Rights Act guide for private landlords.
What you need before you let
Before you let, you will need each of these in place. Our compliance checklist walks you through every one.
- Valid EPC - band E is the legal minimum for most lets (gov.uk); the government's aim of band C by 2030 is not yet law
- Annual gas safety certificate (CP12) where there is gas
- EICR electrical safety report every five years
- In England, at least one smoke alarm on each storey used as living accommodation, and a carbon monoxide alarm in any living room with a fixed combustion appliance, gas cookers excluded (gov.uk)
- Deposit protected in an approved scheme within 30 days, with prescribed information served
- Right to Rent checks on every adult tenant
- In England, the required written information about the tenancy's key terms given to the tenant before the tenancy is agreed (gov.uk guidance)
Read the short getting-started guide for private landlords before you begin.
Letting guides
Plain-English guides to every obligation, kept under review as the rules change:
- A Landlord's Guide to UK Lettings (2026) - the overview, start to finish
- The Renters' Rights Act: what private landlords need to do in 2026
- How to let your property: a step-by-step guide
- Lettings Compliance in England - the Landlord Checklist
- Tenancy deposit protection: the 30-day rule
- The Information Sheet 2026 - who needed it, and when
- Right to Rent checks: what a private landlord must do
- Gas safety certificates (CP12) | EICR and electrical safety | EPC and MEES rules
With an agent, or on your own
Use a local agent
If you want full management, live away from the property, or would rather not handle certificates and referencing, a local agent can take it on. Start with a free rental valuation. Already have an agent? Ask them to list here free.
Get a free rental valuationLet it yourself
Free to advertise, vet your own enquiries, and reply when it suits you. Best if you have time and want to stay close to the tenancy.
Start your free rental listingNot sure what rent to ask?
Get a free rental valuation from up to 3 local letting agents before you set your price.
What it costs
Advertising your rental is free - there is nothing you must buy, no contract and no lock-in. The only paid option for a listing is a clearly labelled featured slot, open to any lister. See the full price list.
Using a letting agent is a different kind of service with its own value, and a good agent will happily talk you through their fees. Agents on Domovita get the local valuation-lead panel, a branch profile and warm referrals from landlords.
Questions private landlords ask us
Can I let my property myself in the UK?
Yes. There is no legal requirement to use a letting agent, and many landlords manage their own lets. You do need to meet your legal obligations, which differ between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. In England that includes a valid EPC, a gas safety check where there are gas appliances, an electrical safety report (EICR), protecting any deposit in an approved scheme within 30 days, Right to Rent checks, and giving the tenant the required written information. We keep this guidance current to the Renters' Rights Act 2025 so you get it right first time.
What changed for landlords under the Renters' Rights Act 2025?
In England, since 1 May 2026, Section 21 "no fault" evictions have been abolished for private tenancies, private assured shorthold tenancies have become assured periodic tenancies (a Section 21 notice served before 1 May 2026 could still be relied on in limited cases), and possession runs through Section 8 grounds. For a new tenancy you must give the tenant written information about its key terms before it is agreed, and the How to Rent guide was withdrawn on 1 May 2026. We explain exactly what this means for a private landlord.
When is using a letting agent the right choice?
An agent often earns their fee where you want full management, live some distance from the property, or would rather not handle referencing, certificates and repairs yourself. We are honest about when that is the case, and you can get a free rental valuation from local letting agents right here.
My letting agent is not on Domovita. What should I do?
Ask them to join - it is free for them, and we can introduce ourselves if you invite them. You can advertise the rental yourself in the meantime, but if you have already signed with an agent, speak to them first and check your agreement.
How much does it cost to list a rental on Domovita?
Advertising your rental is free, and there is nothing you must buy - no contract and no lock-in. The only paid option for a listing is a clearly labelled featured slot, which any lister can choose for their own listing, private landlords and agents alike. You do not need it to let.
What safety certificates do I need before letting?
In England: a valid EPC rated E or above (unless a valid exemption is registered), a gas safety check at least every 12 months where there are gas appliances, an electrical safety report (EICR) at least every five years or sooner if the last report says so, a smoke alarm on every storey used as living accommodation, and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a fixed combustion appliance other than a gas cooker. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own rules. Our checklist walks you through each one.
Answers last reviewed: 23 September 2026. General information, not legal advice - check the gov.uk guidance before acting.