Let it yourself, or hand it to an agent - either way, start here
Letting your own property is very doable, and in 2026, with the Renters' Rights Act in force, it pays to get the details right. We keep this guidance current and plain so your advert is right the first time, from deposit rules to the safety certificates you need. Advertise free, vet enquiries and reply on your own schedule - or bring in a local agent to take it on whenever it suits you.
We will help you work out which makes sense for your situation.
Renters' Rights Act 2026 - 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Since 1 May 2026 the rules are materially different, and a lot of advice online is still out of date.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.
- The new Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 replaces the old How to Rent guide and must be served correctly.
- Rent in advance is capped, bidding wars are banned, and pet requests cannot be unreasonably refused.
We keep these pages current as the detail beds in, so what you read here matches what the law actually says now.
Compliance built into your listing
Before you let, you will need each of these in place. Our checklist walks you through every one.
- Valid EPC (band E minimum now, moving to C by 2030 under MEES)
- Annual gas safety certificate (CP12) where there is gas
- EICR electrical safety report every five years
- Working smoke alarm on every storey and a CO alarm by fixed combustion appliances
- Deposit protected in an approved scheme within 30 days, with prescribed information served
- Right to Rent checks on every adult tenant
- The Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 served correctly
Read the short getting-started guide for private landlords before you begin.
Two ways to let - both start here
Let 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 listingBring in 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 valuation.
Get a free valuationQuestions 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 - a valid EPC, a gas safety certificate, an EICR, deposit protection within 30 days, Right to Rent checks, and serving the correct documents. We keep this guidance current to the Renters' Rights Act 2026 so you get it right first time.
What changed for landlords under the Renters' Rights Act 2026?
Since 1 May 2026, Section 21 "no fault" evictions are abolished, all assured shorthold tenancies have converted to assured periodic tenancies, possession runs through Section 8 grounds, and the new Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 replaces the old How to Rent guide. 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 valuation and a steer from a local agent right here.
How much does it cost to list a rental on Domovita?
Advertising your rental is free, and that is the whole price - there is nothing else for a private landlord to buy, no add-ons and no lock-in. (Estate agents can choose to feature a property, but that is an agent option, not something you need.)
What safety certificates do I need before letting?
A valid EPC (minimum band E under current MEES rules, moving to C by 2030), an annual gas safety certificate (CP12) where there is gas, an EICR every five years, and working smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms. Our checklist walks you through each one.