Finding the right tenants for your rental property in London is key to ensuring a successful and stress-free letting experience. Whether you’re renting out a flat, house, or room, attracting reliable tenants who pay rent on time and take care of your property is essential for long-term success as a landlord.
In this guide, we’ll show you the best ways to find tenants for your rental property in London, from using the right advertising platforms to screening applicants and managing the tenancy. Fraser Bond is here to help you throughout the process, offering expert advice and services to make your rental journey smoother.
Before advertising your rental property, make sure it’s in good condition and ready for tenants. A well-maintained property attracts more interest and allows you to set a competitive rental price.
Ensure the property is clean and any necessary repairs are completed. Fix leaky taps, cracked tiles, or any broken fixtures. A fresh coat of paint or small upgrades to the kitchen or bathroom can also enhance your property’s appeal.
Determine whether you will rent your property furnished or unfurnished. Furnished homes may appeal to short-term tenants, professionals, or international renters, while unfurnished homes attract long-term tenants like families who prefer to bring their own furniture.
Make sure your property meets all legal safety requirements, including:
Setting the right rental price is critical to attracting tenants. Overpricing may leave your property vacant for longer, while underpricing could result in lost income. Here’s how to set a competitive price:
Look at rental prices for similar properties in your area. Websites like Rightmove and Zoopla allow you to compare properties by size, condition, and location, helping you determine what tenants are willing to pay in your neighbourhood.
Consider getting a rental valuation from a local letting agent, like Fraser Bond. This will give you an accurate view of what you can realistically charge based on current demand and your property’s unique features.
The most effective way to find tenants in London is to advertise your property online. Here are the best platforms for reaching potential renters:
Rightmove is the largest property website in the UK, and listing your property here ensures maximum exposure. However, as a private landlord, you’ll need to go through a letting agent like Fraser Bond to list on Rightmove.
Zoopla is another major property portal, with millions of visitors each month searching for homes. Like Rightmove, it requires landlords to list via an agent, ensuring your property reaches a wide audience.
If you prefer to manage your property independently, OpenRent is a popular platform for private landlords. OpenRent allows you to list directly and offers free or low-cost advertising, as well as options for tenant referencing and contract management.
Gumtree is a free classifieds website where you can advertise your property directly to tenants. While it may not have the same reach as Rightmove or Zoopla, it’s a great platform for reaching local renters, especially for short-term or budget properties.
Facebook Marketplace allows you to post your rental property for free and reach a broad audience. You can also share your listing in local community or rental groups for added visibility.
If you’re renting out a room or part of a shared property, SpareRoom is the top platform for finding tenants. SpareRoom is ideal for landlords looking to let individual rooms or flatshares.
To attract quality tenants, your property listing needs to stand out. Here’s how to create a compelling and professional advertisement:
First impressions matter, and high-quality photos of your property can significantly boost interest. Take clear, well-lit photos of each room, highlighting key features like the kitchen, bathroom, and outdoor spaces. If possible, hire a professional photographer to ensure your property is presented in the best possible light.
Write a detailed, engaging description of your property, including:
Be clear about when the property is available, the lease length, and whether bills are included. Highlight any unique features, such as a garden, balcony, or parking.
Once you start receiving enquiries, it’s crucial to screen tenants thoroughly to ensure they are reliable and financially capable of paying rent.
Use tenant referencing services to check the following:
You can either handle this process yourself or use a service like OpenRent or HomeLet to run comprehensive tenant checks for you.
As a UK landlord, you’re legally required to conduct a Right to Rent check. This involves verifying that the tenant has the legal right to live in the UK by checking their passport or immigration documents.
Once you’ve found a suitable tenant, it’s important to have a legally binding tenancy agreement in place. Most landlords use an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST), which sets out the terms of the rental, including:
You can find tenancy agreement templates online or work with a solicitor or letting agent to draft one.
As a landlord, you are legally required to protect your tenant’s deposit in a government-approved deposit protection scheme. The three main schemes in the UK are:
You must place the deposit in one of these schemes within 30 days of receiving it and provide the tenant with the required documentation.
Once the tenant has moved in, managing the property effectively is key to ensuring a smooth rental experience. This includes:
Set up a clear system for rent collection, ideally through direct debit or standing order. Monitor payments regularly and address any missed payments promptly.
As a landlord, you’re responsible for maintaining the property and handling any necessary repairs. Make sure to deal with tenant requests in a timely manner to keep the property in good condition and maintain a positive relationship with the tenant.
Conduct regular inspections, typically every 6 months, to check the condition of the property and address any issues. Be sure to give tenants advance notice before entering the property.
At Fraser Bond, we offer a range of services to help landlords find tenants for their rental properties in London, including:
Finding reliable tenants for your rental property in London requires effective advertising, thorough screening, and professional management. By using the right platforms, creating an attractive listing, and following best practices for tenant screening, you can secure quality tenants and maximise your rental income.
If you need support with marketing, tenant vetting, or property management, Fraser Bond is here to help. Contact us today for expert advice on renting out your property in London.
