Letting Your Property Privately: A Complete Landlord Guide

Your property deserves tenants who'll treat it like home. With Virify's intelligent search and direct communication, you can find the right people without the usual hassle or hefty agent fees.

This guide walks you through everything, step by step. Whether you're a first-time landlord or experienced investor, you'll find practical advice on preparing your property, creating a listing, selecting tenants, and managing tenancies successfully.

Key takeaways

• Private letting gives you control and saves on agent fees, but requires time and legal compliance.
• Understand your legal obligations before listing, including EPC, gas safety, and electrical checks.
• Set the right rent by researching similar properties in your area.
• Proper tenant referencing protects your property and income.
• Protect deposits in a government-approved scheme and create detailed inventories.

Before you list: getting ready

Decide if private letting is right for you

Private letting gives you control and saves thousands in agent fees. But it requires time and effort on your part.

You'll benefit by:

• maximising your profit by saving on letting agent fees
• building direct relationship with tenants

You'll need to:

• manage viewings yourself
• respond to tenant enquiries directly, and handle tenant selection and referencing
• stay on top of legal requirements, including any landlord licensing requirements

If you're comfortable with this, private letting can work brilliantly.

Understand your obligations

Letting a property comes with legal responsibilities. Get these right from the start. The requirements can change depending on the relevant legal framework (England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland) so always check which laws and regulations apply to you, but generally:

You must:

• use the required form of tenancy or rental agreement
• meet the required Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating for your property (normally E or above)
• have an in-date gas safety certificate (annual check required)
• have an in-date electrical installation condition report (every 5 years)
• working smoke alarms on every floor (which may need to be wired in)
• carbon monoxide alarms in rooms with solid fuel and gas appliances (including boilers)
• keep the property in good repair and properly insured

Check Virify's guides for detailed information on each requirement.

Get your property ready

Walk through your property as a potential tenant would.

Quick wins:

• deep clean every room
• fix any maintenance issues (leaks, broken fixtures, faulty appliances)
• ensure heating and hot water work properly
• ensure the garden is well maintained

First impressions matter. A well-presented property attracts better tenants.

Set the right rent

Price your property fairly from the start. Too high and you'll struggle to let. Too low and you'll lose income.

Research thoroughly:

• check similar properties in your area on Virify
• factor in your property's condition and unique features
• factor in local demand
• account for bills if you're including them
• compare furnished versus unfurnished rates

Be realistic. The market tells you what tenants will pay.

Gather your documents

Start pulling your documents together.

Essential documents:

• photo identification
• title deeds or proof of ownership
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
• gas safety certificate
• electrical installation condition report

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

Helpful documents:

• appliance manuals and warranties
• management company details (if applicable)

Choose your letting approach

Decide how hands-on you want to be.

Fully managed:

Use Virify to find tenants, then hand over day-to-day management to an agent. You save on tenant-finding fees but get professional ongoing support at a monthly cost.

Tenant-find only:

Find tenants yourself through Virify and manage everything directly. Maximum savings, maximum control.

Virify tip
Good landlords keep good tenants. Quick responses to maintenance issues and respectful communication make a big difference to tenant retention.

Creating your listing on Virify

Register and verify your account

Head to Virify and create your account. You'll need to verify your identity and prove property ownership.

Complete the listing creator

Virify's step-by-step creator guides you through everything. Each section builds your listing automatically.

You'll input:

• property type and monthly rent
• full address (you'll also confirm your property ownership at this step, so have your ownership documents ready!)
• number and size of rooms
• furnished status (furnished, part-furnished, or unfurnished)
• whether bills are included
• key features (garden, parking, storage)
• photos and description
• availability date

Pro tips for better listings:

Take photos in natural daylight. Show each room from its best angle. Include outside space, parking, and nearby amenities.

Write your description in plain English. Highlight what makes your property special. Mention local transport, shops, schools, parks.

The more detail you provide, the better Virify's intelligent search will match you with serious tenants.

Taking Photos That Sell

Preview and publish

Review your listing before it goes live. Check photos, description, rent amount, and all details are accurate.

When you're happy, click publish. Your property goes live immediately and appears in search results straight away.

Managing enquiries and viewings

Respond to enquiries promptly

Tenants message you directly through Virify's in-platform messaging. You'll get real-time notifications.

Best practices:

• reply as soon as you're able, even if it's a short "thanks for your message, let me look into that and get back to you"
• answer questions honestly and fully
• be friendly and professional
• check tenant profiles – verified users have confirmed their identity, so you know you're talking to genuine users

If you ever feel uncomfortable with a conversation, a report and block button is available.

Arrange viewings

Book viewings at times that work for you.

Before each viewing:

• confirm the appointment
• ensure the property is clean and presentable
• prepare answers to common questions

During viewings:

• be welcoming but let people explore
• point out features tenants might appreciate
• be honest about any quirks or limitations
• explain what's included (appliances, furniture, bills)
• answer questions openly

After viewings:

• follow up with interested tenants
• request references early if they're keen
• ask for feedback if they're not interested
• adjust your approach or rent if needed

Stay safe

Consider having someone else present during viewings. Tell a friend or family member when viewings are scheduled.

You may be more comfortable with verified users, who are users on Virify that have provided photo ID, giving you extra confidence they are genuine people. The verified tag is shown on users' accounts.

Selecting your tenant

Request references

Don't skip this step. Proper referencing protects your property and income.

What you need:

• proof of identity (passport or driving licence)
• proof of current address
• employment reference or proof of income
• previous landlord reference (if any)
• credit check (optional but recommended)

You can use a referencing service or do basic checks yourself. Virify's guides explain both approaches.

Tenant Checks Made Simple

Evaluate applications

When applications come in, assess them carefully.

Consider:

• their right to rent (England only)
• monthly income (2.5-3x the monthly rent is generally expected)
• employment stability
• rental history
• credit score
• references from previous landlords
• how they present themselves

Red flags:

• evasive about previous landlords
• poor credit with no explanation
• income that doesn't support rent
• reluctant to provide references
• aggressive or difficult during viewings

Trust your instincts, but be fair and objective.

Base decisions on objective criteria: income, references, rental history. Keep records of why you accepted or rejected applicants.

Agreeing terms and move-in

Confirm the tenancy

Once you've chosen your tenant, confirm agreement through Virify's messaging.

Agree on:

• monthly rent amount
• deposit amount (capped at 5 weeks' rent)
• holding deposit if taking property off market (capped at 1 week's rent)
• tenancy start date
• length of tenancy (typically 6 or 12 months)
• what's included (furniture, appliances, bills)

Be clear and get everything in writing, you'll need it to prepare the tenancy agreement.

Prepare the tenancy agreement

You need a legally compliant tenancy agreement. Don't skip this or use an outdated template.

Your agreement should include:

• names of all tenants
• property address
• rent amount and payment details
• deposit amount and protection scheme details
• tenancy length
• landlord and tenant responsibilities

Use a solicitor or reputable template service, such as a landlord association. Cheap shortcuts cause expensive problems later.

Rental Agreements Explained

Protect the deposit

You must protect your tenant's deposit in a government-approved scheme.

Some approved schemes:

• Deposit Protection Service (DPS)
• MyDeposits
• Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS)

You must also give your tenant information about the scheme - know your obligations.

Conduct inventory and check-in

Create a detailed inventory before your tenant moves in.

Document:

• condition of every room
• furniture and appliances included
• meter readings (gas, electric, water)
• keys and fobs provided
• any existing damage or wear

Take photos as evidence. Both parties should sign the inventory. This protects you both at end of tenancy.

Hand over keys and documents

On move-in day, provide:

• keys and any access fobs
• appliance manuals
• emergency contact details

Now Virify's involvement ends. You manage the tenancy directly or through a management company.

During the tenancy

Maintain the property

You're responsible for keeping the property in good repair.

Your obligations:

• fix structural issues promptly
• maintain heating and hot water
• repair or replace broken appliances (if provided)
• address damp or mould issues
• arrange annual gas safety checks

Respond to maintenance requests quickly. Good landlords keep good tenants.

Respect your tenant's home

Once let, the property is your tenant's home. You can't just turn up.

To visit, you should:

• generally give at least 24 hours' notice (always check your legal rights and obligations)
• have a genuine reason (inspection, repairs, viewings)
• arrange a mutually convenient time
• respect if they refuse (unless emergency)

Regular inspections every 3-6 months are reasonable.

Handle rent collection

Set up a standing order or Direct Debit for rent payments.

If rent is late:

• contact the tenant immediately
• understand the reason
• agree a payment plan if appropriate
• keep written records
• follow the tenancy agreement procedures and consider obtaining legal advice

Don't ignore late rent. Address it early.

Ending the tenancy

Notice periods

If you or the tenant want to give notice to end the tenancy, make sure all legal requirements and the terms of the tenancy agreement have been complied with or your notice may be invalid.

Conduct checkout inspection

Inspect the property with your tenant present if possible.

Check against the inventory:

• condition of rooms and fixtures
• furniture and appliances
• any damage beyond fair wear and tear
• cleanliness
• meter readings

Take photos. Document everything.

Return the deposit

You have to return the deposit after agreeing deductions.

You can deduct for:

• damage beyond fair wear and tear
• cleaning if property left dirty
• unpaid rent or bills

You cannot deduct for:

• normal wear and tear
• pre-existing damage (documented in inventory)
• betterment (upgrading items)

If you disagree with the tenant, use the deposit scheme's dispute resolution service.

Tips for successful landlords

Build good relationships

Treat tenants with respect. Good tenants stay longer, pay on time, and look after your property.

Stay organised

Keep records of everything: agreements, inspections, maintenance, communications, receipts.

Know the law

Tenancy law changes regularly. Stay informed about your obligations.

Budget for costs

Factor in maintenance, void periods, insurance, and unexpected repairs. Properties aren't always passive income.

Get proper insurance

Standard home insurance doesn't cover let properties. Get specialist landlord insurance.

Consider tax implications

Rental income is taxable. Seek advice from an accountant if necessary.

Use Virify's guides

Check back regularly for updates and advice on letting privately.

You're in control

Letting privately isn't for everyone. But with the right tools and guidance, it's completely achievable.

Virify gives you the platform, the reach, and the support. You bring the knowledge of your property and what you want from your tenants.

Your property, your tenants, your rules. Let's find them.