How to Find Good Tenants UK: Complete Landlord Guide

Where to advertise your rental property

The best tenants search on multiple platforms. List on at least 2-3 portals to maximise exposure while managing costs effectively.

Recommendation: OpenRent's Rent Now package (includes Rightmove and Zoopla) offers the best value for self-managing landlords at around £50-90.

How to write an effective listing

Honest, detailed listings attract serious enquiries and filter out unsuitable applicants before they waste your time.

Essential information to include

• Rent and deposit - Be clear about monthly rent, deposit amount, and any additional costs
• Property type and size - Number of bedrooms, bathrooms, reception rooms
• Location details - Nearest stations, schools, shops, commute times
• Available date - When tenants can move in
• Tenancy length - Minimum term you'll accept
• Bills included - Specify which utilities are included, if any
• Furnished status - Furnished, part-furnished, or unfurnished
• Parking and outdoor space - Garden, balcony, allocated parking
• Pet policy - Be upfront about whether pets are considered
• EPC rating - Required by law to include

Writing tips

• Lead with the best features in your first sentence
• Be honest about any downsides - tenants will discover them anyway
• Use specific measurements rather than vague descriptions
• Mention recent improvements or upgrades
• Avoid excessive capital letters or exclamation marks

What photos to take

Good photos are the difference between getting 50 enquiries and getting 5. Most tenants won't click on a listing with poor or missing photos.

Essential shot list

1. Exterior front - Entrance and street view, ideally in daylight
2. Living room - Wide angle from corner, showing windows and natural light
3. Kitchen - Full view showing appliances and worktop space
4. Each bedroom - From doorway showing full room, wardrobes if fitted
5. Bathroom(s) - Clean and well-lit, showing all fixtures
6. Garden/outdoor space - If applicable, showing size and condition
7. Storage areas - Built-in wardrobes, cupboards, utility rooms
8. Parking - Driveway, garage, or permit parking area
9. Local amenities - Nearby station, park, or high street

Photo tips

• Shoot in landscape orientation for portal compatibility
• Use natural daylight - open all curtains and blinds
• Declutter completely before photographing
• Stand in corners to capture maximum room width
• Keep camera straight and level - no tilted shots
• Include 10-15 photos minimum for a good listing

How to price your rental

Overpricing is the most common mistake landlords make. A competitively priced property lets faster and attracts better tenants who have choices.

Research methods

• Check comparable listings - Search similar properties within 0.5 miles on Rightmove and Zoopla
• Review recently let properties - See what actually rented, not just asking prices
• Get agent valuations - Request 2-3 free valuations for market insight
• Consider your property's advantages - Parking, garden, condition may justify premium
• Account for seasonality - Summer (families) and September (students) are peak times

Pricing strategy

If you need to let quickly, price 5% below market rate. This creates competition among applicants, letting you choose the best tenant rather than accepting whoever applies.

If your property has been listed for 3+ weeks without serious interest, the price is too high - regardless of what you think it's worth.

Conducting viewings effectively

Viewings are your opportunity to assess tenants while they assess your property. Prepare properly and observe carefully.

Before the viewing

• Confirm 24 hours before - reduces no-shows significantly
• Have the property clean, warm, and well-lit
• Prepare an information sheet with key details
• Know your answers to common questions (bills, council tax band, parking)
• Have application forms ready for interested parties

During the viewing

• Arrive 5 minutes early to open up and check everything
• Let tenants explore at their own pace - don't rush them
• Point out storage, parking, and practical features
• Be honest about any issues - they'll discover them anyway
• Observe how they treat the property and interact with you
• Ask about their situation, work, and reasons for moving

Block viewings vs individual

Block viewings (multiple applicants at once) save time but feel impersonal. Individual viewings take longer but allow better assessment. For popular properties, consider 2-3 block sessions followed by individual second viewings for serious applicants.

Questions to ask potential tenants

Good questions help you assess suitability before spending money on referencing. Ask conversationally, not like an interrogation.

Essential questions

• What's your current situation? - Understand why they're moving
• What do you do for work? - Employment status and stability
• Who would be living here? - All occupants, including children
• When do you need to move? - Timeline and urgency
• How long are you looking to stay? - Plans for the future
• Do you have pets? - Even if you allow them, know what to expect
• Do you smoke? - Important for property condition
• Can you provide references? - Previous landlord and employer
• Are you able to provide a guarantor if needed? - For marginal applicants

Listen for

• Consistent story about their circumstances
• Clear reasons for leaving current property
• Realistic expectations about the property
• Questions about the local area and transport

Red flags to watch for

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it usually is. These warning signs warrant extra caution or declining the application.

• Pressure to move in immediately - May indicate they've been evicted
• Cash offers or rent in advance - Often hides poor references or right to rent issues
• Vague about employment - Difficulty verifying income
• Won't provide previous landlord details - May have poor rental history
• Inconsistent story - Details that don't match up
• Negative comments about previous landlords - Pattern of disputes
• Reluctant to do viewings - May be using stolen identity
• Pushback on referencing - Something to hide
• Wants to move in someone not on the tenancy - Future problems
• No questions about the property - May not intend to stay long

Important: Always complete proper tenant referencing and Right to Rent checks before signing any tenancy agreement.

Using letting agents vs self-managing

Agents save time but cost money. Self-managing keeps more profit but requires more effort. Consider your situation carefully.

When to use an agent

• You live far from the property
• You have limited time or availability
• You're new to letting and want guidance
• You have multiple properties

When to self-manage

• You live near the property
• You want to maximise returns
• You prefer direct tenant relationships
• You have experience or are willing to learn