Letting a property: a guide for landlords
FAQs and guides
From listing to letting, your property journey explained
Whether you’re letting your property for the first time or growing a portfolio, understanding the process will help you make informed decisions and protect your investment.
Our guide walks you through every step, from preparing your property for letting and marketing it, through to agreeing a tenancy and managing your responsibilities.
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The lettings process
A clear understanding of the lettings process can help you let your property efficiently while achieving the best possible outcome.
From instruction to securing a tenant, every stage plays an important role in protecting your investment and maximising its appeal. This section guides you through what to expect at every step, so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
The letting process usually begins with a market appraisal, where our experts assess your property and discuss your goals.
This is an opportunity for us to understand your priorities, whether that’s:
- Achieving a specific rental income
- Securing long-term tenants
- Aligning with future plans for the property
We then guide you through every stage of renting your property, ensuring your apartment or house is well-presented and compliant with current legislation.
Once you instruct us, we will:
- Agree the rental price and availability date
- Discuss any specific requirements
- Confirm how viewings will be handled
We will also take care of key compliance steps, including:
- Conducting tenant checks
- Ensuring you have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
- Providing clear terms of business
Presentation is key to attracting the right tenants.
We will arrange:
- Professional photography
- Detailed floorplans where required
This ensures your property is marketed effectively so it reaches the right audience and stands out from the competition.
If you wish, our specialist letting team can manage all viewings on your behalf.
Our team will:
- Accompany prospective tenants
- Highlight the property’s best features
- Answer questions directly
You’ll receive regular feedback, along with recommendations to help maximise interest and secure the right tenant.
‘Let agreed’ means a tenant has committed to renting your property and terms are being finalised.
At this stage:
- The property is taken off the market
- Referencing and checks begin
- Documentation is prepared
This stage is best thought of as a handshake agreement. It becomes legally binding once the contracts are signed.
Once an offer is accepted, we will:
- Draft the tenancy agreement for your review
- Begin tenant referencing checks
- Confirm right-to-rent compliance
Once all checks are complete and both parties are satisfied, we will finalise the agreement and prepare for move-in.
A rental guarantor is a person or a company who agrees to pay the rent if the tenant cannot.
This can provide valuable additional security, particularly if a tenant:
- Does not meet standard referencing requirements
- Has limited UK rental history
If the guarantor is a person they are typically referenced in the same way as tenants.
Frequently asked questions
The Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) is a government-approved deposit protection scheme.
There is a legal requirement for landlords and letting agents to protect deposits for assured periodic tenancies.
The TDS:
- Safeguards the tenant’s deposit
- Provides free and impartial dispute resolution
- Ensures a structured process at the end of a tenancy
As a landlord, you are responsible for ensuring your property is safe, compliant and ready for occupation.
This includes:
- Safety standards: Gas and electrical checks, fire safety measures, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- Furnishing compliance: Ensuring all furniture you provide meets fire safety regulations
- Licensing: Obtaining the correct licence (selective or HMO) if one is needed
During the tenancy, landlords must:
- Maintain the property in good condition
- Respond promptly to maintenance issues
- Ensure ongoing compliance with legislation
- Keep clear communication with tenants or managing agents
With increasing regulatory requirements, professional management can help ensure everything is handled efficiently.
If a landlord wants to end a tenancy they must:
- Follow the correct legal procedures
- Provide appropriate notice
- Rely on valid statutory grounds where required
The Renters’ Rights Act introduces significant changes across the private rental sector, including:
- Greater structure around possession and notice
- Clearer rules on rent increases
- Enhanced tenant protections
- Stronger compliance and enforcement requirements
For landlords, this means a greater focus on transparency, documentation and professional support.
Find out more in our Renters Rights Act Guide for Landlords | Knight Frank UK.
At the end of the tenancy:
- A check-out inspection is carried out
- The property is compared against the original inventory
- Any agreed deductions are made from the deposit
- The remaining balance is returned
Depending on the type of tenancy, the landlord or tenant can raise a dispute as outlined in the tenancy agreement.
If the tenancy is contractual, it is nears its end, you can:
- Renew with the current tenant
- Adjust the rent
- Re-market the property
For Assured Periodic Tenancies, the tenancy continues until the landlord or the tenant gives notice; the rent can be increased once a year using the formal Section 13 notice.
If you’re unsure, we can advise on the best approach based on your goals and market conditions.
In many cases:
- A full new agreement is not required
- An addendum can be used to update terms
- Compliance documentation must be kept current
Landlord checklist
Before marketing your property
- Arrange safety checks and certifications
- Prepare compliance documentation
- Agree a pricing strategy
During marketing
- Review feedback from viewings
- Consider tenant offers carefully
- Ensure referencing is completed
Before move-in
- Approve the tenancy agreement
- Confirm deposit protection
- Ensure all documentation is issued
During the tenancy
- Address maintenance promptly
- Maintain clear records
- Review rental value periodically
At the end of the tenancy
- Conduct a check-out inspection
- Agree any deductions fairly
- Return the deposit promptly
How Knight Frank can support you
Working with our specialist letting team ensures your property is managed professionally, efficiently and in full compliance with the latest legislation.
We provide:
- Expert market insight and rental valuations
- High-quality marketing and tenant sourcing
- Thorough referencing and compliance checks
- Full property management services
- Guidance on evolving legislation, including the Renters’ Rights Act
Our aim is to protect your investment while delivering a seamless, professional experience.
