Private Letting? Big Risk, Small Reward
Letting privately might seem like the smart option. No agent fees, full control, and a direct relationship with your tenant.
But while the upfront savings look good, the long-term risk can far outweigh the reward.
Here’s the reality: private landlords are more likely to end up with legal issues, rent arrears, or damaged properties – not because they’re careless, but because the system is complex and unforgiving.
You don’t know what you don’t know
Lettings law is constantly changing – and it doesn’t slow down to let you catch up. If you miss a requirement or serve the wrong notice, your entire process could be invalid. That means months of delay, lost rent, or worse - legal action.
Agents stay up to date. Private landlords often find out the hard way.
Jane’s story – the friendly tenant who stopped paying
Jane had recently moved out of her two-bed and decided to rent it privately. She wanted to save on agent fees and felt confident she could manage it herself.
Peter showed up to the viewing well-spoken, polite, and said all the right things. He offered to pay the deposit in cash on the spot. Jane trusted her gut and didn’t do full referencing – just took him at his word.
Three months in, the rent stopped. Calls went unanswered. Turned out Peter had a history of missed payments at two previous properties. By the time Jane got the property back, she was nearly £3,000 down - and emotionally drained.
Finding a tenant isn’t the hard part
It’s easy to list a home and find someone who seems nice. But referencing is where protection starts. You need to verify income, credit history, rental background, and more. One missed red flag can lead to months of stress.
Fixing a bad decision later is much harder than getting it right up front.
Managing the tenancy takes time
Think repairs, inspections, smoke alarm checks, legal renewals, rent chasing, and more. That’s on top of the admin – tenancy agreements, deposit protection, rent statements, and compliance.
Private letting can feel like a second job – especially when things go wrong.
Tenants know their rights
And they should. But if you don’t know yours – or you try to wing it – you’ll end up on the back foot. A tenant can challenge rent increases, refuse entry, delay eviction, and take legal action if they feel mistreated.
And when the law’s on their side, you need your paperwork watertight.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Isn’t letting privately cheaper overall?
Maybe in the short term. But if a tenant stops paying, damages the property, or drags you into a legal mess, the cost can skyrocket. A single issue can wipe out years of saved fees.
❓ Can I just learn everything online?
You can try – but the legislation is complex, and it changes regularly. Reading blogs isn’t the same as knowing how to apply it in real-life scenarios. If you want to self-manage, you need to treat it like a proper business.
❓ What if I already know someone who wants to rent it?
That helps – but don’t skip the process. Do full referencing, protect the deposit, get landlord insurance, and still use a proper tenancy agreement. Even with friends or family, things can go wrong.
❓ Do I need to do mid-tenancy inspections?
Yes. Regular visits protect both you and the tenant. They help spot maintenance issues early and keep records in case of disputes. If you’re not checking in, you won’t know what’s happening inside your property.
Going private sounds smart – but can turn stressful fast
Letting is a legal process, not just a handshake deal. Doing it yourself might seem cheaper, but the risk sits firmly on your shoulders.
Want to keep your hands clean and your property protected? That’s what we’re here for.