For tenants · 5 min read
Renting without a letting agent: what changes for tenants
Renting directly from a private landlord — increasingly done through online platforms rather than high street agents — changes the experience, not your rights. You keep every legal protection: deposit protection, the Tenant Fees Act fee ban, safety certificates and proper notice rules all apply identically. What changes is speed and clarity: you message the decision-maker directly, and platforms add safeguards agents never offered, like verified listings and in-platform payment records.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to rent directly from a landlord?
Yes, provided the same safeguards exist: verify the landlord's identity, view the property (in person or by live video), keep payments and agreements in writing, and never pay before a tenancy agreement is in place. Platforms like Hilltro build these safeguards in — identity verification, recorded payments and digital contracts.
Do I still get deposit protection without an agent?
Yes. Deposit protection is the landlord's legal duty regardless of whether an agent is involved. Your deposit must be in a government-approved scheme within 30 days, and you must receive the prescribed information confirming where it is held.
Can a private landlord charge me admin fees?
No. The Tenant Fees Act 2019 bans admin, referencing and inventory fees in England whoever the landlord is. The only permitted payments are rent, a capped refundable deposit (five weeks' rent under £50,000 annual rent), a capped holding deposit (one week), and specific default charges.