For landlords · 6 min read
Why landlords are moving away from traditional letting agents
UK landlords are increasingly leaving high street letting agents because fees of 8–15% of annual rent buy work that software now does better: advertising, referencing, document handling and rent tracking. Online platforms let landlords keep control and the fee, while still meeting their legal obligations — the trade-off is that the landlord, not an agent, remains legally responsible for compliance.
Frequently asked questions
How much do letting agents charge UK landlords?
Full management typically costs 8–15% of annual rent, plus setup, renewal and maintenance fees. On a £1,800 pcm tenancy that is roughly £1,700–£3,200 per year. Let-only (tenant-find) services usually charge the equivalent of 2–4 weeks' rent as a one-off fee.
Is it legal to rent out a property without a letting agent in the UK?
Yes. There is no requirement to use a letting agent. Private landlords can advertise, reference tenants, sign tenancy agreements and manage the tenancy themselves, provided they meet the same legal obligations an agent would handle — deposit protection, Right to Rent checks, safety certificates and prescribed documents.
What does Hilltro do that an agent would normally do?
Hilltro handles the process layer: advertising the listing, delivering enquiries from pre-referenced tenants, scheduling viewings, structuring offers, generating a digital tenancy agreement for both parties to sign, and recording payment confirmations. The landlord keeps the decisions and pays no percentage commission.
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