Let-Only
A letting agent service limited to finding a tenant, referencing and drawing up the tenancy agreement. The landlord handles rent collection, repairs and compliance. Typical fee: one month's rent plus VAT.
At a glance
- Typical fee
- 1 month’s rent + VAT
- Agent scope
- Find tenant, reference, sign tenancy
- Landlord scope
- Rent, repairs, compliance
Full guide
Read the complete landlord guide on Let-Only
Deadlines, fines and step-by-step compliance in our in-depth resource.
Open full guideWhy Let-Only matters for landlords
Let-only is cheaper than full management but shifts the entire compliance and repair-chain burden back onto the landlord. It is the right choice for experienced landlords with a single local let and the wrong choice for out-of-area portfolios. Either way, the landlord still owns the legal liability — the difference is only who does the daily admin.
Related terms
Full Management
A letting agent service that covers marketing, referencing, tenancy setup, rent collection, repairs and compliance. Fees typically run 10-15% of rent plus VAT. The landlord remains legally responsible for compliance even when a full management agent acts on their behalf.
Landlord Licensing
Local authority schemes that require landlords to hold a licence to let property in a defined area. Three types: mandatory HMO licensing (national), additional licensing (smaller HMOs), and selective licensing (non-HMOs). Operating without a required licence carries fines up to £30,000 and can invalidate possession claims.
Legionella Risk Assessment
A written assessment of the risk of legionella bacteria in the property's water system. Required by HSE under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002. Not a formal certificate, but landlords must demonstrate they have considered the risk.
Accelerated Possession
A fast-track court procedure used under a Section 21 notice in England and Wales. Abolished for new claims from 1 May 2026 because Section 21 no longer exists. Possession is now pursued under Section 8 using a specified ground.
AST (Assured Shorthold Tenancy)
The most common form of private tenancy in England. From 1 May 2026 all existing ASTs converted to assured periodic tenancies under the Renters Rights Act 2025, and new fixed-term ASTs can no longer be created for most residential lets.
Arrears (Rent Arrears)
Unpaid rent that is past its due date. Ground 8 of Schedule 2 to the Housing Act 1988 (mandatory) requires at least 3 months of rent arrears under the Renters Rights Act 2025 (previously 2 months). Grounds 10 and 11 remain as discretionary grounds.