The Online Letting Agents

The Online Letting Agents: online lettings for landlords in the UK

The Online Letting Agents is a UK online letting agency focused on residential and commercial property lettings. Its model targets landlords who want to advertise their properties on portals such as Rightmove and Zoopla and take out management services without using a traditional high street agency. The company presents itself as the UK's best-rated online letting agent according to Trustpilot.

Advertising and tenant find

The core service is advertising the property on Rightmove, Zoopla+ (up to 60 days) and other local portals. The company states that adverts uploaded during office hours are usually live within two to three hours. Landlords can choose from different packages depending on the level of involvement they want.

The Tenant Find package, from £99, is designed for landlords who manage their own properties but need help with advertising and admin. It includes advertising the property, landlord support during the tenancy and the option to purchase additional services such as enhanced applicant information, offer handling, tenant referencing, bespoke contract, electronic signing, deposit lodging and Right 2 Rent checks.

Part Managed and Fully Managed

The Part Managed package costs 4.5% per month, capped at £75 and with a minimum of £55, plus a setup fee of £199 (£99 upfront and £100 from the first month's rent). It is aimed at landlords who already have maintenance sorted and only want to delegate the admin. It includes portal advertising, support, offer handling, two tenant or guarantor references, contract, electronic signing, deposit lodging, Right 2 Rent checks, rent collection, check-in and check-out inventories, optional interim inspections, updating details with the council and utilities, certificate renewals and Section 8 and 13 notices.

The Fully Managed package costs 6.5% per month, capped at £110 and with a minimum of £75, and the same £199 setup fee. In addition to the above, the company coordinates maintenance, pays invoices and claims them back in the next monthly rent. It also offers the option to organise viewings as an optional extra.

Commercial lettings

For commercial premises, the company advertises on LoopNet and in the commercial areas of Zoopla, with fees from £140 plus VAT for three months or £240 plus VAT for six months. It also carries out business credit checks (£180 each) and personal credit checks (£20 each) at the landlord's request.

Management takeover service

The company offers a free management takeover service for landlords who want to change agent. The service includes transferring management from another agency and is presented as a solution for those who feel their current agent is not performing as expected.

Additional services and coverage

Complementary services include gathering additional applicant information (who is moving in, working status, guarantors, pets), offer handling, additional tenant references at £49 each, bespoke contracts, electronic signing, deposit lodging, Right 2 Rent checks, rent collection at £17.50 per month, rent guarantee and legal insurance through a referencing partner, professional check-in and check-out inventories, interim inspections, updating details with the council and utilities, certificate renewals and legal notices.

The company advertises properties in various areas of the UK, such as Cambridge, Liverpool, Norwich, London, Tunbridge Wells, Crawley, Knottingley, Consett, Newcastle Under Lyme and Ryde, among others.

Informative content for landlords

The website includes guides and articles on the rental market, such as deposit disputes, changes to rent increase rules in England or handling claims. It also offers a free instant valuation and a newsletter.