How to Find Tenants for Your Rental Property in the UK

Finding reliable tenants is one of the most important steps in managing a successful rental property. Whether you're a first-time landlord or growing your portfolio, learning how to find tenants effectively reduces void periods, protects your income, and avoids legal issues. In the UK, landlords face increasing competition and changing regulations, which makes tenant-finding a more strategic task than ever before.

At Property Store, we support landlords with tools to manage listings, streamline communication, and track leads, all within one platform. This guide explains how to attract prospective renters, advertise effectively, and make the right decisions throughout the tenant-find process.

Where Do Landlords Find Tenants Today?

Most landlords in the UK find tenants through a mix of online listings, social media, word-of-mouth, and letting agents. The most effective route depends on the location, property type, and budget.

Online portals such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and OpenRent dominate the market. These platforms offer massive exposure to thousands of prospective renters each day. Posting accurate, detailed ads increases interest and reduces time on the market.

Social media platforms like Facebook Marketplace are also gaining popularity, especially for landlords trying to find a tenant without using an agent. At Property Store, landlords can manage listings, communicate with leads, and organise viewings, all in one dashboard. These tools improve how quickly and professionally you can find me a tenant, especially in competitive areas.

How to Attract the Right Type of Tenant

Before advertising, define your target tenant. For example, is your property better suited to students, families, or professionals? Different groups have different needs. A two-bedroom flat near a city centre may appeal to young couples, while a larger home near schools might suit families.

Key traits to consider when choosing tenants include:

• Income stability

• Creditworthiness

• Rental history

• Employment status

• Pet ownership (if applicable)

Setting clear expectations in your listing helps filter out unsuitable applicants. By attracting the right tenats, landlords reduce turnover and late payments.

How to Prepare Your Property for Viewings

A well-presented property improves the chances of signing a reliable tenant quickly. Cleanliness, lighting, and maintenance all influence first impressions. Before viewings, ensure:

• All rooms are clean and tidy

• Clutter is removed

• Repairs are completed (e.g. leaking taps, broken fixtures)

• The exterior is neat and welcoming

Add touches like fresh air, neutral fragrances, and open blinds to brighten the space. A clean, well-maintained property builds trust and allows prospective renters to imagine themselves living there. This step is crucial when you're trying to find a tenant in a crowded rental market.

Use High-Quality Photos and Accurate Listings

Photos are the first thing most renters notice. Listings with high-resolution, well-lit images receive far more enquiries. Aim to show:

• All main rooms (living room, kitchen, bedrooms, bathroom)

• Unique features (garden, balcony, parking)

• Storage areas and appliances

Use landscape orientation and natural lighting when possible. Avoid distortion, filters, or images that misrepresent space.

In your listing description:

• Be honest and detailed

• Include floor space, number of rooms, furnishings

• Mention EPC rating, council tax band, and transport links

On Property Store, landlords can upload property images, add custom descriptions, and update availability with ease, making it easier to find tenants fast and professionally.

Is It Hard to Find Tenants in 2025?

The UK rental market in 2025 remains competitive, but demand varies by region. In major cities like Manchester, Leeds, and Glasgow, finding tenants is faster due to high demand. However, in smaller towns or rural areas, properties can stay vacant for weeks.

Average time to find a tenant:

Property Type	Average Let Time (Days)
1-Bed Flat (Urban)	7–14 days
2–3 Bed House (Suburban)	14–21 days
HMO Room (Student Area)	10–14 days
Rural Cottage	21–35 days

Landlords who prepare the property, price competitively, and market correctly reduce vacancies. Using tools like those on Property Store can also shorten the cycle.

Pet-Friendly Rentals: A Competitive Advantage

A growing number of renters in the UK own pets, and pet-friendly rentals are in high demand. By marketing your property as accepting pets, you open your listing to a wider audience.

Benefits of allowing pets:

• Longer tenancy durations

• Higher rent potential

• Larger applicant pool

Landlords must still screen pet-owning applicants carefully. Consider:

• Type, breed, and size of the pet

• Damage deposits and cleaning agreements

• References from previous landlords

At Property Store, you can easily tag listings as pet-friendly, include pet clauses in your documents, and manage tenant screening in one place.

How to Choose the Right Letting Agent (If You Use One)

Not all landlords want to manage tenant searches themselves. Letting agents offer full-service options, but fees vary and so does service quality.

Compare agents based on:

• Local market knowledge

• Viewing management

• Marketing reach

• Referencing and compliance support

Online letting agents are often cheaper but require more input from the landlord. High-street agents offer convenience but may cost more. For landlords who want control with automation, Property Store is the ideal solution. It enables you to manage tenant find services in-house with tools that replicate what a letting agent offers, but faster and at lower cost.

Tenant Screening and Referencing Essentials

Once you have applications, proper screening is key. Never accept a tenant without running checks. This protects your income and reduces risk.

Key checks include:

• Proof of ID and Right to Rent

• Employment status and payslips

• Credit checks and CCJs

• Previous landlord references

You can use third-party services or handle this via platforms like Property Store, where you can collect, store, and review all tenant documentation in one dashboard. This is especially useful when managing multiple properties.

Retaining Good Tenants Once You Find Them

Keeping reliable tenants is more cost-effective than finding new ones. Build a relationship by:

• Responding promptly to maintenance issues

• Being fair with rent increases

• Offering renewal incentives

Happy tenants are more likely to renew contracts and treat the property well. At Property Store, our CRM and reminder tools help landlords track tenancy milestones, inspection dates, and rent reviews, all key to tenant retention.

FAQ: Finding Tenants in the UK

How long does it take to find a tenant in the UK? 

On average, between 1–3 weeks depending on location, pricing, and condition.

Where should I advertise my rental property? 

Use a mix of portals like Rightmove, Zoopla, OpenRent, and tools from Property Store for best results.

What should I include in a rental listing? 

Photos, full description, EPC, rent amount, deposit terms, and contact information.

Can landlords say no to pets? 

Yes, but under new UK rules, landlords must provide a valid reason for refusal.

What is the best way to find a good tenant?

Screen thoroughly, advertise clearly, and use automation to manage leads through tools like Property Store.