Best Online Letting Agents UK 2026: Top 8 Compared
We compare 8 online letting agents and self-managing alternatives for UK landlords. Fees, portal reach, referencing, and management options compared side by side.
The Latch Team
Editorial
Online letting agents have transformed how UK landlords find tenants and manage their properties. Instead of paying a high-street agent 10-15% of your annual rent, online platforms offer many of the same services — tenant-find, referencing, contracts, and portal listings — at a fraction of the cost. But with dozens of platforms now competing for your business, choosing the right one requires careful comparison.
We have reviewed and compared 7 of the most popular online letting agents alongside Latch as a self-managing alternative. Our evaluation focuses on fee transparency, portal reach (Rightmove, Zoopla, OnTheMarket), tenant referencing quality, contract generation, ongoing management options, and hidden costs that can erode your savings.
Whether you want a simple tenant-find service or fully managed lettings at online prices, this guide will help you choose the best option for your portfolio.
TL;DR
Online letting agents in 2026 charge £50-500 per tenancy versus 8-15% of monthly rent for traditional high street agents. OpenRent leads for self-managing landlords who want tenant-find only at low cost. Mashroom offers a broader package including rent guarantee. For landlords who want to self-manage entirely, Latch's AI agent replaces many letting agent functions — rent chasing, tenant communication, and compliance tracking — at a fraction of the cost.
What is an Online Letting Agent?
An online letting agent provides lettings services — tenant-find, referencing, contracts, and sometimes ongoing management — through a digital platform rather than a high-street office. The core difference from a traditional letting agent is cost: without expensive shop fronts and large local teams, online agents pass those savings on to landlords.
Online letting agents generally offer three tiers of service:
- Tenant-find only: The agent lists your property on portals, conducts or arranges viewings, references applicants, and generates tenancy agreements. Once the tenant moves in, you manage everything yourself. Fees range from free to around £500 one-off.
- Rent collection: Includes tenant-find plus ongoing rent collection, arrears chasing, and basic tenant communication. Typically £30–£60/month or 5-6% of rent.
- Fully managed: Covers everything including maintenance coordination, inspections, and compliance management. Typically £60–£100/month or 6-10% of rent — still significantly cheaper than traditional agents at 10-15%.
- Portal listings (Rightmove, Zoopla, OnTheMarket)
- Professional photography or guidance
- Tenant referencing and credit checks
- AST (Assured Shorthold Tenancy) contract generation
- Deposit registration with a government-approved scheme
- Right to Rent checks and compliance documentation
Key Factors to Consider
Not all online letting agents are equal. Before choosing a platform, evaluate these critical factors:
- Fee transparency: Are all fees clearly stated upfront? Watch for add-on charges for Rightmove listings, referencing, contract renewals, or early termination.
- Portal reach: Does the agent list on Rightmove, Zoopla, and OnTheMarket? Rightmove alone accounts for over 80% of tenant searches in many areas.
- Referencing quality: Does the platform include comprehensive referencing (credit check, employment verification, landlord references, Right to Rent)?
- Contract generation: Are AST contracts included, legally reviewed, and up to date with current legislation including the Renters' Rights Act?
- Ongoing management: If you want managed services, what is included? Maintenance coordination, inspections, rent collection, and arrears chasing vary significantly.
- Exit terms: Can you leave the service without penalty? Some agents lock you into contracts or charge fees if you find a tenant yourself.
- Hidden costs: Check for charges on renewals, inventory, checkout, deposit registration, and tenant communication — these can add hundreds to the headline price.
Online Letting Agent Comparison Table
All 8 options compared on the factors that matter most to UK landlords:
| Provider | Service Type | Tenant-Find Fee | Managed Fee | Portals | Referencing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OpenRent | Tenant-find / Managed | £0–£49 | £50/mo | Rightmove, Zoopla, OTM | Included |
| Mashroom | Full-service | £0 (with managed) | 8% of rent | Rightmove, Zoopla, OTM | Included |
| Howsy | Fully managed | £0 (with managed) | £70/mo | Rightmove, Zoopla, OTM | Included |
| Upad | Tenant-find | From £199 | N/A | Rightmove, Zoopla, OTM | Included |
| Purplebricks | Tenant-find / Managed | From £399 | £100/mo | Rightmove, Zoopla, OTM | Included |
| Strike | Tenant-find | Free | N/A | Zoopla, OTM (no Rightmove) | Add-on |
| MakeUrMove | Tenant-find / Managed | From £195 | 6% of rent | Rightmove, Zoopla, OTM | Included |
| Latch (Self-Managing) | Software platform | £20/mo subscription | £20–£40/mo | Not available | N/A |
Top 8 Compared
1. OpenRent — Best Value Tenant-Find
OpenRent
OpenRent is the UK's largest online letting agent by volume, having let over 1 million properties. Their model is simple: list for free on Zoopla and OnTheMarket, or pay £49 to add Rightmove. Referencing and contracts are included in all paid packages.
- Free basic listing: List on Zoopla and OnTheMarket at no cost — genuinely free with no hidden charges
- Rightmove add-on: £49 one-off fee for Rightmove listing, which is the cheapest Rightmove access available
- Rent Now: Managed service at £50/month including rent collection and arrears chasing
- Comprehensive referencing: Full credit check, employment verification, and landlord references included
OpenRent
Pros
- Cheapest Rightmove listing available (£49)
- Free basic listing on Zoopla and OnTheMarket
- Over 1 million properties let — proven track record
- Simple, transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Referencing and contracts included in paid packages
Cons
- Limited managed service compared to traditional agents
- Self-conducted viewings on basic packages
- No local office or dedicated property manager
- Customer support can be slow during peak periods
- Rent Now managed service is basic compared to competitors
2. Mashroom — Best Full-Service Online
Mashroom
Mashroom positions itself as a full-service online letting agent, offering everything from tenant-find to fully managed lettings. Their USP is combining online efficiency with proper management services — including a dedicated property manager for managed clients.
- Free tenant-find: When you sign up for their managed service, tenant-find is included at no extra cost
- Managed at 8%: Competitive managed fee covering rent collection, maintenance coordination, and inspections
- Insurance products: Rent guarantee insurance, landlord insurance, and legal expenses cover available
- Compliance support: Gas safety, EICR, and EPC services arranged through the platform
Mashroom
Pros
- Comprehensive service from tenant-find to fully managed
- Competitive 8% managed fee — below traditional agent rates
- Dedicated property manager assigned to your portfolio
- Insurance and compliance services integrated into platform
- Free tenant-find when using managed service
Cons
- Higher cost than DIY platforms like OpenRent for tenant-find only
- Managed percentage fee can exceed fixed-fee alternatives for higher rents
- Relatively newer platform with less track record than OpenRent
- Some services require additional fees beyond the headline rate
3. Howsy — Best Hassle-Free Managed
Howsy focuses exclusively on fully managed lettings at a fixed monthly fee. Their pitch is simple: pay £70/month and they handle everything — tenant-find, rent collection, maintenance, inspections, and compliance. No percentage fees that increase as rents rise.
- Fixed fee managed: £70/month covers full management regardless of rent level — great value for higher-rent properties
- All-inclusive: Tenant-find, referencing, contracts, rent collection, maintenance, and inspections included
- Maintenance network: Access to vetted tradespeople with competitive rates
- Portal listings: Properties listed on Rightmove, Zoopla, and OnTheMarket
Howsy
Pros
- Fixed monthly fee — no percentage means savings on higher-rent properties
- Genuinely all-inclusive with no hidden charges
- Full management service at online prices
- Good for landlords who want complete hands-off management
Cons
- No tenant-find-only option — must commit to managed service
- Fixed fee is expensive for lower-rent properties compared to percentage-based alternatives
- Less flexibility than DIY platforms
- Smaller team than established high-street agents for complex issues
4. Upad — Best for Experienced Landlords
Upad has been one of the UK's longest-running online letting agents, focusing on the tenant-find market. Their packages are aimed at experienced landlords who want professional marketing and referencing but prefer to manage the tenancy themselves.
- Tiered packages: From £199 for basic listing up to £499 for premium including professional photography and featured listings
- Portal coverage: All packages include Rightmove, Zoopla, and OnTheMarket
- Professional marketing: Higher-tier packages include professional photography and enhanced listing descriptions
- Comprehensive referencing: Full referencing suite included in all packages
Upad
Pros
- Well-established platform with long track record
- Professional marketing options including photography
- Full portal coverage on all packages
- Good for experienced landlords wanting DIY management with professional marketing
Cons
- Higher tenant-find fees than OpenRent or Strike
- No managed service option
- Less competitive on price than newer platforms
- Interface feels dated compared to modern competitors
5. Purplebricks Lettings — Best Brand Recognition
Purplebricks brought the online estate agent model to mainstream awareness. Their lettings arm offers tenant-find and managed services, leveraging their strong brand and local property experts network.
- Local Property Experts: Unlike purely online platforms, Purplebricks has local agents who can conduct viewings
- Brand power: Well-known name that may reassure tenants and landlords new to online agents
- Managed option: £100/month for ongoing management including rent collection and maintenance
- Full portal reach: Listed on Rightmove, Zoopla, and OnTheMarket
Purplebricks Lettings
Pros
- Strong brand recognition and marketing presence
- Local property experts available for viewings
- Full managed service option available
- Established network across most of the UK
Cons
- Higher fees than most online-only competitors (from £399 tenant-find)
- Managed fee of £100/month is expensive for lower-rent properties
- Quality of local experts varies significantly by area
- Has faced financial difficulties and restructuring
6. Strike — Best Free Listing
Strike (formerly Housesimple) offers a genuinely free tenant-find service. Their model relies on revenue from add-on services rather than upfront fees, making them the cheapest entry point for landlords wanting to list their property.
- Free listings: Genuinely free tenant-find with no upfront cost
- Portal reach: Listed on Zoopla and OnTheMarket — but notably not Rightmove
- Add-on services: Referencing, contracts, and other services available as paid extras
- Simple process: List in minutes with a straightforward online form
Strike
Pros
- Genuinely free tenant-find service
- Quick and easy listing process
- Good option for testing the online agent model risk-free
- No commitment or contract lock-in
Cons
- No Rightmove listing — significant limitation in many areas
- Referencing and contracts are paid extras
- Limited support and services compared to paid platforms
- Less suitable for landlords wanting a comprehensive service
7. MakeUrMove — Best for DIY Landlords
MakeUrMove offers a range of landlord services from basic tenant-find to rent collection and managed lettings. Their modular approach lets you pick exactly the services you need.
- Modular services: Choose from tenant-find (£195), rent collection (3%), or fully managed (6%)
- Compliance tools: Gas safety, EICR, and EPC services available through the platform
- Contract management: AST generation and renewal handling
- Portal coverage: Rightmove, Zoopla, and OnTheMarket included
MakeUrMove
Pros
- Flexible modular pricing — pay only for what you need
- Competitive managed fee at 6% of rent
- Full portal coverage including Rightmove
- Good range of compliance and maintenance services
Cons
- Higher tenant-find fee than OpenRent
- Platform interface could be more modern
- Less well-known brand than some competitors
- Support response times can vary
8. Latch Self-Managing — Best Alternative to Agents
Latch
Latch is not an online letting agent — it is a landlord software platform that makes self-managing so efficient that many landlords find they no longer need an agent at all. The AI agent handles routine tasks that would otherwise require agent support: chasing late rent, sending tenant communications, tracking compliance deadlines, and managing lease renewals. For landlords willing to handle their own viewings, Latch can replace an agent entirely while saving thousands per year.
- AI rent chasing: Automated, personalised rent reminders and arrears follow-up without landlord intervention
- Compliance dashboard: Tracks gas safety, EICRs, EPCs, deposit protection, and licensing with automated expiry alerts
- Full financial tracking: Income, expenses, and tax-ready reports built for UK landlords
- Tenant portal: Tenants can report issues, view documents, and communicate directly through the platform
- Open Banking payments: Tenants pay via secure bank-to-bank transfer with instant reconciliation
Latch
Pros
- Massive cost savings — £20/mo vs hundreds in agent fees per property
- AI automation handles tasks that normally require agent support
- Complete compliance tracking and expiry reminders
- Full financial management with MTD-ready accounting
- You retain full control of your properties and tenant relationships
Cons
- You handle your own viewings (or can hire someone per-viewing)
- Requires some time investment to learn the platform initially
- Not suitable for completely hands-off landlords who want zero involvement
- No local office for tenants to visit in person
Savings example: A landlord with 5 properties at £1,200/month rent paying a traditional agent 10% spends £7,200/year on management fees. Switching to Latch at £20/month saves £6,960/year — enough to cover a void period, fund improvements, or simply increase your net yield.
Online Agent vs Self-Managing
The choice between using an online letting agent and self-managing with software depends on your circumstances, portfolio size, and how much time you want to invest.
When an Agent Makes Sense
- You live far from your properties: If conducting viewings and inspections in person is impractical, an agent with local presence adds genuine value
- You have no time for tenant-find: The initial letting process (viewings, referencing, contract negotiation) is the most time-intensive part of landlording
- You are new to letting: An agent can guide you through compliance requirements and tenant selection until you build confidence
- You have complex properties: HMOs, commercial-to-residential conversions, and properties in licensing areas benefit from specialist agent knowledge
When Self-Managing Makes Sense
- You want to maximise yield: Agent fees of 8-15% directly reduce your return — self-managing with software keeps more rent in your pocket
- You have multiple properties: The more properties you have, the more you save by self-managing — and software scales without increasing costs
- You want control over tenant relationships: Direct communication with tenants typically leads to better relationships and fewer disputes
- You are comfortable with technology: Modern landlord software handles most tasks that agents used to manage, from rent chasing to compliance tracking
Frequently Asked Questions
Are online letting agents any good?
Yes. Online letting agents provide genuine value, particularly for tenant-find services. Most list on the same portals (Rightmove, Zoopla) as traditional agents and include referencing, contracts, and compliance packs. The main trade-off is less hands-on local support.
How much do online letting agents charge?
Tenant-find fees typically range from free (Strike) to around £300–£600 one-off. Fully managed services range from £50–£100/month or 5-8% of rent. This compares to traditional agents who charge 8-12% for fully managed services.
Can online letting agents list on Rightmove?
Most can. OpenRent, Mashroom, Howsy, Upad, Purplebricks, and MakeUrMove all include Rightmove listings. Strike lists on Zoopla and OnTheMarket but not Rightmove.
Do I still need a letting agent if I use landlord software?
Not necessarily. Self-managing with landlord software like Latch can replace many agent services — rent collection, compliance tracking, tenant communication, and AI-assisted rent chasing.
What is the cheapest way to find tenants in the UK?
The cheapest options are Strike (free listing on Zoopla and OnTheMarket) and OpenRent (from £0 for basic listing, £49 for Rightmove). Self-managing with Latch is another low-cost approach for ongoing property management.
Our Recommendation
Best Online Letting Agents UK 2026
For most UK landlords, OpenRent is the best online letting agent for tenant-find — it offers the cheapest Rightmove access and a proven track record with over 1 million properties let. For fully managed lettings at online prices, Howsy offers genuine value with their fixed £70/month fee. However, if you are willing to invest a small amount of time in learning the platform, self-managing with Latch will save you significantly more money while giving you better tools and more control than any letting agent. The AI automation handles the tasks that used to justify agent fees, and you keep the full rental income.
Best for: OpenRent for budget tenant-find. Howsy for hands-off managed lettings. Latch for self-managing landlords who want maximum savings and AI automation.
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Get Started with LatchDisclaimer: This article provides general guidance on online letting agents and property management options in the UK. It does not constitute financial or legal advice. Agent fees, services, and availability may change. Always verify current pricing and service offerings directly with providers before making a decision.
