Introduction
Thinking of ditching your letting agent but not sure what that actually looks like? You’re not alone. Thousands of landlords are making the switch - but most guides are either outdated, generic, or trying to sell you on another agent.

This is a guide to managing your rental yourself using modern tools (like F.estate), without the chaos of spreadsheets or the legal risk of winging it.

Step 1: Get Your Property Listed

Before: Your agent throws it on Rightmove and calls it a day.

Now:

• Take high-quality photos (your phone is enough).
• Use pre-screening questions to filter time-wasters.
• Receive offers through our platform

Step 2: Handle Viewings Without Losing Your Weekend

Old Way: Agent arranges 15 viewings, tells you nothing.

DIY Way:

• Use F.estate’s calendar tool to set your availability.
• Let applicants book slots directly.
• Get instant feedback after each viewing.

Step 3: Vet Tenants Like a Pro

Why it matters: A bad tenant can cost you 12+ months of rent. Vetting is everything.

What to check:

• Right to Rent (legally required)
• Income verification (3x rent is a common benchmark)
• Credit checks + rental history
• Guarantors if needed

F.estate automates all of this, with built-in compliance checks.

Step 4: Sign the Lease (Digitally)

Old Way: Paper ASTs and mail delays. If digital is used, it's a separate tool.

Now:

• Key terms customised according to the offer accepted
• Sign digitally on F.estate (legally binding + timestamped)

Step 5: Take Deposits + Set Up Rent Payments

• F.estate tracks the deposit through it's lifecycle
• Tenants set up Direct Debit for monthly payments.
• Automatic reminders, late fee enforcement, and instant tracking.

Step 6: Handle Repairs Without Playing Secretary

• Tenants report issues in-app (with photos/videos).
• You post a job - local service staff bid on it.
• You pick, approve, and track work.

Step 7: Stay Compliant Without Guessing

F.estate reminds you when:

• EPC updates are due
• Rent increases need notice
• Deposit certificates are due
• Much more

Everything is timestamped and stored for legal protection.

You Still Get:

• ✅ Full control
• ✅ Transparent communication
• ✅ Legal compliance
• ✅ Lower costs
• ✅ Happier tenants

Thinking it’s too much work?
The average F.estate landlord spends under 1 hour per month managing their properties.

‍Conclusion
Managing a rental doesn’t need to be painful, risky, or time-consuming. With the right tools, you can keep your income, protect your property, and run your rentals like a business—without paying someone else to do a worse job.

Ready to try it?
Download the app. Transfer your lease. Fire your agent.

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