Whether you're a new landlord or have been letting properties for years, certain mistakes come up time and again and they can be expensive. Here are five of the most common landlord mistakes in the UK and how to avoid them.
1. Choosing the Wrong Tenant
Rushing to fill a void period with the first applicant is one of the most common and costly mistakes a landlord can make. Always carry out thorough referencing credit check, income verification and a previous landlord reference. A bad tenant costs far more than a short void.
2. No Written Tenancy Agreement
A verbal agreement offers almost no legal protection. Always use a written Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) agreement, even for short lets. It protects both you and your tenant and sets clear expectations from day one.
3. Failing to Protect the Deposit
In England, all deposits must be protected in a government-approved scheme (DPS, MyDeposits or TDS) within 30 days of receipt. Failure to do so can result in fines of up to 3x the deposit amount and restrictions on serving notice.
4. Ignoring Maintenance Issues
Small maintenance issues that are ignored tend to become large and expensive ones. Address repairs quickly, keep records of all maintenance, and carry out regular property inspections (with appropriate notice given to tenants).
5. Overpaying for Letting Agent Fees
Many landlords pay 10–15% of their monthly rent to a letting agent for services they could handle themselves or get more cheaply elsewhere. Listing directly through a platform like YourHostMateLets costs just £29 and keeps you in full control of the process.
The Takeaway
Good landlording is largely about preparation and process. Get the right tenant, document everything correctly, protect deposits, maintain the property and keep your costs in check.
List your property for £29 and avoid unnecessary agent fees from day one.