In recent years, platforms like OpenRent, SpareRoom, and other online letting systems have changed how landlords advertise and manage their properties. These tools promise lower costs, faster lets, and more control — but they also come with limitations that every landlord should understand. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or renting out your first property, it’s worth weighing up the advantages and disadvantages before deciding how “hands-on” you want to be.
The Advantages of Using Online Letting Platforms
Cost Savings
The most obvious benefit is price. Traditional letting agents typically charge between 8%–15% of monthly rent, while platforms like OpenRent offer fixed one-off fees. You can advertise on the major portals, find tenants, and even manage referencing — all for a fraction of the cost. For landlords with multiple properties or tight margins, that can add up to serious savings.
Speed and Control
Online platforms give landlords full control over the process. You can:
- Create your own listings instantly
- Respond directly to tenant enquiries
- Schedule viewings at your convenience
- Approve or reject applicants directly
For proactive landlords, that flexibility is a major plus. You’re not waiting on an agent to act, and you can move quickly when demand is high.
Transparency
Many landlords appreciate the transparency of seeing exactly what’s happening — who’s enquiring, what the screening results are, and how fast things are moving. There are no hidden fees or surprise add-ons, which can be a welcome change from traditional agency models.
20 Disadvantages of Using Online Letting Platforms Like OpenRent
- Takes up your time – You have to manage listings, respond to messages, arrange viewings, and chase paperwork yourself.
- No personal vetting – Without an agent meeting tenants in person, it’s harder to judge reliability or spot red flags early.
- Legal responsibility is all on you – If you make a mistake with deposit protection, Right to Rent checks, or legal documents, you’re fully liable.
- Limited customer support – Most platforms offer online help only — no local expert to call when something goes wrong.
- No local market knowledge – Agents know what rent levels work in your area. Online systems rely on you to set the right price.
- Difficult tenants can slip through – Automated referencing is useful but not foolproof. Without experience, it’s easy to miss warning signs.
- Advertising reach can vary – While most platforms list on Rightmove or Zoopla, listings can appear lower in search rankings compared to those from big agents.
- You still need to manage viewings – You’ll have to meet tenants, show the property, and handle their questions — time-consuming if you have several properties.
- Tenancy agreements are often generic – Template contracts may not cover unique property circumstances or local legal nuances.
- No negotiation help – Agents often mediate between landlords and tenants; DIY landlords must handle all offers, disputes, and terms directly.
- Harder to enforce late rent – Without agent systems in place, you’ll need to chase rent, issue notices, and manage arrears yourself.
- Limited maintenance support – Repairs, inspections, and emergencies are your problem — there’s no property manager to handle it.
- Risk of missing legal changes – Letting laws shift constantly in the UK. Without a professional keeping you updated, you might fall behind on compliance.
- No buffer for complaints – Tenants can contact you directly with issues 24/7, which can quickly become stressful.
- Less professional presentation – Some DIY listings use poor photos or descriptions, which can reduce interest compared to agent-managed adverts.
- Harder to build relationships with tradespeople – Agents usually have trusted contractors; you’ll need to find and vet your own.
- You still pay for extras – Many “low-cost” platforms upsell referencing, inventories, and contract renewals, adding to your final cost.
- Can hurt your credibility – Some tenants prefer renting through agents, assuming they’re safer or more reliable.
- No rent guarantee – Most online platforms don’t include rent protection or legal cover — you’ll need to arrange this separately.
- Easy to underestimate the workload – At first it seems straightforward, but handling enquiries, compliance, maintenance, and renewals quickly adds up.
The Real Cost of Using OpenRent vs Professional Property Management
Online letting platforms like OpenRent have made it easier for landlords to advertise and manage their own properties. On paper, the prices look unbeatable — £29 to list, £49 for tenancy creation, and optional extras for everything else. But when you start adding up the hidden costs, legal responsibilities, and time involved, those “cheap” listings often aren’t as affordable as they seem. Many landlords eventually realise that a professional property management service can actually save them money — and a lot of stress.
Cost Comparison: OpenRent vs Hauseit
Here’s how the numbers stack up when you compare OpenRent’s real costs with our fixed-fee management option.
| Service | OpenRent (Typical) | Hauseit |
|---|---|---|
| Advertising (Zoopla + OpenRent) | £29 | Included |
| Rightmove Listing (optional) | £50 | Included |
| Tenant Referencing | £30 per tenant | Included |
| EPC Certificate | £69 | Additional Cost |
| Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) | £55 | Additional Cost |
| Electrical Safety (EICR) | £95 | Additional Cost |
| Inventory & Check-in/out | £95 | Included |
| Rent Collection | £10 per month | Included |
| Deposit Registration | Included | Included |
| Mid-Tenancy Inspection | £80 | Included |
| Management & Support | £19/month | £35/month (first 3 months FREE) |
| Setup Fee | None | £100 one-off |
| Total estimated first-year cost | ~£700+ | £320 |
No contract length — stay because you’re happy, not because you’re tied in. All-inclusive — no hidden extras. Hands-free management — we handle everything, including compliance.
Real-Life Scenarios
The DIY Landlord Who Ran Out of Time
James, a first-time landlord, used OpenRent to save money. Within a week he had 60 enquiries, 15 viewing requests, and no time to vet tenants properly. He ended up with a rent default after two months — and no rent guarantee in place.
The Busy Professional
A landlord with three properties used our £35/month service. We handled the marketing, referencing, inspections, and rent collection. He spent zero hours managing tenants and still earned full market rent without any late payments.
The “Hidden Cost” Surprise
Laura started with OpenRent’s £49 package, but after adding EPC, EICR, inventory, and rent collection, her total hit nearly £800. With us, she would’ve spent less than half that — with professional support built in.
A Balanced Verdict
Online letting platforms like OpenRent offer an affordable, DIY way to find tenants — perfect for confident landlords who have time and experience. However, they come with trade-offs: limited support, extra add-on costs, and full legal responsibility.
Our fixed-fee property management gives landlords genuine peace of mind. You still enjoy transparency and affordability — but with professional oversight, compliance handling, and a human team managing your property for you. If you want a stress-free, fully managed rental experience at a flat rate, we’re the smarter choice.
Why Our Offer Is Highly Competitive
For just £35 per month (and three months completely free), you get full management — no commissions, no long contracts, and no surprise add-ons.
- Professional tenant sourcing & referencing
- Rent collection and arrears management
- Legal compliance (EPC, EICR, Gas Safety)
- Maintenance coordination & inspections
- Personal support whenever you need it
All of that for less than the price of a single gas certificate. Start today for £0 — enjoy your first 3 months free and see why more landlords are switching to smart, fixed-fee management.
