OpenRent has revolutionized the property letting market in the UK by providing a cost-effective and straightforward alternative to traditional letting agents. As more landlords and tenants turn to online platforms for their property needs, OpenRent stands out with its affordable pricing, transparent services, and user-friendly interface.
In this blog, I’ll explore why OpenRent is a preferred choice for both landlords and tenants, highlighting its key features, benefits, and how it compares to other letting options.
What Is OpenRent and How Does It Work?
OpenRent is an online letting platform that aims to simplify, make renting more transparent, and make it cost-effective for landlords and tenants. Unlike traditional letting agents, OpenRent eliminates high street fees, allowing landlords to list their properties online and manage the entire rental process digitally.
The platform offers services such as online advertising, tenant referencing, rent collection, and tenancy agreements, all designed to streamline the letting process.
What Are the Benefits of Using OpenRent for Landlords?
How Does OpenRent Offer Cost-Effective Property Management?
One of OpenRent’s most significant advantages for landlords is its affordability. Traditional letting agents often charge high fees for their services, but OpenRent offers a more economical solution with its various pricing plans. For example, the basic package allows landlords to list properties for free on OpenRent’s website, while paid plans offer additional features like advertising on Rightmove and Zoopla, tenant referencing, and more.
How Does OpenRent Streamline Tenant Referencing and Background Checks?
OpenRent provides a comprehensive tenant referencing service, including credit checks, previous landlord references, and affordability assessments. This process ensures that landlords find reliable tenants without the hassle of managing the checks themselves. The digital nature of the platform makes tenant referencing faster and more efficient.
What Rent Guarantee and Tenancy Agreement Options Does OpenRent Provide?
Landlords can benefit from OpenRent’s rent guarantee insurance, which protects them against potential rental arrears. Additionally, the platform provides customizable tenancy agreements that comply with UK rental laws, saving landlords time and legal costs.
What Are the Benefits of OpenRent for Tenants?
How Does OpenRent Ensure Affordable Property Listings and Transparent Fees?
Tenants can browse a wide range of properties on OpenRent without worrying about hidden fees. The platform is committed to transparency, ensuring that all costs are clearly outlined from the start. This commitment makes it easier for tenants to find affordable homes without unexpected expenses.
How Can Tenants Benefit from Direct Access to Landlords on OpenRent?
Unlike traditional letting agents, OpenRent allows tenants to deal directly with landlords. This direct communication can lead to quicker responses, more flexible negotiations, and a better understanding of the rental property and terms.
How Does OpenRent Compare with Traditional Letting Agents?
What Are the Price Differences Between OpenRent and Traditional Agents?
| Feature | OpenRent | Traditional Letting Agents |
| Cost to Landlords | Free to £49 per listing | 8-12% of annual rent |
| Tenant Referencing | £20 per reference | £30-£60 per reference |
| Advertising on Property Portals | Included in paid plans (£29-£49) | Additional charge |
| Rent Collection | £10 per month | Included in full management service |
| Tenancy Agreement | Free with “Rent Now” service | £100+ |
What Convenience and Digital Experience Does OpenRent Offer?
OpenRent offers a fully digital experience, allowing both landlords and tenants to manage everything online—from property listings and tenant referencing to rent collection and dispute resolution. This approach reduces paperwork, saves time, and ensures a smoother rental process.
What Are OpenRent’s Pricing Plans?
OpenRent provides a range of flexible pricing plans and additional services designed to suit various landlord needs. Their transparent pricing model ensures landlords can select the required services without incurring hidden fees. Below is an overview of OpenRent’s main pricing options and additional services:
| Service | Price | Details |
| Free Listing | Free | Advertise property on OpenRent’s website only. |
| Ultimate Advertising | £29 per property | Listing on OpenRent, Rightmove, Zoopla, and other major property portals. |
| Rent Now | £49 per property | All features of Ultimate Advertising, plus tenant referencing, digital tenancy agreement, deposit registration, and rent collection setup. |
| Tenant Referencing | £20 per check | Comprehensive checks, including credit, employment, and rental history. |
| Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) | from £45 | Legal requirement for gas appliances and fittings safety. |
| Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) | from £69 | Required to display property energy efficiency. |
| Electrical Safety Certificate (EICR & PAT) | from £69 | Ensures electrical installations comply with UK safety regulations. |
| Inventory & Check-In/Out | from £85 | Professional inventory service to document property condition. |
| Pro Photos & Floor Plans | from £79 | Professional photography and floor plan services to enhance property listings. |
| Accompanied Viewings Service | from £46 | An OpenRent agent conducts viewings on behalf of the landlord. |
| Rent Collection | £10 monthly | Automated rent collection service with reminders. |
| Section 21 Notices | Free | Serve notice to regain possession of a property. |
| Rent Guarantee Insurance | £214 for 12 months | Protects against potential rental arrears. |
OpenRent’s pricing plans offer flexibility and value, allowing landlords to choose the specific services they need while keeping costs low. Whether you need a simple property listing or a full suite of services, including tenant referencing, legal compliance certificates, and rent collection, OpenRent provides an affordable and transparent solution for all types of landlords.
What Are the Alternatives to OpenRent?
While OpenRent offers a compelling suite of services, other online letting platforms also provide viable alternatives for landlords and tenants. Below is a comparison of some popular alternatives:
| Platform | Pricing | Key Features |
| Purplebricks | £999-£1,499 (one-time fee) | Full-service property management, including advertising, accompanied viewings, and tenant referencing. |
| Upad | From £120 per listing | Pay-as-you-go services, including advertising, tenant referencing, and tenancy agreements. |
| MakeUrMove | Free listing; £20 per month plan | Free basic listing; property management services, tenant find, and rent collection in paid plans. |
| Howsy | £49 per month or £120 for full let | Digital property management, rent collection, maintenance support, and legal compliance services. |
| HomeLet | From £25 per reference | Tenant referencing, rent guarantee insurance, and property management tools for landlords. |
- Purplebricks: Offers a fixed-fee model for landlords who prefer a full-service package, including advertising on major portals, tenant referencing, and property viewings. Ideal for those who want comprehensive management without recurring fees.
- Upad: Provides an a-la-carte pricing model, allowing landlords to pick and pay only for the services they need. A good choice for landlords who prefer flexibility and control over the letting process.
- MakeUrMove: Offers a free listing option with the ability to upgrade to a paid plan for more services, such as rent collection and tenant find services. Suitable for landlords who want an affordable and flexible property management service.
- Howsy: Combines digital property management with affordable monthly or one-off fees. Provides maintenance support, rent collection, and legal services, making it ideal for landlords who want ongoing support.
- HomeLet: Specializes in tenant referencing and rent guarantee insurance, offering a range of tools to assist landlords in managing their properties effectively.
These alternatives provide different levels of service and pricing, allowing landlords to choose the best platform based on their specific needs and budget.
What Do Real Users Say About OpenRent?
Feedback from landlords and tenants indicates that OpenRent is appreciated for its affordability, ease of use, and transparency. Many users have praised the platform’s comprehensive tenant referencing services and transparent fee structure. However, some have noted that the absence of a physical office can be a drawback for those who prefer in-person communication.
How Can You Use OpenRent Effectively?
What Should Landlords Do to Maximize Property Exposure?
To get the most out of OpenRent, landlords should take high-quality photos, write detailed descriptions, and ensure their properties are competitively priced. Using OpenRent’s advertising options to list on popular portals like Rightmove and Zoopla can significantly increase visibility.
How Can Tenants Find the Best Deals on OpenRent?
Tenants should use OpenRent’s filtering tools to find properties that match their budget and location preferences. Setting up email alerts can also help them stay informed about new listings as soon as they become available. Additionally, tenants can benefit from communicating directly with landlords through OpenRent to negotiate terms and better understand the property they are interested in.
How Does OpenRent Help with Legal Requirements?
OpenRent provides various resources to ensure that both landlords and tenants comply with UK rental laws. The platform offers digital tenancy agreements that are legally compliant and can be tailored to the specific needs of both parties.
OpenRent also helps with deposit protection by registering deposits with the government-backed Deposit Protection Scheme (DPS), ensuring that all deposits are securely held and returned according to UK regulations.
Furthermore, OpenRent provides services to help landlords meet mandatory safety requirements, including Gas Safety Certificates (CP12), Energy Performance Certificates (EPC), and Electrical Safety Certificates (EICR & PAT). These certificates are essential for maintaining safety standards and ensuring that properties are safe and habitable.
What Customer Support and Resources Does OpenRent Offer?
OpenRent offers comprehensive customer support to assist both landlords and tenants. The platform provides an extensive online help centre, which includes a range of guides, FAQs, and tutorials covering all aspects of property letting and renting. Whether you need help listing a property, understanding tenant referencing, or navigating legal requirements, OpenRent’s resources are designed to simplify the process.
For specific issues or queries, OpenRent’s customer support team is available via email to provide direct assistance. The platform also provides educational resources on topics such as property management, rental laws, and maximizing property exposure.
Conclusion
OpenRent is an innovative platform that offers landlords and tenants a cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional letting agents. With its transparent pricing, digital services, and comprehensive support, OpenRent simplifies the letting process and provides a range of services to meet the diverse needs of landlords and tenants in the UK.
If you are looking for an affordable, flexible, and user-friendly way to manage property rentals, OpenRent is a platform worth considering.
FAQ Section
What are the costs associated with using OpenRent?
The costs for using OpenRent vary depending on the services you choose. A basic property listing on OpenRent is free, while the “Rent Now” package, which includes advertising, tenant referencing, and a digital tenancy agreement, costs £49 per property. Additional services, such as rent collection and safety certificates, are available at different prices.
How does OpenRent handle tenant referencing?
OpenRent offers a comprehensive tenant referencing service, including credit checks, employment status verification, and rental history checks. This service costs £20 per reference and ensures that landlords can find reliable tenants quickly and efficiently.
Can landlords use OpenRent for rent collection?
Yes, OpenRent provides an automated monthly rent collection service for £10. This service includes automated reminders and secure online payments, reducing the risk of missed or late payments.
Is OpenRent suitable for all types of properties?
OpenRent is suitable for a wide range of properties, from single-room rentals to multi-bedroom houses and flats. It is particularly beneficial for landlords looking to manage their properties independently while accessing essential letting services at a low cost.
How secure is OpenRent’s online payment system?
OpenRent’s online payment system is secure and compliant with UK financial regulations. All transactions are processed securely to protect both landlords and tenants.
What happens if there is a dispute between landlord and tenant on OpenRent?
OpenRent offers legal resources and advice to help resolve disputes. However, the platform does not directly mediate disputes. It encourages landlords and tenants to communicate directly to resolve any issues, and in cases where legal action is necessary, professional advice should be sought.
Are there any hidden fees with OpenRent services?
No, OpenRent is committed to transparency, and all fees are clearly listed on their website. There are no hidden costs, and landlords and tenants only pay for the services they choose to use.
Does OpenRent offer support for international landlords?
Yes, OpenRent can be used by international landlords looking to rent out properties in the UK. The platform provides all necessary tools and services, including advertising, tenant referencing, and digital tenancy agreements, making it easy for landlords to manage their properties from abroad.
How does OpenRent ensure property listing accuracy?
OpenRent encourages landlords to provide accurate and detailed information when creating property listings. The platform also offers professional photography services to enhance the quality of listings. Tenant feedback and reviews further help maintain the accuracy and reliability of property listings.
Can tenants report issues directly to landlords via OpenRent?
Yes, tenants can communicate directly with landlords through the OpenRent platform. This direct communication helps resolve issues quickly and efficiently without the need for third-party mediation.
Is the free package on OpenRent really free?
Yes, the free package on OpenRent allows landlords to list their property on the OpenRent website at no cost. However, additional services such as advertising on major property portals (Rightmove, Zoopla), tenant referencing, and rent collection require payment.
How long will it take to create and publish my advert on OpenRent?
Creating and publishing an advert on OpenRent is quick and easy. Most landlords can have their property listing live within a few minutes. Once all the required details and images are uploaded, the listing will be reviewed and published on the OpenRent website and, if selected, on major property portals.
How long will my advert remain online with OpenRent?
An advert will remain online until the landlord decides to remove it or the property is let. The “Rent Now” service includes advertising on major property portals for up to three months.
Can I upgrade my OpenRent package at any time?
Yes, landlords can upgrade their OpenRent package at any time. For example, a landlord can start with a free listing and then upgrade to the “Rent Now” package or add additional services such as tenant referencing or professional photography as needed.
