OpenRent Review (2025) – Is It Worth It for Landlords?
If you’re a landlord in the UK looking to rent out your property without the hassle and high fees of traditional letting agents, you’ve likely come across OpenRent. This online letting platform has grown rapidly in popularity over the past few years, offering a digital-first approach that promises to simplify letting and save landlords money. But with so many options available, the question remains: is OpenRent really worth it for landlords in 2025?
In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into how OpenRent works, what features and services it offers, and how it compares to traditional letting agents. We’ll also share tips to help you get the most from the platform, weigh the pros and cons, and answer your most common questions.
By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether OpenRent is the right choice for your rental property.
Table of Contents
What is OpenRent?
OpenRent is an online letting agent based in the UK designed to put landlords in control of the rental process. Unlike traditional agents who charge high fees and commissions, OpenRent offers a simple, transparent pricing model with fixed fees and no ongoing commissions.
Since launching in 2012, OpenRent has helped thousands of landlords advertise properties, find tenants, complete referencing checks, and generate legally compliant tenancy agreements. It also offers additional services like deposit protection and rent collection.
By combining technology with a DIY ethos, OpenRent aims to make letting easier, faster, and more affordable.
How Does OpenRent Work for Landlords?
Using OpenRent is straightforward and designed for landlords who want to manage their lets themselves but still benefit from professional tools and support.
Here’s a basic overview of the process:
- Create Your Listing: Sign up on OpenRent and enter your property details. Upload photos, set your rent price, and describe your property.
- Advertise Widely: OpenRent automatically publishes your listing on major UK property portals like Rightmove, Zoopla, and OnTheMarket, giving your property wide exposure.
- Manage Enquiries: Interested tenants can contact you directly through the platform. You handle viewings and communication.
- Tenant Referencing: OpenRent offers professional referencing services including credit checks, right to rent checks, and employment verification.
- Sign Tenancy Agreement: Once you choose a tenant, OpenRent generates a legally compliant tenancy agreement to be signed digitally.
- Deposit Protection: OpenRent protects tenant deposits with government-backed schemes at no extra cost.
- Optional Rent Collection: Landlords can add rent collection services if they want automated monthly payments.
7 Tips to Get the Most Out of OpenRent
To maximise your success when using OpenRent, consider these tips:
1. Invest in Professional Photos
First impressions matter. Clear, bright photos showcasing your property’s best features will attract more enquiries and higher quality tenants.
2. Write a Detailed Description
Be honest and thorough about your property, including any restrictions (e.g., no pets) and nearby amenities. A well-crafted description helps set tenant expectations and reduces unsuitable enquiries.
3. Set a Competitive Rent
Research comparable properties in your area to price your rent fairly. Overpricing can deter applicants while underpricing reduces your returns.
4. Respond Promptly to Enquiries
Quick replies show professionalism and keep interested tenants engaged. OpenRent allows you to manage all communication in one place.
5. Use OpenRent’s Referencing Service
Protect yourself by using the platform’s referencing checks before committing to a tenant. This reduces the risk of missed payments or tenancy issues.
6. Digitally Sign Tenancy Agreements
OpenRent’s online signing is quick and legally binding, saving time and avoiding paperwork headaches.
7. Consider Rent Collection
If managing rent payments manually is a hassle, OpenRent’s optional rent collection service can automate this, providing peace of mind.
Pros and Cons of Using OpenRent
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Transparent, fixed upfront fees | Landlords must manage viewings themselves |
| Automatic listings on major portals like Rightmove | Less personal service compared to traditional agents |
| Easy-to-use digital platform and tools | No full management service included (unless paid) |
| Free deposit protection included | Limited support for complicated tenancy issues |
| Professional tenant referencing available | Requires landlord knowledge of legal responsibilities |
| Option to add rent collection and management | Some landlords may prefer traditional agent expertise |
Is OpenRent Cheaper Than Traditional Letting Agents?
One of OpenRent’s biggest draws is its cost savings. Traditional letting agents typically charge between 8% and 15% of the monthly rent in fees and commissions, which can add up quickly over the course of a tenancy.
OpenRent’s pricing is simple: you pay a fixed fee upfront to advertise and set up your tenancy, usually between £29 and £99 depending on the package. There are no ongoing commission fees. Additional services like tenant referencing and rent collection are charged separately but remain competitively priced.
For landlords comfortable with handling viewings and day-to-day management, this can mean significant savings over the long term.
How Does OpenRent Compare to Other Online Letting Agents?
While OpenRent is the market leader, there are other online letting agents such as eMoov, Doorsteps, and Yopa offering similar services. Here’s why many landlords choose OpenRent:
- Widest Portal Coverage: OpenRent lists properties on the biggest portals, reaching more tenants.
- Straightforward Pricing: No hidden fees or ongoing commissions.
- DIY Flexibility: Landlords keep control of the letting process.
- Free Deposit Protection: Included with every tenancy.
- Comprehensive Tenant Checks: High-quality referencing to protect landlords.
Other online agents may offer more hands-on management but at higher costs. OpenRent strikes a balance between affordability and professional support.
Final Verdict: Is OpenRent Worth It for UK Landlords in 2025?
OpenRent continues to be one of the best platforms for landlords who want to reduce costs and maintain control over their rental properties. Its transparent pricing, extensive portal reach, and user-friendly tools offer real value, especially for DIY landlords or those managing a small portfolio.
While it may not suit landlords looking for full management services or hands-off experience, OpenRent excels at empowering landlords with affordable professional resources.
If you want to avoid high letting agent fees and take charge of your letting journey in 2025, OpenRent is definitely worth considering.
For more information, visit OpenRent.
