Introduction 

Letting your property can be a rewarding venture — one that offers steady income, long-term investment growth, and lifestyle flexibility. But with fluctuating markets, shifting legislation, and rising tenant expectations, it's not something you want to go alone. That’s where Keating Estates steps in. Whether you're a first-time landlord or managing a property portfolio, our expert lettings team delivers tailored guidance, market insight, and full-service solutions that remove stress and protect your profits. At the heart of it all is our Getting Straight approach — transparent, practical, and always focused on getting the job done right. From tenant sourcing to compliance, marketing to management, this guide outlines everything you need to know about letting your property successfully in today’s South London rental market.

Why Let Your Property in South London?

Strong Rental Demand

A Constant Flow of Tenants

South London is a magnet for professionals, students, creatives, and young families — meaning properties rarely stay empty for long.

Rising Rental Yields

Maximise Your Return

With increasing demand and limited supply, rental prices have remained resilient, particularly in Brixton, Clapham, Balham, and Dulwich.

Diverse Tenant Profiles

Choose the Right Fit

From long-term families to young professionals, we help match your property to the right type of tenant.

Capital Growth Over Time

Appreciation While You Earn

You don’t just collect rent — your property increases in value as you let.

Preparing Your Property for the Market

Property Presentation

First Impressions Matter

A clean, well-maintained property photographs better, rents quicker, and attracts higher-quality tenants.

Safety and Compliance

Stay Legal

You must provide an EPC, Gas Safety Certificate, EICR, smoke alarms, and CO detectors. Keating Estates handles all documentation to keep you compliant.

Furnishing Decisions

What Works Best

We’ll help you decide whether fully furnished, part-furnished, or unfurnished suits your market segment.

Small Repairs and Upgrades

Enhance Value with Minimal Spend

A fresh coat of paint, updated light fittings, or new flooring can dramatically increase rental appeal.

Valuing Your Property Accurately

Local Market Insight

Realistic and Profitable

We assess comparable rents in your area and advise on optimal pricing to avoid void periods.

Maximising Yield

Smart Pricing Strategy

We balance rental income with tenant longevity and quality, ensuring your return on investment is sustainable.

Timing the Market

Seasonal Trends Matter

Summer and early autumn are peak letting periods — we help you time your launch for maximum exposure.

Marketing Your Property Effectively

Professional Photography

Visuals That Sell

We capture your property at its best using high-resolution, professionally staged imagery.

Compelling Descriptions

Highlighting the Right Features

From natural light to storage solutions and nearby amenities — we write descriptions that resonate with renters.

Multi-Channel Promotion

Online and Offline Reach

Your property is listed on Rightmove, Zoopla, our own website, social media, and directly with pre-qualified renters from our database.

Virtual and Physical Viewings

Flexible and Fast

We offer in-person or video viewings depending on tenant preference, ensuring wider accessibility and quicker decisions.

Finding the Right Tenant

Tenant Referencing

Thorough and Reliable

Employment, income, credit score, and previous rental history are verified to ensure your tenants are financially responsible.

Right to Rent Checks

Compliant and Current

We handle all identity and immigration status checks as required by UK law.

Guarantors and Deposits

Extra Protection

We secure guarantors when necessary and protect tenant deposits through a registered government scheme.

Pet-Friendly Lettings

Expanding the Pool

Letting to tenants with pets can increase rent and loyalty — we advise if this suits your property.

Types of Tenancy Agreements

Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST)

Most Common Format

A legally recognised agreement outlining the rights and responsibilities of both landlord and tenant.

Company Let Agreements

For Corporate Tenants

These agreements differ slightly from ASTs and are ideal for corporate relocations or serviced housing.

Short-Term Lets

Flexible, Premium Pricing

Useful for furnished properties or seasonal markets — we can advise on regulation and pricing strategy.

Managing Your Letting Long-Term

Let-Only Services

You Stay Hands-On

We find the tenant, complete referencing, and paperwork — then hand the reins over to you.

Rent Collection

We Handle the Money

We chase late payments, issue statements, and ensure you’re always paid on time.

Fully Managed Lettings

Sit Back and Relax

We take care of everything — maintenance, inspections, tenant queries, renewals — so you don’t have to.

Maintenance and Repairs

Prompt and Professional

Our trusted contractors resolve issues quickly, keeping tenants happy and your asset protected.

Tenancy Renewals and Reviews

Plan Ahead

We review rents annually, advise on increases, and handle lease extensions to minimise turnover.

Understanding Landlord Responsibilities

Legal Compliance

Stay Protected

You’re required by law to ensure the property is safe, fit to live in, and compliant with all rental regulations.

Deposit Protection

Avoid Fines

All deposits must be protected in a government-approved scheme within 30 days of receipt.

Maintenance Duties

Fix and Maintain

Structural repairs, heating, plumbing, and electrics are the landlord’s responsibility — we coordinate these on your behalf.

Notice Periods and Evictions

Stay Within the Rules

We guide you through notice procedures, Section 21 or 8 applications, and eviction protocols when necessary.

Why Choose Keating Estates

Decades of Local Lettings Experience

We Know South London

From Clapham to Brixton, Dulwich to Tulse Hill — our team knows what tenants want and how to let efficiently.

Our Getting Straight Philosophy

No Gimmicks, Just Results

We give honest advice, realistic valuations, and clear timelines. No hidden fees. No overpromises.

Hands-On Property Management

We Treat It Like Our Own

Our team manages every detail, from a leaking tap to full property refurbishments.

Tenant Retention Strategies

Keep Great Tenants Longer

Happy tenants stay longer — reducing voids and saving you money. We prioritise fair terms and prompt service.

Trusted by Hundreds of Landlords

A Track Record of Excellence

Landlords return to Keating Estates because we simplify the process and deliver results year after year.

Conclusion 

Letting your property doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right team, smart preparation, and professional marketing, it becomes a powerful way to generate income, grow your investment, and gain peace of mind. At Keating Estates, we take pride in offering landlords a seamless, straightforward lettings experience — guided by our Getting Straight philosophy of honesty, transparency, and total support. Whether you're letting for the first time or managing a growing portfolio, we handle everything with precision and care, allowing you to focus on what matters most. From Clapham to Balham, Herne Hill to Streatham, we’re here to protect your property, support your tenants, and maximise your return. Letting isn’t just a transaction — it’s a relationship. And we’re committed to making yours a successful one.

FAQs

Q1. How quickly can you let my property?

Most properties in South London are let within 7–14 days, depending on the season and condition of the property.

Q2. Do I need a property licence to let my home?

Some boroughs require licensing depending on the number of tenants. We advise and manage the process where necessary.

Q3. Can I let my property with a mortgage on it?

Yes, but you must get consent from your lender or convert to a buy-to-let mortgage.

Q4. What happens if a tenant stops paying rent?

We manage arrears, serve notice if needed, and offer rent guarantee insurance for additional protection.

Q5. Do you provide an inventory?

Yes. A professional inventory is essential and provided as part of our letting or management packages.