Key Takeaways:

• Long-let property management handles the rental operations on behalf of the property owner, including marketing, tenant screening, rent collection, property maintenance, and other related services.
• Proper long-term rental property management reduces vacancy rates, optimises rental prices and preserves the property value while minimising rent arrears and tenant disputes.
• Property readiness ensures a long-term rental stands out in major letting platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, etc.
• Expert property managers ensure a rental property is not just occupied but also legally compliant with the ever-changing regulations in the London private rental sector.
• Choose a fully white-labelled service, allowing landlords to maintain their relationship with tenants while the long-let property manager handles major operations in the background.

What is Long-Let Property Management

Long-let property management is a type of service provided by professionals who handle rental operations, from marketing to tenant administration.

Long-term letting is a type of rental strategy where a property is rented for at least 6 months or more. In London, this is typically structured as Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs), allowing landlords to rent out their property securely while providing tenants with a safe place to call home.

Unlike short-term rentals, this letting strategy does not require housekeeping services. The tenant shares in some of the maintenance responsibilities, including payment of utility bills. It may seem like landlords can do away with professional long-let property management. But there’s much to gain when you decide to work with an expert.

Although long-let properties don’t have frequent turnovers that need constant housekeeping services, there are still several tasks that need a landlord’s attention. You need to market the property, vet tenants, maintain the property, collect rent and ensure compliance. If this is not a full-time job, the combined list of responsibilities can feel overwhelming.

When you work with a reputable long-let property management company in London, they can do all these on your behalf – and more! They can also share their expertise in pricing your property so it stays competitive and profitable at the same time. They can also help you keep up with the stringent legal obligations common in highly regulated cities like London.

For a minimal commission fee (which means they don’t earn when you don’t), you get to enjoy consistent returns while staying clear of the daily workload of managing tenants and maintaining a rental property.

What to Expect from Long-Let Property Management

Long-let property management companies like City Relay offer end-to-end services that can be customised to meet the specific requirements of every landlord. While management solutions vary from one property to another, there are essential services that you should never compromise on.

Property readiness and marketability

The long-let property management company should keep your property market-ready and visually appealing. It’s a critical foundation that will ensure high occupancy rates and maximum profitability.

It’s not just about the visual design. A successful rental property requires the right marketing materials to effectively promote the unit and attract the ideal tenant.

Look for a management company that provides professional photography (with high-quality images and maybe even a digital walk-through of the property) so potential tenants can view your unit online. The company should also create compelling listings that would resonate with the right tenant. 

Finally, they should implement a unique marketing strategy that would get your property on major platforms like Zoopla, Rightmove, etc.

Tenant vetting and onboarding

Tenants are crucial to the success of a long-term rental. Choosing the right one would minimise issues and disputes, so it’s important to have a proper tenant vetting and onboarding system in place.

By working with a professional long-let property manager, you have every stage of the tenant relationship handled for you. This includes marketing, viewings, tenant referencing, tenancy agreements, key handovers, and other related tasks. They will ensure that every step is completed legally and in compliance with local regulations.

They will ensure that tenants are properly vetted, so you can be confident that they are reliable and responsible.

Tenancy and rent management

Once the tenant has moved in, professional long-let managers will oversee the timely collection of rent, manage arrears (e.g., resolving late payments), handle tenancy renewals (including negotiations), and all other ongoing administrative tasks.

They will monitor the property to ensure all the expectations stated in the tenancy agreement are met. This includes ensuring the tenant’s requests are supported and the landlords receive their payments regularly.

In the case of renewals, they will negotiate on the landlord’s behalf, protecting their interests while respecting the tenant’s needs.

Property maintenance and compliance

Property managers will also take care of the property’s maintenance to ensure it’s safe for tenants. They will handle urgent repairs to avoid further damage to the property. They’ll also schedule regular inspections to ensure complete compliance. This includes gas safety checks, fire risk assessments, electrical inspections, and similar procedures to ensure the property is fully compliant with standards.

Landlords don’t have to worry about getting up in the middle of the night to make calls and arrange for a repair service. Long-let property managers will take care of this. Companies like City Relay have an in-house maintenance team, which ensures immediate and convenient response times.

Long-let property management companies will also keep certifications on file so you can be reminded of future renewals requiring your attention.

White-labelled service

Long-term property management companies, such as City Relay, provide white-labelled services that maintain the personal brand of landlords and property owners. Their relationship with the tenant remains at the forefront while our team handles the management and operations in the background.

This arrangement ensures you remain visible and in full control of your property, without the stress that comes with typical rental property operations.

Benefits of Professional Long-Term Rental Management

Did you know: 

London’s median monthly rental rates are mostly between £1,700 and £2,150 a month.

According to the London Rents Map, the median rental rate in the central area of London exceeds £2,150, while the outer areas fall within the rental rate range of £1,700 to £2,150. This was recorded between the period of July 2024 and June 2025.

This is the income potential that long-let properties have in London – but only if your property is managed and marketed properly. The best way to maximise your property’s earning potential is by working with a professional property management company.

It comes with several benefits.

• Time savings. Get freedom from time-consuming responsibilities associated with long-term rentals.
• Responsible tenants. Enjoy professional tenant vetting to reduce the risk of tenancy disputes and rent arrears.
• Higher occupancy rate. Effective marketing strategies will ensure that properties are visible to ideal tenants and remain occupied.
• Financial security. Ensure a steady cash flow by promptly collecting rent and effectively managing arrears.
• Preserved property value. Proactive maintenance and regular inspections will protect the value of your property, ensuring it remains safe and compliant with all relevant legal standards.
• 100% compliance. Stay updated on legal requirements to ensure compliance, keep your property safe and avoid compromising your rental income.

Working with a reputable long-let property management company will give you the peace of mind that your property is being managed properly and profitably. You can focus on your overall investment growth while they handle the daily rental operations.

FAQs About Long-let Property Management in London

Is it worth it to pay for professional long-let property management in London?

Yes. The private rental sector in London is highly competitive and subject to strict regulations. Working with a professional long-let property management ensures you can navigate all the complexities of the market with ease. Doing so allows you to maximise rental yields, which far outweighs the management fee you pay. And if you choose a commission-based fee, like what City Relay offers, they won’t get paid unless your property is earning.

What properties will benefit from professional management services?

All property types that can be rented as a main residence can benefit from a professional management service. This is particularly valuable in high-demand neighbourhoods like Camden, Kensington and anywhere that marketing and tenant quality are vital to long-term letting.

What compliance documents are required for a long-let property in London?

Long-term rental properties must comply with all safety requirements. That means having a Gas Safety Certificate, an Energy Performance Certificate, and an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) to start with. All these must be renewed and a copy should be provided to the management company so they can make sure the tenant has a copy as well.

How can I maximise the rental yield of my long-let property?

Use data-driven dynamic pricing strategies to maximise your rental income while staying competitive. City Relay uses real-time market data to analyse demand and trends across relevant property portals and local events. This provides enough information to optimise rental prices and maximise rental yields.

Boost Rental Yields Through Professional Property Management

The London private rental market presents incredible opportunities for rental income, provided you can navigate its volatile and strictly regulated nature. The rapidly evolving regulations, in particular, should be monitored to ensure complete compliance and uplift your property’s value.

By choosing to work with a long-let property management company like City Relay, you can skip the stress and go straight to enjoying the steady flow of rental income. You’ll get expert guidance and management to ensure property readiness, tenant vetting and onboarding, rent management, property maintenance and white-labelled service.

Find out how City Relay can help you find freedom to focus on growing your investment while rental operations are expertly managed. Get a free rental estimate now.