Landlords Guide
Letting your property in Slough
What to expect, what the law asks of you, and how we help, from valuation to the day your tenant moves out.
Your landlords guide
Letting with confidence
Whether you’re letting for the first time or adding to a portfolio, letting a property well comes down to the right rent, the right tenant and staying on the right side of the rules. The rules changed significantly in May 2026, so this guide covers what’s new as well as how letting with us works.
Have a question at any point? Call our lettings team on 01753 336 444.
Why let with Apex?
Your local letting agent in Slough
A dedicated Lettings Consultant
One person who knows you and your property, and who picks up the phone.
Only pay while it’s let
Our fees are a percentage of the monthly rent, so there’s nothing to pay while your property is empty.
Careful tenant referencing
Credit checks, income, employment, previous landlord references and Right to Rent for every adult.
Your money protected
Members of Client Money Protect and the Property Redress Scheme. Deposits are registered with the DPS.
Step by step
The 8 steps to letting your property
From your first valuation to the end of a tenancy, here’s how letting with us usually works.
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1
Free rental valuation
We visit your property and give you an honest view of the rent it can achieve, the tenants it will suit and anything that could improve your return. No cost and no obligation.
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2
Get the property ready
A clean, well-maintained home lets faster and attracts better tenants. Deal with small repairs, freshen up paintwork and tidy the outside. This is also the time to make sure your safety certificates are in place.
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3
Marketing
Professional photography and a clear description, which we send you to approve. Your property then goes live on OnTheMarket, Zoopla, our website and social media, and we contact tenants already registered with us.
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4
Viewings and feedback
We arrange and carry out viewings, and pass on feedback so you know how the market is responding.
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5
Choosing your tenant
Once you’re happy with an applicant, they pay a holding deposit and we carry out full referencing and Right to Rent checks. We’ll only recommend going ahead when the checks are complete.
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6
Tenancy agreement and move-in
We prepare the tenancy agreement, collect the first month’s rent and the deposit, register the deposit with the DPS and arrange the inventory. Then your tenant collects the keys.
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7
During the tenancy
We collect the rent, send you monthly statements and chase any arrears. With Fully Managed, we also handle repairs, safety certificates and inspections twice a year.
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8
Rent reviews and moving out
We advise on rent increases each year and handle the formal notice. When a tenant leaves, we carry out the check-out and, with Fully Managed, agree the deposit return.
Stay compliant
Your legal checklist
Landlords have a long list of legal duties, and getting one wrong can be costly. These are the main ones to have in place before a tenant moves in.
We can arrange certificates for you. See prices on our services and fees page.
Before the tenancy starts
- Gas Safety Certificate, renewed every year
- Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), at least every 5 years
- EPC rated E or above
- A smoke alarm on every floor, and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a fixed fuel-burning appliance
- Right to Rent checks for every adult tenant
- The deposit protected within 30 days, with the required information given to the tenant
- A licence from Slough Borough Council, if your property needs one
- Mortgage lender consent and landlord insurance
The Renters’ Rights Act
What’s changed for landlords
New rules for private renting came into force on 1 May 2026. Here’s what they mean for you.
Rolling tenancies, no Section 21
New tenancies run month to month with no fixed end date. Section 21 “no fault” notices have been abolished.
You can still regain possession on legal grounds, such as rent arrears, selling or moving back in. Selling or moving in can’t be used in the first 12 months and needs four months’ notice.
Once-a-year increases
Rent can go up once a year using a formal Section 13 notice, with at least two months’ notice.
Tenants can challenge an increase at a tribunal if they think it’s above the market rate, so setting the right rent matters.
Fair letting rules
- Advertise a rent, and don’t accept offers above it.
- Ask for no more than one month’s rent in advance.
- No blanket bans on tenants with children or on benefits.
- Consider pet requests, and don’t refuse them unreasonably.
More changes are on the way, including a landlord database and a new ombudsman. We’ll keep our landlords up to date as they come in.
Our services
Choose the level of help you need
Fees are a percentage of the monthly rent, so you only pay while your property is let.
5% + VAT of the monthly rent
We find and reference your tenant, set up the tenancy, then collect the rent and chase any arrears. You look after the property.
8% + VAT of the monthly rent
Everything in Rent Collection, plus safety certificates, repairs, inspections and the deposit at the end of the tenancy.
+3% + VAT of the monthly rent
Optional cover for rent arrears and legal costs if your tenant stops paying. Add it to either service.
What our clients say
Trusted by landlords across Slough
Landlord FAQs
Your questions answered
How much rent could I get for my property?
It depends on the location, size, condition and time of year. Book a free rental valuation and we’ll give you an honest figure based on what similar homes are letting for.
How long does it take to find a tenant?
It varies with the rent, the property and the time of year. A well-presented home at the right rent usually lets quickly. Once a tenant is chosen, referencing normally takes 3 to 5 working days.
Can I still use a Section 21 notice?
No. Section 21 was abolished on 1 May 2026. To end a tenancy you’ll need to use one of the legal grounds under Section 8, such as rent arrears, selling the property or moving back in. We’ll advise you on the right route.
Can I offer a fixed-term tenancy?
Not for most new residential tenancies. They now run month to month. Tenants can leave with up to two months’ notice, and you can end the tenancy using the legal grounds available.
Do I have to accept pets?
You must consider every request and can’t refuse unreasonably, for example where the property is unsuitable or your lease doesn’t allow pets. We’ll help you respond.
How is the tenant’s deposit handled?
We take a deposit of up to five weeks’ rent and register it with the Deposit Protection Service (DPS). At the end of the tenancy it can cover unpaid rent or damage beyond fair wear and tear, checked against the inventory.
What happens if my tenant stops paying?
We chase arrears straight away. If you have Rent Guarantee Insurance, it covers the missing rent and legal costs, subject to the policy terms. Without it, we’ll guide you through the possession process.
Do I need my lender’s permission to let?
If you have a residential mortgage rather than a buy-to-let mortgage, you’ll normally need consent to let from your lender. You should also tell your insurer and take out landlord insurance.
Do I need a licence to let my property?
Some properties need a licence, including many houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). Slough Borough Council can confirm, and we can advise when we value your property.
Ready to get started?
Talk to our lettings team
Whether you’re thinking about letting for the first time or want to switch agents, we’ll give you straight answers and a free rental valuation.