Renting in London is tough, and with more landlords selling up, good rental properties are becoming even harder to find. I’m proud to have listed some fantastic homes over the years, and with more coming up soon, I wanted to share some tips to help you secure a place.
Our landlords are different
Landlords who list with us aren’t your typical portfolio landlords. Most have lived in these homes themselves and want tenants who will care for them as much as they do. They’ve chosen not to go through a standard estate agent because they value a more personal approach. Since they handle viewings themselves, you’ll meet them directly—no middleman. This also means they’re hands-on and invested in maintaining a high standard of living for their tenants.
First Impressions Matter: How to Craft a Good Enquiry Email
When you enquire about a property through our site, your email goes straight to the landlord. Over the years, I’ve seen a real mix—some great, some truly awful (like a one-liner saying, “Want to see it today”) Not exactly a great first impression.
How to Write a Strong Enquiry Email
Landlords get a lot of enquiries, so make yours stand out for the right reasons. Keep it concise but informative. Here’s what to include:
- Introduce yourself: What you do, and a little about your situation.
- Be polite: A friendly, well-written email goes a long way.
- Mention what you’re looking for: Why this home appeals to you.
- Availability for viewings: Offer flexibility if possible.
- Keep it brief but engaging: Show you’re serious without writing an essay.
A thoughtful email can make all the difference in securing a viewing—and ultimately, the home.
Be Open-Minded About Areas
London is full of great places to live, and while it’s natural to have a preferred area, being too fixated on one location can limit your options. With rental demand so high, expanding your search could mean finding a better home, often for better value.
- Discover hidden gems: You might find a well-designed space in an area you hadn’t considered.
- Better quality for your budget: Being flexible can open up options with more space or even outdoor areas that might be out of reach in more competitive locations.
- A chance to experience a new neighbourhood: See it as an opportunity to explore new parks, cafés and communities.
Being open-minded doesn’t mean compromising—it means keeping your options open for the right home (plug: Perambulations make great guides for exploring new areas).
Turn Up on Time and Be Professional at Viewings
If you're invited to a viewing, treat it like an interview—you’re meeting the landlord, not just looking at a property.
- Be on time: Landlords are giving up their own time to show you around. Arriving late without notice won’t make a good impression.
- Be polite and engaged: Ask questions, show interest, and demonstrate that you’d take care of the home.
- Follow up: A short thank-you message after the viewing can go a long way in showing you’re a reliable and considerate tenant.
Like a Property but It’s Out of Budget? Try Negotiating
If you love a property but it’s slightly out of your budget, don’t dismiss it immediately. Others might feel the same, and a landlord would often prefer a reliable tenant at a slightly lower rent than a risky one at full price. It’s always worth making an offer and seeing if there’s room to negotiate.
- Landlords value good tenants: A steady, responsible tenant who looks after the home is often more important than squeezing out the highest possible rent. If you can demonstrate reliability, they may be open to adjusting the price.
- You may know the market better: If you’ve been searching for a while, you’ve likely seen more comparable listings than the landlord has. If similar properties are going for less, you can use this knowledge to make a fair offer.
- Consider offering something in return: A longer lease, moving in quickly, or handling minor maintenance can sometimes help in negotiations.
- Be respectful and realistic: While some landlords may be open to offers, a drastically low bid could backfire. Approach negotiations politely and explain why you think a slight reduction is fair.
The worst they can say is no—but you might just end up securing a great home for a price that works for both of you.
Final Thoughts
Renting through Modernist Estates is a different experience from dealing with traditional agents. Landlords care about who lives in their home, and they want tenants who will appreciate and look after it. By crafting a strong enquiry email, keeping an open mind about locations, and being prepared to negotiate, you’ll put yourself in the best position to secure a modernist home.
If you’re looking for a place, keep an eye on our listings—there are some great properties coming soon!