We’re pleased to announce an important update to the tenant application process on LettingaProperty.com. 🚀 Built from landlord feedback, the new Submit Application & Holding Deposit flow gives landlords clearer control and a faster, more organised way to pre-screen applicants before moving to referencing.
Importantly, we designed this feature update primarily for landlords; tenants also gain clearer steps and improved communications. Read on for how the new flow works, why it matters, and practical steps to get the most from it.
What changed. In short, …
Previously, landlords invited tenants one at a time. However, if an application didn’t meet expectations, they had to invite another tenant, making the process sequential.
The new flow simplifies and speeds this up by letting landlords review multiple applications quickly and decide whom to progress before any holding deposit is taken. In short, you can pre-screen more efficiently and make better decisions, faster.
How the new Submit Application & Holding Deposit flow works. First, …
Step 1 — Tenant submits an application
Tenants still start by submitting their online application with contact details, employment information and any supporting documents.
Step 2 — Landlord reviews applications
Landlords receive the application and can review it. Crucially, you won’t take any payment at this stage. You can compare several applications side-by-side and decide which one best fits your criteria.
Step 3 — Landlord accepts an application
When you decide which applicant to proceed with, you accept their application via the platform.
Step 4 — Tenant pays the holding deposit
Once you accept an application, the tenant can pay the holding deposit. This ensures the financial commitment comes after your approval, not before.
Step 5 — Application moves to referencing
Then, after the tenant pays the deposit, the application moves into Applications and we begin referencing (background and credit checks, references and right-to-rent checks).
Communication improvements. Additionally, …
We added automated email updates (based on our team feedback) so landlords and tenants receive timely updates at every stage. Consequently, these notifications reduce uncertainty and speed up the process.
We’ll alert landlords when:
- A new application is submitted.
- An application is accepted or remains pending.
- A holding deposit is paid.
We’ll alert tenants when:
- Their application is accepted.
- Their holding deposit has been confirmed.
- Their application has moved to referencing.
Why this matters to landlords
This update brings several practical benefits:
- Makes it easier for tenants to register interest straight after a viewing. Tenants can apply swiftly while the property is fresh in their mind.
- Enables landlords to review and compare multiple applications efficiently. No more sequential invites — compare applicants and pick the best fit.
- Supports a smoother decision-making process when selecting the right tenant to progress to referencing. You can be confident you’ve chosen the most suitable applicant before any money changes hands.
These outcomes help reduce friction, speed up lettings and improve the fairness and transparency of the process.
Practical tips for landlords
To get the most from the new flow, try these practical actions:
- Set clear selection criteria before viewings. Decide what matters (references, employment stability, pet policy, minimum tenancy length) so you can compare applicants quickly and fairly.
- Review applications promptly. Quick responses help secure the best tenant and avoid losing them to another property.
- Use the email notifications. They’re designed to keep you and tenants aligned — treat them as prompts to act.
- Keep your listing information up to date. Accurate photos, rent details and the tenancy start date reduce unsuitable applications.
- Record your decisions. Take notes to track why one applicant was chosen over another — useful for future reference and compliance.
A fairer, faster tenant application process
The Takeaway. Ultimately, we implemented this update to make the application journey more efficient and transparent for landlords and tenants. By requiring landlord acceptance before the holding deposit is paid, LettingaProperty.com enables you to pre-screen several applicants and choose the best match — without rushed decisions.
We’d like to thank our development team for driving this feature forward, and our lettings team for their valuable input in shaping the communications.
