The long-term letting approach

• Renting to a single tenant or household
• Let on a fixed-term agreement or roll on contract
• Managed either by landlords or letting agents
• Priced as a fixed monthly rental amount for 12 months

Long lets still play an important role in the London rental market and offer landlords a passive, reliable income, as once a tenancy begins, the rental income remains stable for the duration of the agreement.

It’s often the go-to choice for landlords who want to prioritise stability and simplicity.

Benefits of long letting

• Predictable monthly income
• Reduced frequency of tenant changeovers
• Lower day-to-day management required
• Established legal framework and structure

It’s a suitable option for landlords seeking a set-and-forget approach and is recommended for owners who prioritise long-term consistency over income optimisation and higher nightly earnings.

Talk to our London team today by calling 020 3633 9244.

But things are changing

While long lets used to offer stability, they now come with new limitations that can affect income, performance, flexibility, and control over your asset, leading many landlords to sell up or switch their strategy entirely.

Common limitations

• Rental income is fixed for longer periods, with limited ability to adjust pricing
• Void periods between tenancies can reduce annual returns
• Income does not benefit from seasonal demand or event-driven peaks
• Property condition is only assessed periodically, not continuously

Changing legislation

In addition, the UK rental market is undergoing significant regulatory change.

As of 1 May 2026, reforms under the Renters’ Rights legislation introduce major updates to the private rental sector, including:

• The end of fixed-term AST contracts, moving all tenancies to rolling periodic agreements
• Tenants can end agreements with notice, increasing turnover uncertainty
• The removal of “no-fault” evictions (Section 21)
• Restrictions on re-letting following certain possession claims
• Limits on rent increases, including once-per-year adjustments and longer notice periods
• Greater controls around upfront rent payments and advertising practices
• Expanded tenant protections relating to pets, discrimination and property standards

As a result, many property owners are beginning to reassess whether long lets remain the most efficient way to optimise their rental income in London’s evolving market.

Ovitzia’s solution and alternative approach

Short-letting is not a new solution, but the industry boom is not over and shows no signs of slowing down. The solution involves renting a property on a nightly, weekly, or monthly basis through platforms like Airbnb, resulting in a more dynamic income model.

Unlike long lets, short lets allow rental income to be adjusted on demand, in response to seasonality and market conditions, which can be particularly rewarding in high-demand areas like London. But they also require active management of pricing, guest comms, cleaning, and maintenance.

How can we help?

• Switch you over from long-lets to short-lets in days
• Take photos and create a high-conversion online listing
• Market your property on hundreds of worldwide booking platforms
• Dynamically price your property to maximise income daily
• Handle all guest comms and provide 24/7 guest support
• Handle cleaning, turnovers, restocking and maintenance