What Does Let Agreed Mean? Complete UK Rental Guide 2025

What is Let Agreed?

"Let Agreed" is a status you'll see on rental property listings across the UK, indicating that a landlord has accepted a tenant's application to rent the property. While this signals progress toward securing the rental, it's important to understand that Let Agreed is not the final step—the tenancy agreement hasn't been signed, references haven't been completed, and the deposit hasn't been paid.

Understanding Let Agreed status is crucial whether you're a prospective tenant searching for rental property or a landlord marketing your rental property. This status sits in a grey area between "available" and "let"—the property is temporarily off the market, but the deal isn't yet legally binding.

Let Agreed Meaning in Detail

Let Agreed is the rental market equivalent of "Sold Subject to Contract" (STC) in property sales. It indicates that a landlord and prospective tenant have reached an informal agreement to proceed with a tenancy, but important administrative and legal steps remain before the tenancy becomes official.

What Let Agreed Actually Means

When a property is marked as Let Agreed, several things have typically occurred:

• Application accepted: The landlord or letting agent has accepted the tenant's rental application based on initial information provided
• Terms agreed: Both parties have agreed on rental amount, tenancy length, move-in date, and any special conditions
• Off-market status: The property is removed from active marketing and new viewings are usually stopped
• Process initiated: The letting agent or landlord begins tenant referencing, credit checks, and tenancy agreement preparation

What Let Agreed Does NOT Mean

It's equally important to understand what Let Agreed doesn't represent:

• Not legally binding: Either party can withdraw without legal consequences until contracts are signed
• References not completed: The landlord hasn't yet verified employment, previous tenancies, or creditworthiness
• No deposit paid: The tenant hasn't transferred the deposit into the tenancy deposit protection scheme
• Agreement unsigned: The Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) agreement hasn't been signed by both parties
• Not guaranteed: Approximately 10-15% of Let Agreed properties fall through before completion

The Let Agreed Process

Understanding the Let Agreed process helps both tenants and landlords navigate this critical period between application acceptance and tenancy commencement.

Step-by-Step Process

What Can Go Wrong During Let Agreed

Several factors can cause a Let Agreed arrangement to fall through:

• Failed references: Poor credit history, insufficient income, or negative previous landlord feedback can result in application rejection
• Right-to-rent issues: Inability to prove legal right to rent in the UK
• Changed circumstances: Tenant loses job, relocates, or finds a better property
• Landlord withdrawal: Landlord decides not to rent, sells the property, or chooses a different tenant
• Financial issues: Tenant unable to provide deposit or first month's rent
• Agreement disputes: Disagreement on tenancy terms, clauses, or conditions

How Long Does Let Agreed Status Last?

The duration of Let Agreed status varies depending on several factors, but understanding typical timelines helps manage expectations.

Standard Timeline

In most cases, Let Agreed status lasts between 1-2 weeks. Here's the breakdown:

Factors Affecting Duration

• Tenant background: Employed vs self-employed, UK resident vs international, first-time renter vs experienced
• Letting agent efficiency: Some agents process references in 2-3 days, others take 1-2 weeks
• Time of year: Peak rental season (summer, September) often has slower processing due to volume
• Reference complexity: Overseas references, multiple income sources, or guarantors add time
• Landlord responsiveness: Delays if landlord is slow to review references or sign agreements

Let Agreed vs Other Property Statuses

Understanding the difference between Let Agreed and similar property statuses helps tenants know exactly where they stand.

Let Agreed vs Let

Let Agreed vs Sold Subject to Contract (STC)

Let Agreed in the rental market is the equivalent of "Sold Subject to Contract" (STC) in property sales:

• Both are non-binding: Neither party has legal obligation until contracts are signed
• Both can fall through: Either party can withdraw without penalty
• Both involve checks: STC involves surveys and mortgage approval; Let Agreed involves tenant referencing
• Different timescales: STC typically takes 8-12 weeks; Let Agreed takes 1-2 weeks
• Different stakes: STC involves hundreds of thousands of pounds; Let Agreed involves rental commitment

Let Agreed: For Tenants and Landlords

What Tenants Should Do During Let Agreed

What Landlords Should Do During Let Agreed

For landlords, the Let Agreed period is crucial for proper tenant vetting while balancing the risk of losing the tenant to a competitor:

• Conduct thorough referencing: Don't rush due diligence. Check employment, previous landlord feedback, credit history, and right-to-rent
• Communicate progress: Keep the tenant informed about referencing progress to maintain their commitment
• Prepare property: Complete any agreed repairs or maintenance while referencing is underway
• Have backup tenants: If references reveal concerns, be prepared to move to the next applicant
• Use professional agents: Experienced letting agents handle Let Agreed more efficiently and reduce fall-through rates
• Protect yourself legally: Don't remove the property from all listings until references are satisfactory

Rights and Responsibilities During Let Agreed

During the Let Agreed period, both parties have limited rights because no legal contract exists:

Moving from Let Agreed to Let

The transition from Let Agreed to Let status happens when all administrative hurdles are cleared and the tenancy becomes legally binding.

Final Steps Before Becoming "Let"

• References approved: All background checks completed satisfactorily
• Right-to-rent verified: Tenant's legal right to rent in the UK confirmed
• Agreement signed: Both parties sign the Assured Shorthold Tenancy agreement
• Deposit paid & protected: Tenant pays deposit; landlord places it in government-approved protection scheme (DPS, MyDeposits, or TDS) within 30 days
• First rent payment: Tenant pays first month's rent (and potentially last month if required)
• Prescribed information provided: Landlord provides How to Rent guide, EPC certificate, Gas Safety Certificate, and deposit protection details
• Inventory agreed: Both parties agree on property condition inventory

When Tenancy Officially Begins

The tenancy is legally binding once the agreement is signed and deposit paid. At this point, the property status changes from "Let Agreed" to "Let" or "Rented." The tenant receives keys on the agreed move-in date and the tenancy period begins. Both parties now have legal obligations and rights under the tenancy agreement.

Conclusion

Understanding what "Let Agreed" means is essential for anyone navigating the UK rental market. For tenants, it represents a promising step toward securing a new home, but it's crucial to remember that nothing is final until the tenancy agreement is signed and the deposit is paid. The 10-15% fall-through rate means you should continue preparing backup options until the deal is legally binding.

For landlords, the Let Agreed period is your opportunity to conduct thorough due diligence on prospective tenants while balancing the risk of them finding alternative accommodation. Using professional letting agents, conducting comprehensive referencing, and maintaining clear communication can minimize fall-through rates and ensure you secure quality, reliable tenants.

Whether you're a tenant or landlord, approaching the Let Agreed period with realistic expectations, thorough preparation, and professional conduct will maximize your chances of a successful tenancy agreement and smooth move-in process.