Tenant viewing questions every UK landlord should prepare for

Property viewings represent your best opportunity to secure quality tenants for your rental property. Whilst prospective tenants assess whether your property meets their needs, they're also evaluating you as a landlord. The questions they ask during viewings reveal their priorities, concerns, and suitability as tenants. How you answer demonstrates your professionalism, knowledge, and reliability.

Landlords who anticipate common viewing questions and prepare clear, honest answers present themselves more confidently, build trust faster, and convert viewings into tenancy agreements more effectively. This article covers the questions virtually every UK landlord should expect during viewings, explains what tenants really want to know when they ask each question, and provides strategies for answering in ways that attract quality tenants whilst protecting your interests.

Why preparation matters

Unprepared landlords stumble through viewings, giving vague or inconsistent answers that raise red flags for tenants. They miss opportunities to highlight property strengths, fail to address tenant concerns effectively, and sometimes inadvertently breach discrimination law through poorly considered responses.

In competitive rental markets where tenants view multiple properties before deciding, professional presentation during viewings influences outcomes significantly. Tenants remember landlords who answered questions clearly, provided comprehensive information, and demonstrated organisation. These positive impressions translate into applications from better quality tenants who trust you'll manage the tenancy professionally.

Preparation also protects you legally. Understanding which questions you must answer, which you can decline, and which topics to avoid entirely prevents discrimination claims whilst maintaining appropriate boundaries. With the Renters Rights Act coming into force on 1 May 2026, demonstrating professionalism and transparency has never been more important.

Questions about rent and payment terms

Tenants need clear information about financial obligations before committing to tenancies.

"What is the monthly rent and when is it due?" - This seems obvious, but clarity matters. State the exact monthly amount and the due date (typically the same date each month). Explain whether rent is payable in advance (standard practice) and whether payments should be made by standing order, bank transfer, or through rent payment platforms like August.

Mention that August makes rent payments simple and free for both parties through Open Banking technology. This demonstrates modern, professional property management and reassures tenants the process will be straightforward.

"Are there any additional costs beyond rent?" - Be completely transparent about all financial obligations. These might include council tax (usually tenant responsibility but clarify), utilities (water, gas, electricity, broadband), TV licence if applicable, and any service charges for flats or HMO properties.

If bills are included in rent (common in HMOs), explain this clearly. If they're separate, provide approximate monthly costs based on previous usage. This transparency helps tenants budget accurately and prevents misunderstandings later.

"How much is the security deposit?" - The Tenant Fees Act 2019 caps deposits at five weeks' rent for annual rents under £50,000, or six weeks for higher rents. State the exact deposit amount and explain that it must be protected in a government-approved deposit protection scheme within 30 days of receipt.

Explain how the deposit will be protected which scheme you use and that tenants receive prescribed information about the protection. This demonstrates your understanding of legal obligations and reassures tenants their money is safe.

"Can rent increase during the tenancy?" - Under the Renters Rights Act, all tenancies become periodic from 1 May 2026, with rent increases limited to once per year. Explain your policy on rent increases, emphasising you follow the legal process (Section 13 notice with two months' notice) and base increases on market conditions rather than arbitrary amounts.

Reassure tenants you aim to keep good tenants long-term through fair rent policies. This signals you value tenant relationships over short-term financial gains.

Questions about property condition and maintenance

Tenants want assurance that properties are well-maintained and issues will be addressed promptly.

"When was the property last decorated?" - Provide honest timeframes. If recently decorated, say so confidently. If decoration is overdue, acknowledge this and explain your plans. Perhaps you're redecorating before tenancy start or allowing tenants to choose colours (within reason).

Fresh, clean presentation matters significantly. If the property looks tired during viewings, explain specifically what refreshing will happen before move-in.

"How quickly do you respond to maintenance issues?" - This question assesses your reliability as a landlord. Explain your maintenance process clearly. Good answers include that you respond to all requests within 24 hours, emergency issues (no heating, water leaks, security problems) are addressed immediately, and non-urgent repairs are scheduled within reasonable timeframes (typically 7-14 days).

Mention that tenants can report maintenance issues through August, creating a clear audit trail and ensuring nothing gets overlooked. This demonstrates organised, professional property management.

"What appliances and fixtures are included?" - Walk through exactly what's included in furnished or part-furnished properties. For white goods, specify brands and ages approximately. For unfurnished properties, clarify whether curtains, light fittings, or carpets are included.

If appliances are old and likely to need replacement soon, be honest. Explaining you'll replace items promptly if they fail is better than tenants discovering this post-move-in.

"What is the property's EPC rating?" - All rental properties must have a valid EPC with minimum rating E. State the rating clearly and explain what it means practically. If the rating is C or above, highlight this as evidence of energy efficiency and lower running costs. If it's D or E, acknowledge this and explain any planned improvements.

The EPC must be provided before tenancies begin, so have copies available during viewings. This demonstrates compliance and transparency.

Questions about tenancy terms and flexibility

Understanding tenancy structure and landlord policies helps tenants assess suitability.

"What is the minimum tenancy length?" - Following the Renters Rights Act from 1 May 2026, all new tenancies will be periodic (rolling month-to-month) rather than fixed term. Explain this change to tenants unfamiliar with the new system.

Clarify that whilst the tenancy is periodic, you're looking for long-term, stable tenants. Some landlords still request initial commitment periods (though these aren't legally binding under the new regime). Be clear about your expectations whilst respecting tenants' right to give two months' notice at any time.

"What is your policy on pets?" - The Renters Rights Act includes provisions giving tenants the right to request keeping pets, which landlords cannot unreasonably refuse from 1 May 2026. Explain your approach to pet requests clearly.

Many landlords now accept pets given the legislative direction and increased tenant demand. If you accept pets, specify any restrictions (size, type, number). If you have concerns, explain you'll consider requests case-by-case, potentially requiring additional deposit (where permitted) or pet damage insurance.

Blanket pet refusals will become increasingly difficult to justify, so having a considered, flexible policy positions you well.

"Can I have visitors or guests staying?" - Tenants have the right to have visitors and overnight guests in their homes. Reassure them this is perfectly acceptable - it's their home during the tenancy. The only concern is if guests become permanent residents without your knowledge, as this might breach tenancy terms regarding occupancy numbers.

Explain you're not interested in micromanaging their personal lives, but ask them to inform you if guests will be staying very long term, several months, so you're aware of property occupancy.

"Can I redecorate or make changes?" - Clarify your policy on tenant alterations. Many landlords allow reasonable decoration like painting in neutral colours, prohibit wallpaper or structural changes, require written permission for any alterations, and expect restoration to original condition at tenancy end if permanent changes weren't approved.

Being somewhat flexible on decoration, within agreed boundaries, can attract longer-term tenants who want to personalise their homes. However, be clear about what requires permission to prevent unauthorised work.

Questions about the local area and property environment

Location factors significantly influence tenant decisions, and they'll want local knowledge.

"What is the neighbourhood like?" - Provide honest, balanced information about the area. Highlight positives like good transport links, nearby shops and amenities, local parks or green spaces, well-regarded schools (if relevant to family tenants), and low crime rates or safe neighbourhood feel.

If there are negatives (busy road noise, limited parking, distance from stations), acknowledge these honestly whilst framing them appropriately. Tenants will discover these factors themselves, so transparency builds trust.

"How is parking?" - If the property includes dedicated parking, confirm this clearly (garage, driveway, allocated space). If parking is on-street, explain the permit system (if any), typical availability, and any restrictions.

In areas with challenging parking, honesty prevents tenant frustration. Some tenants won't have cars; for those who do, they need accurate information to decide if the property suits their needs.

"What are the neighbours like?" - Tread carefully here. You can share general observations (quiet, friendly, long-term residents) without disclosing personal information or making guarantees about neighbour behaviour.

Never discuss specific neighbours' circumstances, make negative comments, or promise particular neighbour behaviour. Simply note that you've had no complaints and the building/street seems pleasant and well-maintained.

"Is the area safe?" - Stick to facts rather than subjective assessments. Mention any security features of the property (burglar alarm, secure entry for flats, well-lit entrances). You can reference publicly available crime statistics if they're favourable.

Avoid guaranteeing safety or making definitive statements about crime that might be disputed later. Encourage tenants to visit the area at different times to form their own impressions.

Questions about bills and utilities

Practical information about utilities helps tenants assess running costs.

"Which utility providers supply the property?" - Know who currently supplies gas, electricity, and water. For water, clarify if it's metered or unmetered and approximate quarterly costs.

Explain that tenants can choose their own energy supplier but should notify suppliers of the tenancy start date. If you have recommendations based on good previous tenant experience, you can share these whilst noting tenants aren't obliged to use them.

"How much are the utility bills typically?" - Provide rough monthly estimates based on previous tenancy experience. Clarify whether these are actual bills from prior tenants or estimates. Explain that costs vary based on usage and energy prices fluctuate.

For HMOs where bills are included, explain the allowance system if any caps apply. Transparency about utility costs prevents disputes and ensures tenants can budget accurately.

"What is the broadband speed?" - In 2026, fast reliable internet is essential for most tenants, particularly with hybrid working remaining common. If you know the current connection speed, share this. If not, explain tenants can check availability and speeds with various providers using online postcode checkers.

Some landlords now install and include broadband in rent, particularly for HMOs, as this simplifies matters and appeals to tenants. If you've done this, highlight it as a benefit.

"Is council tax included in the rent?" - Usually no, but clarify this explicitly. Explain council tax is tenant responsibility unless you've specifically included it (rare outside HMO situations).

If the property qualifies for any council tax exemptions or discounts (for example, all occupants are full-time students), explain this and direct tenants to contact the local council to claim.

Questions about your responsibilities as landlord

Tenants want to understand your obligations and what they can expect from you.

"How often do you inspect the property?" - Explain your inspection policy clearly. Typical practice is inspections every 3-6 months with at least 24 hours' written notice and tenant permission.

Emphasise that inspections are brief checks on property condition, not invasive examinations of tenants' belongings. Assure tenants you respect their privacy and won't be "popping round" constantly.

"What repairs are you responsible for?" - Under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords are responsible for structure and exterior, heating and hot water systems, basins, sinks, baths, and toilets, and gas, electricity, and water supplies.

Explain that tenants are generally responsible for minor maintenance like replacing lightbulbs, keeping the property reasonably clean, and not causing damage through misuse.

Clarify your approach to repairs - you respond promptly, use qualified contractors, and keep tenants informed throughout. This reassures them they won't be left with broken heating in winter or ignored maintenance requests.

"Do you have landlord insurance?" - Yes, and this protects both parties. Explain you maintain comprehensive buildings insurance (and contents insurance for furnished properties).

Note that tenants should arrange their own contents insurance for their personal belongings, as your insurance doesn't cover these. Some landlords recommend specific insurers, though tenants are free to choose their own.

"Are there any restrictions on how I use the property?" - Standard restrictions include no subletting without permission, no commercial use (running businesses that generate significant traffic or require planning permission), and no smoking in most properties.

Explain these restrictions exist to protect the property and comply with insurance terms rather than to limit tenants unnecessarily. Reasonable use for living, working from home (office work), and normal household activities is perfectly fine.

Questions about previous tenants and tenancy history

Tenants often want to know property history and why it's available.

"Why did the previous tenant leave?" - Answer honestly but appropriately. Acceptable explanations include tenancy came to natural end, tenant relocated for work, tenant bought their own home, or tenant's circumstances changed.

Avoid disparaging previous tenants or sharing details about evictions or disputes. If there were problems, a simple "the tenancy ended and we're looking for new tenants" suffices.

"How long have you owned the property?" - Answer honestly. Being a long-term landlord with extensive experience can be reassuring. Being new to landlording is also fine - many tenants appreciate enthusiastic, engaged landlords even if they're less experienced.

If you're a new landlord, emphasise your commitment to managing the property professionally and your willingness to be responsive and accessible.

"How many properties do you own?" - There's no obligation to answer this, but honest responses are generally fine. Whether you have one property or many doesn't necessarily predict landlord quality, so focus on your management approach rather than portfolio size.

Some tenants prefer individual landlords with few properties, feeling they'll receive more personal attention. Others prefer experienced landlords with multiple properties, perceiving greater professionalism.

Questions you cannot or should not answer

Understanding which questions to decline protects you from discrimination claims whilst maintaining professional boundaries.

Questions about benefits or protected characteristics - Never ask whether tenants receive benefits, as blanket bans discriminate against women and disabled people disproportionately. Focus instead on ability to pay rent (which tenant referencing will establish).

Avoid questions about religion, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics unless these relate to genuine property requirements (extremely rare).

If tenants volunteer information about protected characteristics, don't let this influence decisions. Focus solely on whether they can afford rent, will treat the property well, and plan to stay reasonably long-term.

Questions about personal tenant circumstances - Don't probe into why tenants are moving, relationship status, family planning, or other personal matters unless tenants volunteer information. These questions can constitute discrimination even if asked conversationally.

Stick to practical questions about employment status (to verify income), rental history (to check references), and practical needs (number of occupants, tenancy length preferences).

Financial information during viewings - Don't request detailed financial information like bank statements or payslips at viewing stage. These are part of formal tenant referencing after you've decided to offer tenancy.

At viewing stage, confirming general employment status and income range to establish affordability is reasonable. Detailed financial scrutiny comes later through proper referencing channels.

Presenting yourself professionally during viewings

How you conduct viewings matters as much as answers you provide.

Arrive prepared - Bring spare copies of important documents including the EPC, gas safety certificate, EICR if available, property particulars with rent and deposit details, and information about the letting process and timeframes.

Having documents readily available demonstrates organisation and professionalism. It also means you can provide copies immediately to seriously interested tenants.

Know your property - Understand all aspects including when appliances were last serviced or replaced, when the property was last decorated, details of any recent repairs or improvements, boiler age and type, and window types and ages.

Uncertainty about basic property facts raises doubts about your landlord competence and suggests poor property knowledge.

Be honest about issues - If there are property drawbacks (single glazing, dated bathroom, small kitchen), acknowledge these rather than hoping tenants won't notice. Explaining planned improvements or offering adjusted rent demonstrates integrity.

Honesty builds trust. Tenants who feel misled during viewings won't become good long-term tenants even if they initially sign tenancy agreements.

Manage viewing logistics carefully - For occupied properties, always obtain tenant permission with 24 hours' written notice. Never show occupied properties without tenant consent. Respect tenant belongings and privacy during viewings. Don't criticise current tenant housekeeping to prospective tenants.

For vacant properties, ensure they're clean, well-lit, and presentable. Open curtains, turn on lights, and remove any debris or maintenance materials before viewings.

Following up after viewings

Your post-viewing communication influences whether interested tenants proceed.

Respond promptly - If tenants express interest, respond within 24 hours. Explain next steps clearly including tenant referencing process, required documentation, and expected timeframes from application to move-in.

Use tools like August to manage applicant communications systematically, ensuring no one falls through cracks and all receive timely responses.

Be transparent about competition - If multiple applicants are interested, explain you'll review all applications fairly based on referencing results and compatibility with tenancy requirements. Don't create false urgency or auction-like scenarios that pressure tenants into rushed decisions.

Maintain boundaries - Once applications are submitted, stay professional. Respond to questions promptly but avoid excessive contact. Let the formal referencing process proceed without over-communication that might feel intrusive.

Preparing for success

Viewing success depends on three elements - property quality, professional presentation, and confident communication. The first requires investment in maintaining properties well. The second and third require preparation.

Landlords who anticipate questions, prepare comprehensive answers, and demonstrate organisation and responsiveness throughout the viewing process consistently attract better tenants. These tenants trust you'll manage tenancies professionally, making them more likely to report issues promptly, pay rent on time, and treat properties with respect.

The Renters Rights Act raises expectations for landlord professionalism across the sector. Viewings offer your first opportunity to demonstrate you meet these standards. Preparation ensures you make the most of this crucial interaction, converting viewing interest into quality tenancy agreements efficiently.

Disclaimer: This article is a guide and not intended to be relied upon as legal or professional advice, or as a substitute for it. August does not accept any liability for any errors, omissions or misstatements contained in this article. Always speak to a suitably qualified professional if you require specific advice or information.