Frequently asked question

Frequently asked question

Frequently asked question

Want to deep drive into
how Homesty works?

We’ve collected the most frequently asked questions about how Homesty’s peer-to-peer rental app works

FAQs

FAQs

FAQs

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Everything you need to know about our process, and how we deliver results.

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What is Homesty?

Homesty is a rental app that connects landlords and tenants directly—no agents, no inbox spam, no hidden fees. Everything happens in-app: listings, messages, contracts, and payments.

How does it work?

Landlords list their property in the app. Tenants swipe through listings, message landlords directly, and go from chat to contract without leaving the app. It’s fast, secure, and built for how people rent today.

Who is Homesty for?

Anyone tired of old-school renting. If you’re letting out a room or looking for your next place, Homesty makes the process simple, direct, and fair.

Where do listings appear?

In the Homesty app. Renters filter by price, location, and move-in date, then view your full listing—including photos, terms, and availability—and message you directly. No portals. No third parties.

What does it cost?

For landlords: Free to list your property £39 → Boost your listing £40 → Digital contract + rent collection £16 → Add another property £5/mo → Optional property management For tenants: Free to browse, message, and rent £4 → Add a standout message (optional) £29 → Boost your profile to reach more landlords (optional) Everything’s optional. No admin fees. No referencing charges. No paywalls.

Where am I sending the money when I’m asked to pay?

You are sending it to Homesty. We hold the payment securely until both you and the landlord have signed the contract and you have received the keys. The landlord will only receive the money once everything is confirmed, so your payment is protected every step of the way.

Can payments happen outside Homesty?

No. To keep things secure, all rent and deposit payments go through the app. That means no bank transfers, no fraud risk, and everything is properly tracked.

How long does it take to rent or let?

That depends on you. Once both sides agree, you can go from match to move-in in a matter of days. Homesty removes the usual delays.

Can I change listing details or contract terms?

Yes. Listings and contracts are editable before signing. You’re always in control of your terms.

Are Homesty’s contracts legally binding?

Yes. Homesty uses digital tenancy agreements and e-signatures that are legally valid across the UK.

Is Homesty secure?

Yes. Security is built into how Homesty works and how we are set up as a business. We verify every user, handle contracts digitally, and store data using secure systems. Sensitive documents, like ID checks, are encrypted using AES 256. Payments are processed through Stripe and go through secure channels. Deposits are held in escrow, and no one moves in or gets paid until both sides are happy. We do not just protect your data. We protect the entire journey. It is renting with built-in trust, by design.

Why can’t I make (or receive) a higher offer?

Because it’s not allowed. Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, landlords in England can’t ask tenants to outbid each other. That means no bidding wars, no “best and final offers,” and no pressure to pay above the listed rent. You can make a lower offer, but be reasonable. To keep things fair, tenants are limited to how much they can underbid and how often they can try. Homesty is about cutting out the noise, not turning renting into an auction.

What is Homesty?

Homesty is a rental app that connects landlords and tenants directly—no agents, no inbox spam, no hidden fees. Everything happens in-app: listings, messages, contracts, and payments.

How does it work?

Landlords list their property in the app. Tenants swipe through listings, message landlords directly, and go from chat to contract without leaving the app. It’s fast, secure, and built for how people rent today.

Who is Homesty for?

Anyone tired of old-school renting. If you’re letting out a room or looking for your next place, Homesty makes the process simple, direct, and fair.

Where do listings appear?

In the Homesty app. Renters filter by price, location, and move-in date, then view your full listing—including photos, terms, and availability—and message you directly. No portals. No third parties.

What does it cost?

For landlords: Free to list your property £39 → Boost your listing £40 → Digital contract + rent collection £16 → Add another property £5/mo → Optional property management For tenants: Free to browse, message, and rent £4 → Add a standout message (optional) £29 → Boost your profile to reach more landlords (optional) Everything’s optional. No admin fees. No referencing charges. No paywalls.

Where am I sending the money when I’m asked to pay?

You are sending it to Homesty. We hold the payment securely until both you and the landlord have signed the contract and you have received the keys. The landlord will only receive the money once everything is confirmed, so your payment is protected every step of the way.

Can payments happen outside Homesty?

No. To keep things secure, all rent and deposit payments go through the app. That means no bank transfers, no fraud risk, and everything is properly tracked.

How long does it take to rent or let?

That depends on you. Once both sides agree, you can go from match to move-in in a matter of days. Homesty removes the usual delays.

Can I change listing details or contract terms?

Yes. Listings and contracts are editable before signing. You’re always in control of your terms.

Are Homesty’s contracts legally binding?

Yes. Homesty uses digital tenancy agreements and e-signatures that are legally valid across the UK.

Is Homesty secure?

Yes. Security is built into how Homesty works and how we are set up as a business. We verify every user, handle contracts digitally, and store data using secure systems. Sensitive documents, like ID checks, are encrypted using AES 256. Payments are processed through Stripe and go through secure channels. Deposits are held in escrow, and no one moves in or gets paid until both sides are happy. We do not just protect your data. We protect the entire journey. It is renting with built-in trust, by design.

Why can’t I make (or receive) a higher offer?

Because it’s not allowed. Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, landlords in England can’t ask tenants to outbid each other. That means no bidding wars, no “best and final offers,” and no pressure to pay above the listed rent. You can make a lower offer, but be reasonable. To keep things fair, tenants are limited to how much they can underbid and how often they can try. Homesty is about cutting out the noise, not turning renting into an auction.

What is Homesty?

Homesty is a rental app that connects landlords and tenants directly—no agents, no inbox spam, no hidden fees. Everything happens in-app: listings, messages, contracts, and payments.

How does it work?

Landlords list their property in the app. Tenants swipe through listings, message landlords directly, and go from chat to contract without leaving the app. It’s fast, secure, and built for how people rent today.

Who is Homesty for?

Anyone tired of old-school renting. If you’re letting out a room or looking for your next place, Homesty makes the process simple, direct, and fair.

Where do listings appear?

In the Homesty app. Renters filter by price, location, and move-in date, then view your full listing—including photos, terms, and availability—and message you directly. No portals. No third parties.

What does it cost?

For landlords: Free to list your property £39 → Boost your listing £40 → Digital contract + rent collection £16 → Add another property £5/mo → Optional property management For tenants: Free to browse, message, and rent £4 → Add a standout message (optional) £29 → Boost your profile to reach more landlords (optional) Everything’s optional. No admin fees. No referencing charges. No paywalls.

Where am I sending the money when I’m asked to pay?

You are sending it to Homesty. We hold the payment securely until both you and the landlord have signed the contract and you have received the keys. The landlord will only receive the money once everything is confirmed, so your payment is protected every step of the way.

Can payments happen outside Homesty?

No. To keep things secure, all rent and deposit payments go through the app. That means no bank transfers, no fraud risk, and everything is properly tracked.

How long does it take to rent or let?

That depends on you. Once both sides agree, you can go from match to move-in in a matter of days. Homesty removes the usual delays.

Can I change listing details or contract terms?

Yes. Listings and contracts are editable before signing. You’re always in control of your terms.

Are Homesty’s contracts legally binding?

Yes. Homesty uses digital tenancy agreements and e-signatures that are legally valid across the UK.

Is Homesty secure?

Yes. Security is built into how Homesty works and how we are set up as a business. We verify every user, handle contracts digitally, and store data using secure systems. Sensitive documents, like ID checks, are encrypted using AES 256. Payments are processed through Stripe and go through secure channels. Deposits are held in escrow, and no one moves in or gets paid until both sides are happy. We do not just protect your data. We protect the entire journey. It is renting with built-in trust, by design.

Why can’t I make (or receive) a higher offer?

Because it’s not allowed. Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, landlords in England can’t ask tenants to outbid each other. That means no bidding wars, no “best and final offers,” and no pressure to pay above the listed rent. You can make a lower offer, but be reasonable. To keep things fair, tenants are limited to how much they can underbid and how often they can try. Homesty is about cutting out the noise, not turning renting into an auction.

Why us

Why us

Why us

Why Homesty are different?

Find out why Homesty is different then most high street agencies.

Homesty:

Single cost of £40

Work with Tenant direct without third party influence

Flexible contracts or use our simple template

Review all tenants who match - You decide

Choose your own contractor and cost

Negotiate offers within App and not face to face

Other high street agencies:

High monthly commissions between 10-18%. In March 2025, the UK’s average rent was £1,326*.

That’s £196/month or £1,152/year in agency fees

High referencing costs

High rates to use there contractors

There contracts only (no flexibility)

Working to their hours which may not suit you

Outdated work methods and lack of transparency

*the Office of National Statistics March 2025

Homesty:

Single cost of £40

Work with Tenant direct without third party influence

Flexible contracts or use our simple template

Review all tenants who match - You decide

Choose your own contractor and cost

Negotiate offers within App and not face to face

Other high street agencies:

High monthly commissions between 10-18%. In March 2025, the UK’s average rent was £1,326*.

That’s £196/month or £1,152/year in agency fees

High referencing costs

High rates to use there contractors

There contracts only (no flexibility)

Working to their hours which may not suit you

Outdated work methods and lack of transparency

*the Office of National Statistics March 2025

Homesty:

Single cost of £40

Work with Tenant direct without third party influence

Flexible contracts or use our simple template

Review all tenants who match - You decide

Choose your own contractor and cost

Negotiate offers within App and not face to face

Other high street agencies:

High monthly commissions between 10-18%. In March 2025, the UK’s average rent was £1,326*.

That’s £196/month or £1,152/year in agency fees

High referencing costs

High rates to use there contractors

There contracts only (no flexibility)

Working to their hours which may not suit you

Outdated work methods and lack of transparency

*the Office of National Statistics March 2025