What Is OpenRent?
OpenRent is a tenant-finding and listing platform that allows landlords to list properties on Rightmove, Zoopla, and other portals. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in London, UK, it primarily targets landlords who want to find tenants without using a traditional letting agent.
OpenRent uses a per-listing fee with optional paid add-ons pricing model with a free tier available.
Best for
Finding tenants. OpenRent is a listing and tenant-acquisition platform, not an ongoing property management tool. Best used alongside a management platform like ZenRent.
ZenRent vs OpenRent: Feature Comparison
Here is how ZenRent and OpenRent compare across the features that matter most to UK landlords in 2026.
| Feature | ZenRent | OpenRent |
|---|---|---|
| MTD for ITSA | Yes — HMRC-recognised | No |
| Open Banking | Yes — auto-import transactions | No |
| WhatsApp integration | Yes — tenant messaging | No |
| Compliance tracking | Yes — gas, EPC, EICR, HMO alerts | Limited |
| Free plan | Yes — Essential (free forever) | Yes |
| Free trial | 14 days (no card required) | No |
| UK-focused | Yes — built for UK landlords | Yes |
Where ZenRent wins
ZenRent and OpenRent are complementary, not competitors. Use OpenRent to find tenants, then use ZenRent to manage the tenancy: track rent payments, log expenses, monitor compliance, and submit MTD returns. Together, they replace a traditional letting agent.
OpenRent strengths
- Largest online platform for landlord-direct lettings in the UK
- Low-cost tenant finding: free to list, paid for Rightmove/Zoopla
- Built-in tenant referencing and right-to-rent checks
- Rent Now — tenants can pay rent directly through the platform
- Massive brand recognition among UK tenants
OpenRent weaknesses
- Not a property management platform — no ongoing management tools after tenancy starts
- No MTD compliance or financial reporting
- No compliance tracking (gas, EPC, EICR alerts)
- No WhatsApp or integrated tenant messaging beyond initial listing enquiries
- No Open Banking or expense tracking
Using OpenRent and ZenRent Together
The smartest approach for self-managing landlords is to use both platforms. OpenRent handles what it does best — listing your property, fielding enquiries, and referencing tenants. ZenRent handles everything that follows — rent tracking, expense logging, compliance alerts, and MTD submissions.
A typical self-management workflow
- List on OpenRent — advertise your property on Rightmove and Zoopla
- Reference via OpenRent — run credit checks, employer references, and right-to-rent
- Set up tenancy in ZenRent — add the property, tenant details, and tenancy terms
- Track rent in ZenRent — Open Banking auto-imports rent payments and flags arrears
- Log expenses in ZenRent — auto-categorised from bank feeds for MTD
- Submit MTD via ZenRent — quarterly HMRC submissions in one click
Pricing: ZenRent vs OpenRent
OpenRent is free for basic listings and charges from £49 for Rightmove/Zoopla listings, plus optional add-ons (referencing, rent protection insurance). ZenRent is a monthly subscription for ongoing management. Most landlords use both: OpenRent for tenant finding, ZenRent for everything after.
ZenRent pricing
- Essential (free): Up to 1 property, basic income/expense tracking, compliance alerts
- Standard (£9.99/month): Up to 5 properties, MTD submissions, Open Banking, WhatsApp integration
- Professional (£29.99/month): Unlimited properties, advanced reporting, priority support
Our Verdict
OpenRent is a solid choice for finding tenants. openrent is a listing and tenant-acquisition platform, not an ongoing property management tool. best used alongside a management platform like zenrent.. ZenRent and OpenRent are complementary, not competitors. Use OpenRent to find tenants, then use ZenRent to manage the tenancy: track rent payments, log expenses, monitor compliance, and submit MTD returns. Together, they replace a traditional letting agent. For UK landlords who need MTD compliance, compliance tracking, and a platform built specifically for the UK regulatory environment, ZenRent offers the more complete package. Try both — ZenRent's 14-day free trial requires no credit card, so you can compare side by side before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about this topic.
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Disclaimer: This comparison is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Pricing and features are accurate as of the date shown and may change. Always verify directly with each provider and check the latest HMRC guidance at gov.uk before making decisions.