A free new lettings platform enables buy-to-let landlords to manage their properties with the same tools as larger investors.

Planetrent.co.uk automatically takes you through every step of finding tenants, managing repairs and ensuring legal compliance. For example, one click sends new tenants all the legally required documents, such as the government’s How to Rent checklist, deposit protection details, energy performance and gas safety certificates. The company behind the platform is Ringley Group, which manages 12,000 homes for corporate investors. It spent 18 months and £2 million adapting its software for private landlords and letting agencies on a pay-as-you-go basis. Its launch this week was brought forward by two months to help people to cope with social distancing. Pay-as-you-go extras include advertising on Rightmove and Zoopla (£60), digital contract signing (£20), reference checks (£20) and rent collection via direct debit (1.69 per cent) or credit card payments (1.6 per cent).

The Times: Property news in brief: manage lettings online, celebrate Garden Day and deck out the dining table