Private rentals are based on a simple principle: cut out the middleman to reduce costs. Platforms like 123 Se Loger formalize this connection by offering a paid service for tenants and a free one for landlords. Profitability is not just about the fees saved: it also depends on the time invested, the legal risks and the quality of the tenant selected.
Reverse matching: what the 123 Se Loger model changes
On a traditional portal, tenants browse listings and apply. 123 Se Loger works the other way around: applicants create a profile, and an algorithm matches them with landlords whose properties meet their criteria. This process, known as reverse matching, shifts the search effort from the tenant to the platform.
Registration is free for landlords. Tenants, meanwhile, take out a monthly subscription that comes with a refund guarantee subject to certain conditions. The asymmetry of this business model deserves attention: comparing this service’s profitability with that of an agency means looking at who pays what, and when.
One point that is often overlooked is user feedback. Looking at 123 Se Loger and its user reviews, it becomes clear that satisfaction depends largely on the area and local rental market conditions.
Real estate agency fees and the true cost of renting directly from a landlord
Real estate agencies charge fees regulated by law, shared between the landlord and tenant. These fees cover writing the listing, arranging viewings, preparing the application file, drafting the lease and conducting the move-in inspection. The amount varies depending on the property’s size and location.
With a private rental platform, these tasks do not disappear. They fall to the landlord, who must handle them alone or outsource some of them to occasional service providers. Drafting a compliant lease, conducting a legally valid move-in inspection and checking an applicant’s ability to pay: each step takes time or incurs an outsourcing cost.
So the apparent savings mask a more nuanced reality. The time landlords spend on these tasks reduces the actual savings compared with a full-service agency. Landlords who are available and comfortable with administrative procedures may find it worthwhile. Those who live far away or are unfamiliar with the legal requirements risk losing more than they save.
Often-overlooked costs
- Mandatory technical inspections (energy performance, asbestos, electrical and gas, depending on the property’s age) remain the landlord’s responsibility, whether or not they use an agency.
- Rent guarantee insurance, which agencies offer as part of their property management packages, must be purchased individually for direct rentals and may sometimes cost more.
- Extended vacancy, if the property takes longer to find a tenant without the visibility of an agency network, represents a tangible loss of income.
Tenant screening: the real profitability challenge for landlords
The profitability of renting out a property is not measured solely by the initial fees. Unpaid rent costs far more than agency fees. Tenant screening is the biggest source of risk for a landlord, whether private or professional.
An agency has tools for checking applicants’ ability to pay, experience assessing applications and, in some cases, rent guarantee insurance included in its property management agreement. With a direct rental, the landlord must assess supporting documents, spot forgeries and judge the applicant’s financial stability themselves.
Matching platforms like 123 Se Loger make it easier to get in touch, but do not carry out an in-depth check of the tenant’s application. The landlord remains the sole decision-maker and bears sole responsibility if things go wrong. This transfer of responsibility is the blind spot in a purely price-based comparison.
Landlord profile: the deciding factor between an agency and renting directly
The answer to whether it is more profitable depends less on the service chosen than on the landlord’s profile. Three criteria can help you decide:
- How close the landlord lives to the property. A landlord who lives nearby can arrange viewings and handle minor issues without extra costs. A landlord who lives farther away will need an intermediary, whether an agency or an occasional property manager.
- Knowledge of rental law. Drafting a compliant lease, observing rent caps in high-demand areas and following the correct notice procedure are just some of the areas where a mistake can cost several months’ rent in legal disputes.
- Number of rental properties. Managing a single apartment directly is still feasible. With more than two or three properties, the administrative workload often justifies a property management agreement.
An experienced, available landlord who lives near the property will get a better net return from renting directly. For other landlords, agency fees act as insurance against costly mistakes and extended vacancies.
123 Se Loger sits between these two extremes: its algorithm reduces the tenant’s search time, but leaves the landlord to handle all the administrative work. The savings are real when it comes to matching, not overall management. Choosing between the two comes down to assessing the value of your own time and the level of risk you are willing to take on yourself.
