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There are many reasons why, as a landlord, you may choose to operate your properties through a letting agent or property management company. If you own multiple rental properties, or a property in another town, or even if you would prefer a \u2018hands-off\u2019 approach \u2013 deciding on a letting agent or property management agent that can manage the day-to-day could be the right choice for you.<\/p>\n
Outsourcing this responsibility can have many benefits, especially if rental properties are a second income. However, choosing the perfect agency for your property is essential. This blog considers the factors that will help you to decide which lettings agent is best for you.<\/p>\n
Although it may not be obvious at first glance, there are actually a few different types of letting agents. Which letting agent you should choose depends on what type of service and specialty you\u2019re looking for:<\/p>\n
Independent agencies tend to cover a smaller area. If their reputation is good, they are likely to have an excellent knowledge of the local area, and contacts in the local press that could help advertise your property. Their costs are also likely to be competitive. However, if it\u2019s a small team, staff members may have to prioritise certain tasks over others, meaning that their advertising and marketing may be limited. The best way to know for sure is to ask questions about their marketing plans when you enquire.<\/p>\n
These bigger companies will cover a much larger area through multiple offices. Landlords with multiple properties in different locations are likely to have a local contact for each property, meaning that you\u2019ll receive a tailored, specific service for each property, whilst also working with people who have a dedicated knowledge of each location.<\/p>\n
Letting agent franchisees generally have to pay a marketing levy each year to the license holder of the franchise, which goes on advertising and marketing and helps to further increase their exposure. This is good for landlords as it means your property could be viewed by many potential tenants. However, franchisees have higher overheads compared to independent agencies, and it\u2019s possible that these costs could be passed on to you. Ask for a breakdown of fees when you enquire.<\/p>\n
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Do your research. Make a list of letting companies that could be suitable and make contact via telephone or email to discuss your properties. By contacting more than one company, you can gain knowledge of what\u2019s on offer across the market, putting you in a better position to negotiate.<\/p>\n
Check out their offices, website and print presence. First impressions count, so imagine that you\u2019re a prospective tenant. How do the agency staff come across? Even if they\u2019re competitively priced, if an agent doesn\u2019t return your calls or emails, they probably aren\u2019t the best people for the job.<\/p>\n
Industry experience is extremely valuable, so find out how long the agency has been running and read testimonials and reviews on Google and TrustPilot<\/a>. Try to select agents who have experience of dealing with properties that are similar to yours in terms of size, location and tenant requirements.<\/p>\n Choose an agent who is a member of a recognised professional association or registered with The Property Ombudsman. The Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA)<\/a> is one of the most highly recognised here in the UK.<\/p>\n There are a few reasons why we would strongly recommend this:<\/p>\n Letting agents and landlord contracts generally come at three different levels of services letting only, letting plus rent collection, and a full management service. With each service, you get what you pay for.<\/p>\n A letting only service could include the agent preparing the property, marketing it, carrying out viewings, checking tenant references and finalising the tenancy agreements. In some cases, they could also collect the first month\u2019s rent and deposit and hand over the keys to the property. A letting plus rent collection service includes the above with the addition of the agent collecting the monthly rent from the tenants before passing it onto you. Check your agreement carefully as some agents will guarantee you receive the rent regardless of whether they are able to collect it from the tenant or not. Similarly, some will guarantee you your rent even if the property is vacant \u2013 so this acts as a good insurance policy.<\/p>\n A full property management service includes all the above, plus more. The agent will become the point of contact for the tenant, managing the day-to-day tasks that come with it, and will organise everything from property maintenance to repair work – including domestic appliance repairs<\/a>. Busy or out-of-town landlords might find Glotech\u2019s letting agent repair management system<\/a> to be a convenient option for keeping on top of property maintenance.<\/p>\nMembers of professional associations<\/h3>\n
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Property management services<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nLetting Only Service<\/h3>\n
\nWith this option the landlord will take over responsibility for collecting the rent from the tenants directly and will also be responsible for the maintenance of the property.<\/p>\nLetting plus Rent Collection<\/h3>\n
Property Management Service<\/h3>\n