Take a look at our essential advice on how to choose a good letting agency and make the entire process, stress and hassle-free.
Your property is probably the biggest asset that you own. So, if you’re thinking about letting it out it’s likely that you’ll want a letting agency that is not only reliable and trustworthy but also someone that knows their stuff. Most landlords will choose an agent to handle the entire process from vetting tenants to carrying out property checks but with the vast amount of letting agents and estate agencies with letting divisions, how do you choose a good one?
1. Think about the letting agent location
It makes sense to use an agent that is either local to you or the property that you are letting. Not only will they be well-equipped with local property knowledge that can’t be found anywhere else but it will also be easier if you ever need to visit them face-to-face. With a high-street office, we are conveniently placed for walk-ins and passersby, meaning our properties often get snapped up quickly!
2. Try to choose an agent that is a member of a Property Redress Scheme
The Property Redress Scheme is authorised by the National Trading Standards Estate Agency team and offers additional support and protection should issues arise during your landlord and letting agent relationship. Not only will it provide you piece of mind but it also means that your agent will be working to the highest standards.
3. Know what you want from your agent
The majority of letting agents offer various services when it comes to lettings. Tenant or let only means that as a landlord, you’ll have to manage the day-to-day running of the property. Complete property management means that your agent will take care of everything. As a landlord, whether you want minimal involvement or lots, our specialist property management team will take care of your property on a daily basis. Plus, you’ll work with a dedicated team consisting of 13 experts, ensuring that questions can be answered and work completed in the absence of another member, thus speeding up your property process.
4. Check that the agent uses a Deposit Protection Service
The Housing Act 2004 states that landlords and letting agents must protect deposits on assured shorthold tenancies in a scheme. At sbliving, we use the DPS which offers the safe keeping of all deposits for tenants, landlords and agents. Without this, potential issues could be very costly!
5. Consider experience
It’s likely that there are several agents who appear equally competent so why not consider choosing the one who has been in the area the longest? As well as having more local knowledge, it’s likely that they’ll have good contacts in the area and a large database of loyal customers. Having served the local area for more than 10 years, sbliving are well-equipped to meet all of your property needs.
6. Check that the letting agent is up to date with relevant legislation
Being a landlord requires adherence to various legislation and remaining up to date can be a never-ending task. From Gas Safety certificates to EPC’s and Fire Safety legislation, our professional lettings agents will guide you through the myriad of changing regulations.
7. Look out for quality and effective advertising
A vacant property will cost you money so it’s important that your letting agent is proactive when it comes to finding a tenant. At sbliving, we use the major advertising platforms including Rightmove, Zoopla and On The market to showcase properties.
8. Choose a SAFEagent
Your letting agent will be handling deposits, rents and maintenance money so you need to be certain that that money is safeguarded. As a reputable and professional letting agency, we are a SafeAgent, which provides a mark of trust to letting agents that offer Client Money Protection (CMP).
9. Ask around
Most estate agency work relies on referrals and word of mouth. Ask your friends and family for recommendations and check out online reviews. We are one of the top-rated agents in Leeds on Google Business reviews – an open platform that is not paid for or managed. To put it simply, these are real reviews created by real people. But don’t just take our word for it. Check out the reviews here. (Link to reviews)
If you have any questions or would like to know more about our services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
