So how do you as a Landlord choose a good agent?

Some Landlords prefer to manage and let their properties themselves, however most landlords find it easier to use a “Managing Agent” to deal with the letting and management of their property.

But how can you choose a good agent? How do you know if they will be responsible and act in your interest?

What we here at Landlord Support Services seem to be hearing and seeing in the news more are stories of letting agents closing down and sometimes taking hundreds and thousands of client’s money. Some agents have closed down leaving landlords with no tenancy agreement, no gas certificate, no rent and no deposit. This is happening all around the country with both national and independent companies.

So should you as a Landlord protect yourself from such dangers?

If the company you chose to use is registered by ARLA (Association of Residential Letting Agents), then in the event of the agent disappearing, you would still be able to get the money that is due to you.

It is also very important to keep your own files on each of your properties. Make sure that the agent provides you with copies of all your documents; tenancy agreement, gas safety certificates, inventory, deposit protection, EPC – this way you can monitor how your property is being managed.

It is recommended that you ask around the people you know for references to a local agent as this will help give you a consumers perspective of their back end “management” service.

Visit the agent, see if they are busy, ask questions in person, is the office disorganised? Are there files / papers everywhere? Do they have a separate management department? Make sure you ask how they chase up their arrears? Do they issue notices themselves? Will they charge you extra for this? How will you receive your payments? Will statements be sent monthly?

These are all important questions that you will need to bear in mind when deciding to instruct an agent.