letting agent services


Do I need a Letting Agent?

This is a question that many landlords are faced with. Whilst many landlords choose to manage their own property (ies), letting a property may not be as simple as it seems.

Landlords have to comply with various legislative regulations when letting a property. Failure to meet such legislation could mean possible litigation and/or fines.

Some Relevant Legislation Includes:

  • The Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1999
  • The Gas Safety (Installation & Use) Regulations 1998
  • The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 (amended 1989 and 1993)
  • The Electrical Equipment (safety) Regulations 1994 and Smoke Detectors Act 1991

The appointment of a letting agent will help safeguard landlords as professional letting agents will be up to date with all the relevant legislation and can provide necessary advice and guidance.

Which Agent?

Choose a letting agent who is local to the property which is being let. Look for agents who are members of trade associations. Below is a list of some which are recognised by the lettings industry:

  • ARLA - Association of Residential Letting Agents
  • NALS – National Approved Lettings Scheme
  • RICS – Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors

Which Service?

A range of services are available from letting agents, the most common being:

  1. 'Introduction Only' where a tenant is found
  2. 'Rent Collection' where tenant is found and rent is collected by Agent
  3. 'Full Property Management' all of the above and management repairs to property and such like.

As expected the different types of service attract different fee structures.