As a landlord, are you unsure whether you should use a letting agent? Depending on the circumstances, engaging with a letting estate agent can be an excellent method to save time, money, and worry. Here’s all you need to know about what a letting agency does and if you should engage with one to make your decision.
When You Use A Letting Agent What Do They Do?
Depending on the package you buy, a letting agent can do different things for you. You can give an agent some or all of the responsibilities for managing your property.
Most of the time, when you use a letting agent they can:
Advertise your property and help you find the right tenant.
Set up the lease: A letting agent can do everything to set up a tenancy, from getting references and running credit checks to getting deposits and writing up tenancy agreements.
Collect rent: A letting agent can collect rent from your tenants each month and follow up on any late payments according to the lease.
Manage questions: A letting agent can answer questions from tenants, deal with problems, and schedule maintenance or repair work.
Can You Manage The Property Yourself?
Think carefully about whether you want to manage your own property. It can take a lot of time, and you’ll need to know about all the latest legal changes to make sure you’re following the rules.
There are benefits to managing a property on your own, but only if you like being a “hands-on” landlord. Taking care of your own property can be a good idea if:
You want to keep costs down.
You have a lot of time to answer questions and deal with problems.
You know a lot of good tradesmen.
You are up to date on the newest laws.
You live close.
You like taking care of the business side of being a landlord.
Otherwise, it’s best to use a letting agent.
What Are The Benefits If You Use A Letting Agent?
Not everyone can handle a rental on their own. Also, if you rent out more than one property, it can quickly turn into a full-time job.
Here are the top four reasons why you should use a letting agent instead of taking care of everything yourself.
Saves Time
Working with a letting agent will save you a lot of time because they handle tenant questions, rent collection, administrative tasks, and everything else in between.
You Can Be Hands-Off When You Use A Letting Agent
Working with a letting agent lets you be a hands-off landlord if you don’t like marketing your property, taking calls from tenants, and going to the property when problems arise. This is perfect if you live far from the rental property you own.
You Won’t Break The Law
One of the best reasons to use a letting agent is that they can make sure your property is up to code. A letting agent’s job is to keep up with the latest changes in the law so that you don’t have to. If you’re a new landlord or don’t have time to learn the rules, a letting agent can help you stay on the right side of the law.
Maintains Professional Connections
Things go wrong sometimes. Your tenants will need a tradesperson at some point, whether the boiler breaks or the kitchen sink leaks. Letting agents have professional connections with plumbers, electricians, and other tradespeople who may be needed in an emergency, so you don’t have to worry about finding the right person for the job.