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Nov '2025
Introduction
If you decide to rent your house out and employ the skills and support of a Letting Agent its crucial you know what they do for you and what is your responsbility. Here is some basic guidance on what you need to be asking to ensure you choose the right one for your requirements.
1. Fees and Costs
What are their fees for fully managed, rent collection, and tenant-find services?
Are there any hidden charges or additional costs, such as renewal fees? When I received the Fully managed contract there were costs in there that hadn't been discussed during negotiations, for example it mentioned a charge if they have to go and test the fire alarm before the tenants move in etc.
How do they handle deposits, and what deposit protection scheme do they use? There are legal requirements how to deal with deposits.
2. Property Marketing
● How will they market my property (e.g., online portals, social media, local advertising)?
● How quickly do they typically find tenants?
● What are their processes for tenant referencing?
3. Tenant Vetting
How do they conduct tenant background checks (e.g., credit checks, employment references) ?
● What is their policy on guarantors, if needed?
Although they do all the background checks and potential short list a number of possible options the final decision is usually down to you, I suppose that way if something goes wrong they can't take the blame!! But I think that is the best option you making that decision.
4. Compliance and Legal Matters
How do they ensure the property complies with safety regulations (e.g., gas safety, electrical checks, EPC)? I had to submit all these certificates before a tenant could move in. The Letting Agent then provides copies as evidence to the tenant.
Do they assist with preparing tenancy agreements, and are they compliant with the latest legal requirements?
● What experience do they have with handling disputes or legal issues like evictions? The Laws have recenty been changed on this so another reason to employ a Letting Agent, they need to keep n top of any changes to legislation.
5. Rent Collection and Management
How do they collect rent, and how often will rent be paid to me? I receive a statement at the start of each month and payment at the begining of the month for the month ahead, less the agents fees.
What is their process for dealing with rent arrears?
What kind of updates can I expect on property maintenance and repairs?
6. Repairs and Maintenance
How do they handle maintenance requests from tenants? In my case living abroad, the tenant reports any issues to the Letting Agent, they email me and ask how I wish to proceed, ie arrange for contractors myself or want the agent to arrange for any work to be done, if I go down this route I ask for a couple of quotes first.
Do theyhave a list of approved contractors, or can I use my own? Watch out for another "hidden cost" subcontractor finder fee!!
What is their procedure for handling emergencies? I do not want to receive a call in the middle of a night in a foreign country.
7. Communication and Transparency
Who will be my main point of contact, and how often will we communicate?
How do you handle tenant complaints and concerns?
8. Void Periods and Vacancies
What is their policy on void periods, and how do they minimize them?
Will I be charged during periods when the property is vacant?
9. Insurance
Do they offer rent guarantee insurance, or can you recommend a provider?
What landlord insurance options should I consider?
10. Track Record and References
How long have they been operating in this area, and can they provide references from other landlords?
What is their average tenancy length?
What percentage of their properties are fully managed versus tenant-find?
These questions will help you evaluate whether the agent is knowledgeable, transparent, and the right fit for managing your rental property.
With me living so far away, in Vietnam, I went for the fully managed service and let my house out unfurnished. I didn't want the hassle of having to try and find a plumber for example to fix a washing machine so I left no appliances other than a built in fridge and cooker. If you leave sofas etc you are still responsbile for the up keep of these. If anything does go wrong then I am happy to pay the Letting Agent to find a contractor and arrange the job, all i ask is a price up front that I can say yes or no. In the 10 months I have rented my house out, while writing this Blog, I have had to replace the tv ariel and someone had to come out to fix the cooker. Nothing major but the Lettign Agent liaised with my tenant and the sub contactor on my behalf. Then the cost of thre work was deducted from my next months rent.
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