MEGATHREAD:- Recommended Lettings Agents

[alirosdan]

Hi

 

I've never rented out property before but due to circumstances I need to do this within the next couple of months.

 

I have found a suitable tenant, but have no idea about tenancy agreements and the responsibilities of both parties.

 

Does anyone know of a company that offers this service, and particularly what they charge.

 

Thanks

[Arrr Sez I]

Hi

 

I've never rented out property before but due to circumstances I need to do this within the next couple of months.

 

I have found a suitable tenant, but have no idea about tenancy agreements and the responsibilities of both parties.

 

Does anyone know of a company that offers this service, and particularly what they charge.

 

Thanks

 

Choosing a letting agent based "particularly" on what they charge is a total recipe for complete disaster. Best to know that up front.

[5iron2]

there is no such thing as a good agent

[Arrr Sez I]

there is no such thing as a good agent

 

Yes there is, don't be silly.

[NorthernStar]

Yes there is, don't be silly.

 

Then 'Let' all know of one then.

[Arrr Sez I]

Then 'Let' all know of one then.

 

Choosing the right letting agent is very important and it doesn't come down to just recommending one. Firstly, you need to find an agent who specialises in the management of the type of property you have to rent. Not the best idea to go with a letting agent who predominantly manages LHA if you have a high end apartment.

 

As getting the right letting agent to manage your property can make such a huge difference to whether the property operates profitably and as hands off as possible you need to spend some good time researching and visiting agents. If you don't take it very seriously and devote some time to it you could find yourself in a very bad financial situation.

[bingiman2000]

Hi

 

I've never rented out property before but due to circumstances I need to do this within the next couple of months.

 

I have found a suitable tenant, but have no idea about tenancy agreements and the responsibilities of both parties.

 

Does anyone know of a company that offers this service, and particularly what they charge.

 

Thanks

 

Hi alirosdan

 

I use Capital Properties on Abbeydale Rd. I know a couple others who use them as well. They charge me 10% on the rent and seem to do an alright job. They always pay me on time and for me that is the most important thing. I would suggest using a letting agent based near where you live if possible as it can be convenient having easy access to them.

[ttparsons]

I use BigFish, Chapeltown. OK so far.

[Gleadly]

Hi

 

I've never rented out property before but due to circumstances I need to do this within the next couple of months.

 

I have found a suitable tenant, but have no idea about tenancy agreements and the responsibilities of both parties.

 

Does anyone know of a company that offers this service, and particularly what they charge.

 

Thanks

 

Are you just looking for a tenant or do you want to include management as well?

 

Ensure that you get a draft copy of both the rental agreement and the management agreement before you sign.

 

Do you want to allow smoking and/or pets?

 

There are good tenants who smoke and/or have pets but there's also a few bad ones as well.

I had to have a property redecorated to to smoke damage.

Draw up an inventory list.

 

Will the property be unfurnished?

Have you a garden? Who will maintain that?

 

Bear in mind that there are a lot of good tenants, both on support and otherwise, but there are bad ones as well.

 

Will you be around to see the prospective tenants?

 

Ideally you need an agent near the property in case there are problems, hopefully not.

Edited August 4, 2013 by Gleadly

[corp]

It is very true what has been said about deciding upon an agent based purely on numbers.

 

Just because you may get a great percentage for an ongoing management fee...the proof really is in the pudding. You have to investigate the true value that you end up with.

 

My experience is that most low percentage and fees based around the tenant finding and management fees are effectively the hook. Once you are engaged into an agreement and things start to go wrong there are always hidden costs. Generally speaking you will end up shelling out on things like routine maintenance and any works required throughout the tenancy an agent added cost always gets passed across to you as the landlord.

 

Try Force 10 Property Management, they offer a great personable service with absolutely no additional costs.

 

https://www.facebook.com/Force10PropertyManagementSheffield