Choosing and appointing a letting agent

A professional letting agent can help new or experienced landlords manage every aspect of the rental process. Some landlords choose an agent only to market the property and find tenants, while others prefer a full property management service, including rent collection, emergency repairs, tenancy renewals and compliance checks such as gas and electrical safety certificates.
Letting fees are usually payable in advance and calculated as a percentage of the rental income. The cost depends on the level of service you require.

Letting service

The most basic service involves finding a suitable tenant, which typically includes:

Advertising the property
Conducting viewings
Vetting tenants

A good letting agent will have a database of registered tenants ready to match with your property. They will also arrange credit checks and obtain references from employers and previous landlords, often through an independent referencing company.

Full property management service

Appointing a managing agent offers peace of mind. A full management service covers:

Day-to-day property management
Handling emergencies
Scheduling property inspections
Liaising with utility providers and local authorities
Organising professional cleaning and deposit settlement

This service typically costs around 7.2% of the rental income, excluding initial letting fees, and is billed in line with rent payments (monthly, quarterly, or six-monthly). In worst-case scenarios such as leaks, infestations, or gas and electrical issues, the managing agent will act quickly to resolve problems.

Additional property management services

Agents may offer extra services at an additional cost, including:

Pre-let service: Decorating, safety checks, and cleaning before tenancy starts.
Caretaking service: Scheduled visits to check for disrepair, often required by insurers if the property is vacant.
Refurbishment and maintenance: Agents can arrange vetted contractors to keep your property in top condition and attract quality tenants.