Choosing a letting agent is about far more than finding a tenant quickly.
It is about protecting your investment, staying compliant with changing legislation and avoiding mistakes that can become costly over time. For landlords, the quality of management behind the scenes is just as important as the initial let.
Many landlords still make decisions based on the highest rental figure or the lowest fee. Both can be appealing, but neither reflects how well your property will actually be managed once a tenant moves in.
A better approach is to ask the right questions early on. We recommend asking ten in total. Below are the first five, with the remaining questions to follow in part two.
These questions will give you a clear understanding of how a letting agent operates day to day, not just how they present themselves at valuation.
How will you set the right rental price?
Getting the price right from the outset is essential.
Overpricing can leave your property empty, reducing your overall return. Under-pricing may secure a tenant quickly but could cost you significantly over the course of a tenancy.
Ask how the letting agent arrives at their valuation. A strong agent will rely on local market evidence, current demand and comparable properties, rather than guesswork or inflated figures designed to win instructions.
The goal should always be a sustainable rent that attracts the right tenant at the right time.
How do you select tenants?
The quality of your tenant often determines how smooth the tenancy will be.
Ask about the referencing process in detail. This should include affordability checks, employment verification and references from previous landlords, alongside a clear approach to identifying potential risks.
A thorough process helps reduce the likelihood of arrears, disputes and avoidable complications later on.
How do you keep me legally compliant?
Landlord legislation continues to evolve, and responsibility ultimately rests with the property owner.
Ask how the letting agent manages compliance, including safety certificates, deposit protection and Right to Rent checks. It is also worth asking how they stay informed about upcoming legal changes.
A good agent should act as a guide, ensuring nothing is overlooked and keeping you compliant without unnecessary stress.
What happens if rent is not paid?
It is not something landlords like to consider, but it is important to understand the process.
Ask what happens if a payment is missed. How quickly does the agent act? How do they communicate with tenants? Is there a structured arrears process in place?
You are looking for a calm, professional and clearly defined approach rather than something reactive or uncertain.
How is maintenance managed?
Maintenance is one of the most common areas where landlords experience frustration.
Ask how repairs are reported, who carries out the work and how costs are controlled. You should also understand how quickly issues are addressed and how you will be kept informed.
An organised system protects your property, keeps tenants satisfied and prevents small issues from becoming more serious.
The right letting agent will do far more than secure a tenant.
They will protect your investment, manage issues effectively and ensure everything runs as it should throughout the tenancy.
These five questions are simple to ask, but the answers will reveal a great deal about the level of service you can expect.
In part two, we will share five more questions to help you choose with even greater confidence.
If you are a local landlord looking for straightforward, honest advice, we are always happy to help.
Letting agency done ethically
We are proud members of the Ethical Agent Network, a national group of independent agents assessed against strict standards of honesty, service, professionalism and community care.
To learn more about what we do and why we are the only local agency in the network, contact us today.
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