Finding the right letting agent for you can be a daunting task, especially if you haven’t used one before. Our advice on choosing a good letting agent is first to establish the service level you require. You should also find a letting agent who is a professional body member and then select a local and well-established agent. Read below to find out why:
Chose the Service Level
Deciding which services you require is a good starting point for selecting the right letting agent. It is important to consider whether you require a full management service of a tenant-only service. To decide this, you will need to factor in how much time you feel you have to contribute to managing your rental property and how involved you would like to be on your rental regularly.
Our full management service is designed to give all Landlords – existing or new, local or resident overseas – peace of mind. We have experienced staff who will look after your property ensuring it is well maintained and upgraded as necessary, taking on responsibility for landlords who don’t have the time or desire to manage their properties. Our tenant finding only service are for landlords who require assistance with their tenancies. This service involves finding a tenant, checking their references and drafting the tenancy agreement, amongst other requirements.
Member of a Professional Body
Letting agents in the UK are legally required to be a member of one of two redress schemes. The two are ‘The Property Redress Scheme’ or ‘The Property Ombudsman’ (TPO). These professional bodies ensure agencies follow codes of professional conduct and have proper guarantees in place to protect landlord and tenant.
At AJ Properties, as a specialist and professional company, we are members of the leading governing bodies, including:
- The Property Ombudsman (TPO)
- The Deposit Protection Scheme (DPS)
- National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA)
Chose A Local Agent
Having a letting agent that understands the area you are letting in is crucial to drafting in the best tenants. Local independent agencies like ourselves have a detailed understanding of the intricacies of renting a residential property, knowing the area well, and having local links to the area. With excellent and extensive local knowledge of the Rochdale Borough and its surrounding areas, AJ Properties are able to match the right tenant to your properties.
Asking other local landlords for letting agent recommendations can also be helpful in selecting the right local agent. If you know other landlords in the area, you can ask about their personal experiences or even check out regional forums such as on Facebook to find fellow landlords and see who they recommend and also highlight which agents you may want to avoid.
Well Established
Similar to the previous point, you should find a letting agent that has been well established for many years and has a strong reputation. Search for testimonials and online reviews and use your own instincts to decide which letting agent you would like to go with. Look for reviews about expertise, communication, fees, and reliability, among other things. An experienced and reputable agent will have no issues answering your questions and explaining how they could best help you.
At AJ Properties, we have over 20 years of experience and have expanded to become the area’s largest and most respected company. As specialists in our field, we take pride in our reputation for providing a professional yet personal service to both landlords and tenants. Get in touch to find out how we can help you and your property.
