MEGATHREAD:- Recommended Lettings Agents

[Square-Bashe 10]

I would expect that Letting Agents would be good for landlords if the Landlords are not in the country any longer or near the property or do not want the hassle of the day to day management of the property. If you do use a Letting Agent make sure they are members of the NAEA or ARLA for peace of mind and a certain level of professionalism.

[Charlotte_24 10]

As a tennant, I've rented of a number of different letting agencies and would only recommend one to anyone.

 

Bloor and Co are a family run business and they are superb. The only downside as a tennant is having an inspection every three months, but even this is kinda good as amongst the first questions they ask is "is there any problems at all. Hows yer boiler and is the heating working without any problems?"

 

I don't have any shares or vetted interest in Bloor other than to genuinley recommend a quality letting agents, as there are a shedload out there such as Blundells and Reeds Raines that make out like they care when in actuall fact, they only care providing it doesn't cost them anything.

 

I can second this, i've had many experiences with various letting agencies (and heard horror stories over the years) but Bloor always get a good report. I've rented through them myself and found them to be very friendly and helpful, and i know my landlord is happy with the service he receives. Once again, i don't work for them!

 

I would say that with any agency you consider using it's best to check if they are a member of a regulatory body, and always check out their reputation locally.

 

Another tip that i read is to go into various agencies, act as though you're looking for a property. Make enquiries and see how helpful they are, will they print off information etc. as this will give you an idea of how they will market your property.

[arthurseaton 10]

My property has been let by PJ Properties for over ten years now. They are extremely professional and in all that time my property has been occupied even though it isn't in a prime student location.They specialise in letting to students so if your house is in a student area I strongly recommend you use them.

[Fonzie 10]

I friend of mine has had problems with Swindle Mee recently,if what he tells me is correct

then they are a complete shambles.

 

I have viewed a property with this firm recently, and i'm thinking of applying. Anything/one I should watch out for?

[EmmC 10]

Thanks very much for all your help. Will check out the ones you have recommended for price. Have tried doing it myself but it has cost me a lot of dosh.

[juby 10]

Don't use an agent - you make less money and they do not do anything for their cut of your rental income. You can get all the information you need on being a landlord, what your responsibilities are and how to draw up your own contract from the internet or CAB used to have them. Take photo's of all the rooms in your property, before the tenant moves in, key areas are kitchens and bathrooms, as this is often where most damage occurs. You can check out any references yourself by phone and letter, ask prospective occupiers to see proof of income etc., set up D/D or S/O with the bank, take the bond before they move in. Good Luck!

[Tomataheeed 10]

I've used Reeds Raines on a finders fee basis only. To be fair they have found me good tennants - when I found my own tennants I had a bad time. Cost me about £400 plus £75 to issue new contracts if the tennants want to stay longer.

 

I do "manage" the place myself though as I live close by. As long as you speak to your tennant and make sure stuff gets fixed quick its easy. Nothing hard about offering the sort of service you would expect yourself as a tennant.

[property4u 10]

don't use a fully a managed sevice they dont do anything.

 

Bloor tried to take me to court, I had dealings with their solicitors and pointed out that they were in contravention of their own practices so they dropped their case, slime bags.

 

They are all slime bags.

[property4u 10]

dont bother

[Charlotte_24 10]

Thanks very much for all your help. Will check out the ones you have recommended for price. Have tried doing it myself but it has cost me a lot of dosh.

 

Can i ask why it has cost you more to try letting it yourself, as I would have thought that with not paying agent's fees it would be cheaper?

Edited March 24, 2009 by Charlotte_24

[sharrone 10]

Waste of time and money. Try advertising yourself on forum and gumtree, you will be surprised at how many people looking for properties use these free sites.

Letting agents want your money but dont want to know when problems arise, i have just had a major problem with tennants that a letting agency found, it cost me £400 for them to find tennants and then i have had to throw them out after only 3 months, the agency didn't want to get invoved at all because they were not on a full letting service package.

[smoothtalker 10]

Thanks every1 for the advice Im still looking at this so keep teh advice flowing.lol its much appreciated