A letting agent works with the landlord in
their efforts to rent a property. Similarly to private and public estate
agents, a letting agent handles everything from advertising the property to
collecting rent and can be a valuable asset to successful property management.
There are many benefits, for both the landlord and the tenant, to working with
a letting agent and these advantages should definitely be considered when
deciding whether or not to retain one.
Types of letting agents:
Depending on the rental, a letting agent's
duties can be specified to fit the needs of the property. Some letting agents
are assigned to only overseeing the renting of the property, while other
letting agents are responsible for prolonged, managed services. For renting of
the property only, a letting agent will advertise the space, give tours to
possible tenants and secure any necessary paperwork and/or security deposits.
The landlord will be charged a processing fee for the letting agent's services
and once the property is rented, all future business will be between the
landlord and tenant.
Letting agents retained for property
management services will have a variety of extended tasks. Beyond securing a
renter, all tenant concerns, general maintenance and upkeep of the property
will be functions designated to the letting agent. Many times in these
scenarios, the landlord and tenant will never deal directly with one another as
all business will go through the letting agent.
Benefits of letting agents:
Whether they are short or long term
acquaintances, letting
agents offer a great number of benefits. The most palpable advantage to
using a letting agent is their expertise. First and for most, they are
professionals with a vast amount of resources. Advertising with the aid of a
letting agent subjects the property to a much larger audience and a much wider
network. They can give the landlord details about the local market, offer tips
on peaking consumer interest and act as negotiators when discussing prices.
Convenience is yet another major plus to using
a letting agent. Particularly for a landlord with multiple properties, showing
every space may not be an option. A local letting agent can make the process of
scheduling showings and meeting with possible tenants much easier. Being
familiar with the area also allows letting agents to provide background on the
property's location and highlight local amenities to possible tenants, giving
their tour a more personal touch.
Furthermore, the use of a letting agent adds a
sense of organization and increased accountability. For a tenant, having access
to a professional and well-informed property attendant is vital, especially if
the landlord doesn't live nearby. When a letting agent is retained as extended
management, they assist with maintaining the grounds, dealing with tenant
problems and overseeing the general care of the property. For a landlord that
lives out of town, hiring a letting agent to ensure that all details are
addressed in a timely fashion is a smart way to stay responsive to tenant and
property needs.
A letting agent is a savvy way to assist with
securing a renter and supervising a property. With the right upkeep and the
right tenant, landlords can protect their property while creating a comfortable
space for their tenant.