Advice For Landlords

Table of Contents

• Reasons Why A Landlord Would Want To Take Their Property Back
• How Do I Get My Property Back?
• I Managed To Get My Property Back, I Want Another Agent To Manage It
• What Next?

The last thing anyone wants is the property to be taken away when being managed by a letting agent. But the decision to do so isn't one that's taken lightly, I felt it necessary to address this concern as since starting with the business in July 2021 (now being May 2022), I have had numerous conversations with landlords that are wanting to take their business away from the current agent, and likely take their business elsewhere.

Reasons Why A Landlord Would Want To Take Their Property Back

Fee's, fee's. fee's. Maybe you're being hesitant about the costs?

No, most landlords won't go through the hassle of taking their business elsewhere just because of costs - unless what they were paying is significantly more - from my experience it's come down to the service they've received, or more to the point, the lack of service.  

Your property is yours. Although being managed by an agent, essentially you should still be kept in the loop. Whether a new baby has arrived, an occupant has unfortunately lost their job, or even £20 was spent on a new shower hose out of the rent money! These are all aspect that should be relayed to you from your letting agent.

If they aren't doing these simple things, how can you trust them to do anything more thorough?

How Do I Get My Property Back?

Well, this topic is a little more difficult to clarify. 

It entirely depends on the agreement, and most agency agreements will have clauses to taking your property away from them, which can sometimes involve applicable fees.

Each agreement will differ between agents, dig yours out and scour through it. Likelihood is that you didn't pay particular attention to that section when you signed up - but then again - why would you?

By this point you'll have already expressed your concerns with your managing agent, if you're looking to cut them off, explain why, explain your dissatisfaction with their service. Making them aware of your long-term dissatisfaction may help in your favour on strengthening why you'd want your property back.

I Managed To Get My Property Back, I Want Another Agent To Manage It

Great, with your - albeit negative - experience under your belt, you'll know what to look for next.

Reviews, take a look on the world's largest search engine, Google. 
Google letting agent, see who comes out on top. Most reviewed, highest rated, lengthiest attributed comments. All good set-points to follow to ensure you're using a tried and tested agent who knows what they're doing.

Services, see what services are on offer when you narrow down 1-2-3 agents, and how each package best suits the needs of both you and your property. Together with seeking out their communication guidelines or policies, it'll give you a good indication on whether you should work with them or not. 

And finally, the cost. The cost is going to be a major contributing factor when working with someone. But remember, you've just left an agent as their standards weren't up to scratch, think back, could this be because they were a 'budget' choice. 

You know what they say, pay peanuts and you'll get monkeys (From my experience it's not usually actual monkeys, just untrained or inexperienced property managers!).

Find an agent that has a common middle-ground with their applicable fees, sat in the middle of the market with a comprehensive level of service to match!

What Next?

Follow the vital steps I've outlined above, and it'll pave a simpler way to finding the comfort you're after.

If in doubt, speak to an alternative professional in the field to get some impartial advice on any further issues you're facing.

If you're in the Luton area, give me a call, or drop me a message. I'll endeavour to help you to the best of my ability. Failing that we also have a legal department on hand to address and resolve issues relatively quickly!