subject: Letting Agents in Edinburgh - Property to let Edinburgh [print this page] Letting Agents in Edinburgh - Property to let Edinburgh
Find the right Letting Agents in Edinburgh using our FREE guide which is packed with information in choosing the right letting agents in edinburgh to manage your property.
Letting agents can be a valuable source of landlord advice and support. But how should you go about choosing the best agent for you?...
The relationship that landlords have with their letting agents is critical. There are good letting agents, some average agents and many poor agents. Getting the right agent will make the difference between a successful or a stressful investment. But how do you find a good agent, manage that relationship and make it work for you?
Some investors manage their own properties. I do manage a number of my own properties but on the whole I use a letting agent. I dont want tenants ringing me up at any hour and I dont want the hassle of having to deal with some tenants on a regular basis. Remember that letting agents fees are deductable against tax so they are quite a low cost. Finding a good letting agent can be hard. I have a number of letting agents as I have properties in different areas.
The way that I choose a new letting agent is:
a) Recommendations from other landlords
b) Choose 3 agents in the local area and visit them all in person
c) Check their organisation skills ask them to do three things. These can be quite small as posting terms & conditions, e-mailing you their contact details and confirming their tenancy deposit scheme. Check that they do this, if they dont they havent noted your request or just havent done it either way this displays poor organisation.
d) Dont take them at face value many people can talk a good game but dont deliver.
When you have appointed a letting agent, check this:
e) Is the rent paid to you on a regular and timely basis?
f) Are regular inspections undertaken (with photos & report) at least once a year, preferably twice.
g) Is there swift communication of any problems?
h) Are repairs a sensible price? Spot check repair prices with local tradesmen.
i) When vacant is the property being properly marketed? i.e. is a board up, is it on the internet and is it in the paper?
Letting agents can provide a range of services depending on your requirements. These include practicalities such as: preparing the property prior to renting it out; marketing and advertising; performing safety and other property inspections; vetting tenants; drawing up the lease and inventory; managing the deposit; collecting rent and chasing unpaid rent; and organising repair and maintenance matters.
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