The reason we are writing about letting agents services in Leeds is because finding the right letting agent in is an important part of the property rental process, especially if you are looking to have your property managed rather than managing your property yourself.
In this guide we’ll provide an all-encompassing rundown of the areas to consider when choosing your letting agent, as well as an explanation as to why each consideration is so important.
From learning how to prepare your property for viewings, to the benefits of using a letting agent, this guide provides all the information you need to make an informed decision when searching for a letting agent in Leeds.
How to Prepare Your Property for Viewings.
Before any viewers come to see your property, you’ll need to make sure it’s in the best condition possible. Your letting agent should be able to provide advice and guidance on creating a good first impression for potential tenants. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to increase the appeal of your property for viewings. These include cleaning the house thoroughly, removing clutter, tidying the garden, painting or re-carpeting where necessary and decorating tastefully. A professional-looking home instils confidence in prospective tenants and may encourage them to apply for your property more readily.
We covered much of the above in our 9 Great Tips For Successfully Letting A Property blog. It’s definitely worth reading after this article.
Your letting agent will be able to provide you with expert advice on how to make sure your rental property looks its best for viewings. Through research and advice, you should be able to make sure that your home is an attractive and inviting place for potential tenants. Even if you are living in the property at the time it is being viewed, making sure everything is neat and tidy gives prospective tenants a good impression of the space they’re looking to call home. Taking these measures when preparing your property for viewings with a letting agent will likely increase your chances of finding ideal tenants more quickly.
Understand your Legal Responsibilities and Obligations.
Before entering into any agreement with a letting agent in Leeds, make sure you are aware of the legal responsibilities and obligations that come along with letting your property.
There are over 160 rules and regulations you need to adhere to as a landlord and a great letting agents will be able to advise you on these as part of their service.
For example, you will need to know about the Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarm legislation passed in 2022, as well as the proposed changes to current EPC regulations soon to be passed. Not to mention landlords having to register with the ICO, and ensuring your property is indeed licenced to let!
Most letting agents should be a member of a recognised professional body, but it is still important to carry out due diligence to ensure they are aware of all regulations and laws regarding rental property. This will help ensure that any potential pitfalls or infringements of tenancy law that might crop up in future can be avoided. It will also help save time, money and stress; your tenant may have legal redress against you if the letting agent doesn’t adhere to specific rules. Seek regular advice from your agent about new legislation when letting your property so you know where you stand legally at all times.
Choose a Letting Agent With Good Local Reputation and History.
Find an agent who has a good reputation in the local area and has proven to be successful. Talk to other landlords in the area, check out letting agents’ reviews online, and make sure that they have a valid client money protection scheme. It is also important to ensure that the letting agency is compliant with all regulations required when leasing out a property such as energy efficiency certificates and gas safety checks.
It is also helpful to find out how long the letting agency has been in business in Leeds. Choosing an agent with a good history of successful deals will ensure that they are knowledgeable and up-to-date on the best practices when it comes to lettings. It’s important to build trust with your letting agent, as they will be managing one of your most valuable assets – your property. Ultimately, choosing an agent who has a good local reputation and history will ensure that your property is well looked after and managed correctly in accordance with all relevant laws and regulations.
Understand What a Letting Agent Actually Does.
Letting agents are typically responsible for finding tenants for landlords, collecting rent, and managing the maintenance of a property. The actual services that an agent provides to a landlord will depend on which package they opt for. Generally speaking most full management packages involve the agent carrying out viewings with potential tenants, determining suitability through referencing checks prior to letting the property and conducting regular inspections during tenancy. Knowing what services you require from your letting agent is key to getting the best deal.
It is also worth your while researching how each agent markets the properties they are letting. Jump onto their website or have a look at the portals to see how they will be presenting your property. You will no doubt want your property to be marketed with an interactive 360 Video Tour rather than just photos or a badly written description.
It is worth mentioning that as a landlord you are solely responsible for the upkeep of the property and any legal requirements. A letting agent can provide guidance regarding this but ultimately it is your job to ensure that the property meets all relevant safety laws and regulations, so researching local law before you appoint an agent is important. Make sure you research any company before instructing them for the various packages available.
What are the Benefits of Using a Letting Agent?
Letting agents provide a wealth of benefits to landlords and tenants alike. Aside from the obvious savings of time and stress, they offer professional advice with regards to landlord obligations while also providing excellent marketing skills to give your property maximum exposure. They have the necessary resources to find the right tenants efficiently, perform regular inspections and maintenance when required and can take care of rental contracts, deposit protection and more.
For tenants, a letting agent can offer insight into what to look for when searching for a new home. They are experts on the local area and can provide information about amenities, transport links, rates of crime and other important aspects to consider when renting. Letting agents also make it easy for tenants to apply for a property and keep track of viewings in Leeds. They provide an impartial third-party service to help ensure landlords are fulfilling their obligations and that any deposits are secured through appropriate Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS).
On the landlord’s side, a letting agent can act as a point of contact for the tenant and resolve any disputes. The letting agent carries out transfer of funds between tenant and landlord, manage background checks, collect rent and can offer reliable advice on rent prices.
Conclusion
By now you will realise there is a huge amount to consider when choosing a reputable letting agent in Leeds. One thing to remember is that those of us that have successfully operating for many years have a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the lettings market that we are more than enthusiastic to share with landlords. This is what we do, and unless you are a landlord that has a huge amount of time on their hands to manage their own properties, it is best to get a letting agent involved so you have time to concentrate on what you do best, whilst leaving the tricky parts to us.
