Landlords- How to choose the right Letting Agent
Quick Read- Are you a landlord? Or thinking of renting out your home? Here's some handy hints and tips on what to look for and why Lesley Hooks might be the one for you.
When it comes to being a landlord you need to make sure that you have the right letting agent. There are many different companies around all competing for your business, so it is important to make sure you are comfortable with who you have looking after your properties. Our tips and tricks will help you pick the perfect agent for you.
Are they Qualified?
Always make sure the agent you are choosing is a member of a recognised regulatory body. If you are using services provided by Lesley Hooks you can rest assured that you are Property Mark protected. We have a number of staff who are ARLA or NAEA qualified, meaning you are in safe hands. What is the Association of Regulated Letting Agents? Click here for more info. We therefore have a wealth of knowledge and experience and can give you up to date advice on changes to legislation.
Location Location Location
It can sometimes be easier to choose a letting agent in the local area. We think the most important quality is to have it managed all under one roof. You may be passed from pillar to post if your property maintenance is being dealt with in one location but contracts and legal issues elsewhere. Lesley Hooks services are all run from our Bebington Branch so you can be sure that you are dealing with the same team of people day in, day out.
What Service Levels Do They Offer?
Many agents will offer different levels of service from Tenant Find to Fully Managed. With a Tenant Find package, you (the landlord) will be undertaking day to management including any property maintenance, that means you could potentially being dealing with emergencies in the middle of the night. Full management is often the service level of choice for many landlords as the agent will take care of all the finer details, property maintenance and assist in any potential issues that may arise. Lesley Hooks offer several service levels tailored to suit your needs.
Repairs
Always make sure what systems an agent has in place to deal with any repairs and routine maintenance. The last thing you want is for any defects or faults be left for longer than necessary. Not only could this cause costly damage to the property but could land you in hot water if the tenant decides to take this any further. If you choose Lesley Hooks to manage your property you will have a dedicated property manager. We also use Fixflo which means tenants can report a repair 24/7 and have access to out of hours services where a genuine emergency arises.
Complying with the Law
There are numerous pieces of legislation to take into account when renting out your property. Make sure your letting agent is knowledgeable and experienced in making sure that you are fully compliant with the law. Lesley Hooks are members of ARLA meaning that this is one of our top priorities in order to protect you as a landlord. We keep fully up to date with new legislation in the rental sector to make sure you don't have to.
Embracing Technology
Make sure you choose an agent who is up to date with the latest tech. Choosing a proactive agent can be the difference between having your property empty for long periods and mismanaged when occupied to having good tenants and less hassle. Lesley Hooks use many different softwares for repairs, routine inspections, maintenance and of course online portals and social media for advertising and marketing.
If you want to find out more on how Lesley Hooks can help you manage your property then get in touch to discuss this in more detail.
Email: lesley@lesleyhooks.co.uk
Phone: 0151 644 6000 (option2)
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