Friday, May 11, 2012

So what can an agent do for you that you cannot do yourself?

This is something Scott Bates and Coles commonly get asked by landlords tempted at embarking on the lettings process alone, but at what cost? Getting it wrong can be a costly and stressful mistake t make. We summarise our answer to private landlords;


Advice.
The lettings world is full to the brim with legal obligations, and changing regulations. An agent’s role is to ensure they inform you of everything that will affect you as a landlord. They can also advise you of the competition on the rental market at the time, and the best ways to present your property to obtain the best outcome.
Advertising.
Private landlords cannot gain access to market their properties on the large internet portals such as Rightmove. Without this exposure, how can you be sure of finding the ideal tenant at the best rental price?
Taking the hassle out of finding the right tenant.
Let your agent do the running around, and give them the role of making sure your prospective tenant is a reliable one by fully referencing them.
Making sure your property is tenant ready.
Advice to ensure that the property conforms to the latest safety regulations. 
Make sure the paperwork is legally approved.
All our contracts have been approved by a solicitor to ensure that all our landlords have in place legally binding tenancy agreements.  
Informing the utility companies of new tenants details....
managing maintenance, your property accounts, and checking your property throughout the tenancy. A happy tenant equals a longer tenancy. Agents are best placed to deal with tenants needs, whilst keeping in mind their landlords best interests. 
Being best placed to deal with property evictions.
Without the correct Notice documents being issued to your tenants, the eviction process, should it be necessary, can be a stressful and drawn out process. 
Not wasting time.
With a clear property changeover in place, gaps between tenancies, and deposit disputes, can be avoided.

If you looking to rent a property in Devon or Somerset or are a landlord with property that needs a tenant, get in touch with Scott Bates and Coles.