A letting agent is a person or company engaged to perform, on behalf of a landlord, some or most of his letting duties in return for payment. The agent, therefore, can form a buffer between the landlord and tenant, serving as a knowledgeable intermediary, releasing the landlord from some, or most, of his workload. An agent can also offer information and guidance on the majority of letting procedures and be a permanent point of contact for the tenant and landlord.

Looking At Letting Agents

Let’s look at different sources of letting agent and the services they can offer.

Finding a letting agent

Letting agents may be found in a variety of different establishments.

Specialised letting agencies

Most areas are served by specialised letting agencies whose only or main business is providing a letting service for property owners. Such agencies usually advertise widely and you should have no trouble identifying those in your area. There are national chains of letting agencies as well as smaller local companies.

Part of a company dealing in property sales

Most estate agencies handle property to let, sometimes alongside their sales and sometimes within a separate section or department. This is an attractive option for those who choose to put their property on the market in the ‘to let or for sale’ category.

A department in a solicitors’ practice

Many large group practices have a leasing department, either separate from or together with their property sales department. This type of agent can often offer most flexibility and will be attractive if your circumstances do not fit the norm.

A solicitor

Some solicitors will take on the role of letting agent, especially if you are already an existing client.

Checking out the services that agents provide

It can vary a lot, but most agents will offer landlords a full, all-encompassing package of services and also a shortened, tenant-finding service.