How to find a letting agent

At Centrick, our expert teams across Birmingham, Nottingham and Solihull have unrivalled knowledge of their local lettings markets. We know that it takes a lot for a landlord to trust a letting agent with their biggest asset and we understand that choosing the right agency can seem difficult with so much choice in the market. Most landlords simply want to get their property listed and rented as quickly as possible so that they can start generating returns, so we’ve curated our top tips for those searching for the perfect lettings agent:

Loving Local

Local experience is key: your agent should have a sound knowledge of the area your property is located in. This will help them value your property accurately and increases your chances of securing a tenant quickly. Your agent may know of tenants in your neighbourhood that are actively looking to move, which can ease the process for the landlord, lettings agent and the tenant and keep void periods to a minimum.

What’s more, a letting agent with local experience will be well placed to make your property advertising stand out. They’ll be able to reference the local amenities, neighbourhood culture, schools and commuter links that make your property desirable. With 27% of tenants moving within one mile of their existing abode, there is a strong likelihood that some of your viewers will be familiar with your area, and by finding a letting agent that can amplify your property’s appeal to locals you’ll get it tenanted much faster.

To see if your agent is locally renowned, delve into their track record – have they had success selling or renting in your postcode? Ask your letting agent about their latest new instructions in your area, and how much interest they’ve already had – this will not only allow you to assess how popular your area is, but also whether your chosen agency is trusted by locals.

Knowledge

Now you’ve certified that your chosen lettings agency has the best local knowledge, it’s time to consider their aptitude for assessing the lettings market and remaining compliant. Experienced lettings agents will understand market demand and what tenants want from their next rental home. With home and hybrid working becoming increasingly popular, and outdoor space appearing more frequently in property searches, your chosen lettings agent should be able to advise you on the best ways to amplify the appeal of your property to get it tenanted quickly, and for a high price. Centrick has an abundance of blogs outlining tenants’ needs and wants based upon a combination of both research and experience. As tenant trends have evolved, we have evolved alongside them, making Centrick a leading choice for many tenants who are in the market to find a new home.

A good letting agent will also be able to tell landlords what they need prior to listing their property and prior to accepting an offer of tenancy. Right to Rent checks, referencing checks and guarantor checks are all essential components for a successful tenancy and provide landlords with all the information necessary to make an informed decision about their property’s occupancy. Similarly, your letting agent should be able to advise you on which safety certificates you will require, and will be able to keep you up-to-date with the latest amendments and legislation changes that could impact your property.

Transparency

Agents should be able to advise on a management package that suits you and be transparent about any upfront or ongoing costs associated with your chosen option. Typically, ‘tenant find’ packages will require payment of a single upfront fee, whereas ‘rent collection’ and ‘full management’ options usually necessitate monthly payments to the letting agent. It is important that your chosen letting agent is transparent about these costs. Centrick offers a number of different management options to suit a variety of clients: from a comprehensive management package for the hands-off landlord, to a tenant-find only package for those wanting to handle their property more closely. Better yet, you won’t find any hidden fees halfway into your tenancy – ask your letting agent for our transparent cost breakdown.

In the event that your property is not suitable for rental – for example, if it requires a large amount of renovation to make it liveable – a good agent should be able to advise whether listing your property on the market for sale is a better option. By utilising their knowledge of the market in your area, your agent should provide you with the tools to make the best decision for your situation.

At Centrick, our clients trust our judgement to help them make the best choice about their property. Whether you’re looking to find tenants for you latest investment or are just dipping your toes into the buy-to-let market, our local, knowledgeable and trustworthy teams can help. Use the form below to get in touch: