Approved letting Agents & Management options?

[ALIEN1X]

Hello,

Where can I find a list of approved letting agents (not cowboys) that cover Essex area?

And what type of management options should I go for? I definately do not want any tenant contact, I prefer agents to do this and collect the rent.

I have heard that full managment dose not really mena much, and that Im paying high fees for nothing?

My property is under full management from day one? But I dont really know where my money is going? As the agent will not take responsiblity of tenants actions .ie loss of furniture or damages.The only think they do is make sure I get the rent! But still the tenanat can smash my property up and the agent want bother doing anything. I mean they find the tenanats for me with refrences they keep due to data protection acts.

Not really sure if Should go with full mamagemet or somthing else.

My critria is I want a agent to find respectable tenants.
Collect the rent.
Inspect my property and check in/out reports.
And protect me as the Landlord from any tenant actions.

Any tips please.

Regards
Alien1x :confused:

[Paul_f]

Unfortunately you won't be able to blame the agent if the tenant misbehaves as they can't control that if you think about it.

They can however make sure that there is tight referencing and a decent deposit retained such as at least one and a half month's rent. They should use a known reference agency so that you can insure against the rent not being paid and any resultant damage. It's money well spent. Ask the agent if they offer it; if not move on.

The agent should be NAEA/ARLA/RICS approved and they must give you written terms of business. This will tell you what they do and must give you a list of ALL their charges they will make. They can't invent charges afterwards that you weren't aware of before you instructed them.

Go through the TOB carefully and if you need clarification on certain points, ask them and get it altered so it's plain to you. Agents on the whole write a poor TOB so the chances are that they will have to re-write it. E-mail me if you want.

[ALIEN1X]

Hello,
Thanks for the advise, but is there a list of good reputable Agents who have been reviewed .i.e UK top ten letting agents?

Regards
Alien1x

[Paul_f]

Look! There's a Top 10 of singles in the charts but can the artistes sing? In most cases the answer is No!

Next question! :rolleyes: