Do most landlords just use their own name?

[Bambi]

If I don't need to set up a limited company and I don't need to open a business account - do I take it that most landlords just use their own name when dealing with tenants/letting agents etc?

I had assumed, perhaps wrongly, that most landlords would either operate as a sole trader, with a trading name, or as a ltd company if on a bigger scale? I have an unusual surname and as this is all new to me, I feel wary of giving out my name unless I have to. Maybe I'm being too cautious.

Please can anyone clarify what is the easiest (and legitimate) way of conducting the business.

Thanks
:confused:
Bambi

[Andy Start]

I've never come across anyone who operated behind a company name for the purposes of anonymity. I imagine the vast majority of landlords are happy for tenants and their agents to know their identity for ease of contact and payment purposes. The chance of these people knowing personal details about you leading to some detrimental event will rarely outweigh the effort taken to hide them.

[Poppy]

I think you should consider the following names:

Major Lee Small
Seaman Stains
General Incompetence
Corporal Punishment
Cardinal Sin

They all have an air of rank and authority don’t you think?

[justaboutsane]

.. pmsl poppy! .. I still Rachman and Co ... or Van whatsitsface!!!!... They just give an air of.... well no comment!

[susan 2]

Bambi - I have a very unusual surname and have been running our flats using that name with no problems for over 20 years. We are the only family with this name in the town. If you are a good landlord then it is an advantage as people recommend you and on many occasions people phoning say they have heard of us. Of course if you are not such a good landlord then it could be a disadvantage! We do not use agents, so always have direct contact with our tenants.
The easiest and best way of conducting any business is to treat your tenants as you would wish to be treated. If you do that then you will not go far wrong. Remember on this forum we tend to have the 5% of problem tenancies, not the 95% that proceed smoothly. Best of luck.