When instructing a letting agent to carry out a fully managed service, make sure you are getting the quality and level of service you deserve and your agent isn't really just a distant entity acting as a rent collector.
Most agents nowadays have streamlined their high street presence to just a sales operation with their property management run from call centres across the country. This is great for the agent as it cuts costs significantly, but not so good for the landlord as this means that there is nobody locally managing their property.
When you next instruct or renew, ask the following questions:
- Is my property being managed locally or by a distant call centre?
- How many property visits and reports does your agent carry out per year?
- How many staff in the local Estate agent branch are actually part of the lettings and management team?
- What relevant, accredited training or qualifications do they have in relation to property management?
- Is there a dedicated local property manager within the agency who knows your property and the area?
These points are worth considering as your property is your most valuable asset and you deserve a service which ensures that it is well maintained whilst you are away.
Tenancy management is all about relationships and hands-on management as opposed to dealing with a call centre so make sure you, your tenant, and your property are being well looked after.
If the management is a call centre you may as well manage it yourself so it's worth paying for a local team to manage your property who are familiar voices and know your property and the area inside-out.
For more information about Rockett Home Rentals and our managed service, visit http://rocketthomerentals.com/.