Landlord averse to letting agents

Peterpiper

I've let my flat out for five stress-free years through a company which sources accommodation for the MoD. However, they're struggling to find me a new tenant now and I'm about to advertise it elsewhere. My wife had some bad experiences with useless letting agents when she let her flat out so I'm keen to bypass them if possible. However, we may soon be moving abroad so I wouldn't really be in a position to keep an eye on the property or deal with any problems (not that letting agents seem to be much better at it!)

Any suggestions on the best way forward? Finding a tenant isn't problem, but should I let it on my own, and which landlords association is best to join if I do?

tbs624

Welcome as a newbie

If you are moving abroad then you must have someone here in the UK who can act as your agent and provide a UK address at which Notices may be served (although it doesn't have to be an LA as such). If you don't, then legally no rent is collectable from your tenant. You also need to look at this on taxation for non-UK resident LLs

The two national LL associations are the RLA and the NLA - there will probably also be an affiliated local LL association your area. Local members should be able to help you find someone reputable if you don't have friends or family willing to take on the role. Check that, as a minimum, any LA is signed up to ARLA, NALs etc, as they do at least have a code of conduct, and get a friend to pose as a potential tenant to see what kind of service they provide. Provide your own contact details to any T so that you can be made aware of any LA shortcomings

2912pwil

Choose like you might choose with any other decision... make 'phone calls (?pose as tenant to get the "other side" view),, visit agents in the area.. , ask other Landlords at the landlord association you are a member of (you are, right, so you can ask for advice.,) - I would avoid national chains and prefer local firms..

One point, kinda critical. Ask to see their tenancy agreements. In my humble experience (twice, once very critical issue) letting Agents sometimes don't understand the law... and may get the words wrong.. You as an experienced Landlord will obviously have a RECENTLY UPDATED tenancy agreement reflecting recent changes.... (If they won't show you their draft agreements - walk away,, )

Cheers!