Changing letting agent

spheor

hello,

I am using a letting agent who is just useless for both myself and the tenant (whom they found). They have enjoyed years of income around 1200p.a so what right do I have to simply cut them out of the management and continue on with the tenant?

Thanks anyone

Werdnal

Only you have access to the terms and conditions you signed when you took them on to manage your property. What do they say?

Sometimes they tie you into paying commission for the duration of the tenancy whilst the tenant they found is in residence. Or there may be a cancellation fee.

If you do take over self-managing, make sure you get the tenant's deposit released to you and re-protect it, giving tenant the prescribed information. Otherwise, all existing tenancy terms and conditions between tenant and yourself remain unchanged.

G_M

I'm afraid I can't see your contract with the letting agents from here, so can't hlp.

Try reading it? What notice, if any, do you have to give the agent?

The only advice I'd give is that BEFORE ending the arangement, get your alternative in place:

* choose new agent unless you plan to DIY
* speak to tenants and explain, preferably face to face a) so they understand what you are doing and why b) so you build your relationship with them
* WRITE to the tenants formally, telling them a) who to pay rent to and from when b) who to contact for repairs c) official address "for the serving of notices" (if it was c/o the agent)
* start collecting rent via new agant/yourself BEFORE ending contract wih old agent - that way old agnt is not holding any of your cash (in case of disputes)