Left agent, managing myself, new letting agreement??

JDi

Hi

I am in the process of leaving the letting agent i have been using for a property i rent out as i will be managing myself. The tenant is long term and has been in for 2 years now so seems pointless paying agent commision (and they havent been very good at all).

I have everything sorted (gas certs, deposit scheme, etc) but there is some confusion regarding the tenancy agreement. The tenant origanally signed a 6 month AST which lapsed onto a periodic.

Im wondering if the agreement is still ok left in place because it references the agent in a number of places? Or if i need to sort a new one out?

Regards

Jim

Pixie5740

Presumably you are named as the landlord on the original TA meaning the tenant has always had a contract with you. That doesn't change just because you ditch the agent.

theartfullodger

Wot pixie says...

Are you sure your agreement with agent does say that, even if you've dispensed with agent he isn't still entitled to his % compo???

G_M

No need to change the tenant's contract.

But read your contract with the agent carefully.......

then read:

* Letting agents: how should a landlord select or sack?

(taken from:
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/67759912#Comment_67759912 )

atolaas

I started out renting my place through an agency. Now my LL manages the property directly. You might need to check to see if you need to notify the Deposit Protection Scheme that the Agency are no longer managing the property on your behalf.

JDi

thanks so far guys n gals

I am named on the AST as the landlord and the agreement is stated as between myself and the tenant. The agreement is however signed by the agent on my behalf..........does this make a difference?

Fees with agent all sorted and the 'split' was ammicable (i have had to give them 3 months managment fees for anyone that is interested, as per our contract).

Deposit management scheme is onboard.......the deposit has been transferred into a scheme in my name with full knowledge of myself, scheme and agent.

It was just the tenancy agreement im confused over and the agents signiture on it as opose to mine.

Thanks

G_M

They signed as your agent - that is (legally) the same as you signing.

saajan_12

Fine to keep the original tenancy in place. The agent signed on your behalf as they were your 'agent' (i.e. your proxy) at the time - all above board. Make sure you issue any amendments in writing to the tenant e.g.

-> address for serving notices changed to your address
-> rent payment instructions to your account