Getting rid of the letting agent and signing with the tenants direct

atolaas

Hiya :j

I'm a tenant who started renting my current property with a letting agency being the "the middle man" if you will in September 2013. I proved myself to be a good tenant, rent and bills are all up to date and the property is kept looking good inside and out. Both my LL and I came to the conclusion that it was easier to communicate with one another and leave the letting agency - and their fee, so just before Xmas 2015 I signed a rolling contract with my LL. I think that this has made life easier for both myself and the LL. I draw his attention to problems as and when they arise and he sorts them out in a timely manner. It's an arrangement that works for us. He also hasn't put my rent up since I moved in, for which I'm very grateful! I've been renting for the better part of 20 years and this is the first time that I've entered into a tenancy directly with the LL. So far, so good!!

bizwax

Any update on this OP?

I am curious to see how things go.

bkbh

Hi OP, as stated by previous posts:
Thoroughly check the current rules & regs of the "Tenant Deposit Scheme", regarding safe/secure deposit no interest etc.
As for leaving current letting agent, again check small print & wording of your agreement with current L'Agent.... maybe a fixed notice or fixed severance fee...unless you can effectively prove negligence on their part, rather than just extortionate fees to tenants.
We had our residential properties spread between 2 local L'Agents and wanted to move properties from both to a new different L'Agent. Our options were either a fixed/one off severance fee (different amounts from each L'Agent) or 1to 3 months notice. We opted to pay the severance fees in both cases, as it suited our particular situation.
Final top tip: keep all copies safe & if electronic, back up somewhere safe too
Good luck,