Letting Agency Issues as Landlord

Steameh

Hi all,

I rent out my 2 bedroom property using a local letting agency, however, since employing them to manage my property I have a number of issues and would like some advice on where I stand.

My first major issue is that they let the previous tenant move out of the property owing 2 weeks rent. They didn't even realise they still owed money until I called and asked where my rent is. Even then they were adamant they don't owe me anything. 15 minutes later they call and confirm I am right. 3 weeks later, still no money.

My second major issue, a new tenant moved in last week, I have not seen or signed any new AST agreement. The tenant reported an issue with the washing machine so took the opportunity to go have a look myself. On top of the washing machine was the new agreement. The tenant has paid 6 months rent in advance, I wasn't aware of this because I haven't had a copy of the agreement.

Is it right for the agency to then drip feed me the monthly rent or should he take his fee from the 6 months rent and send me the rest?

Other minor issues I have, I never have a set payment date for my rent, it's random and sometimes I have to chase. They do not tell me how much repairs are going to cost before I authorise work, I am just billed. General communication is poor.

Basically I just need some advice on where I stand legally. Do I have grounds to terminate my contract early?

Cheers in advance.

csgohan4

change your agent in line with the T+Cs you signed with them which we cant see from here

G_M

find a new agent.



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

Steameh

Got a copy of my agreement.

No mention of advanced payments being held by the agent. I also have to give 3 months notice to terminate the agreement which I will be giving on Monday.

I probably do have grounds to exit early but to save any potential issues, I'll just give him the 3 months notice.

ognum

You need to insist on more information from your management agent before signing with them.

All my tenants pay rent to my agent on the 1st of the month ( unless it’s a weekend) all must have a direct debit set up. The rent goes to my agent and is transferred to my account on the same day by 4pm minus the agent fees and any tradesman bills for the properties.

When interviewing for an agent get these kind of issues sorted out.

G_M

ognum wrote: »

You need to insist on more information from your management agent before signing with them.

All my tenants pay rent to my agent on the 1st of the month ( unless it’s a weekend) all must have a direct debit set up. The rent goes to my agent and is transferred to my account on the same day by 4pm minus the agent fees and any tradesman bills for the properties.

When interviewing for an agent get these kind of issues sorted out and written into the contract

........................................................................................

Steameh

UPDATE

Contacted my agent to say I'm aware of the advanced payment and queried why it's been paid and why I've not been informed.

The new tenant is self employed, that's why it was paid upfront. I'm still not happy that I wasn't made aware.

Anyhow, I asked for the money to be sent over which I now have. Just about to give him my notice.

G_M

Steameh wrote: »

UPDATE

Contacted my agent to say I'm aware of the advanced payment and queried why it's been paid and why I've not been informed.

The new tenant is self employed, that's why it was paid upfront. I'm still not happy that I wasn't made aware.

Anyhow, I asked for the money to be sent over which I now have. Just about to give him my notice.

Glad you got the money sorted.


Do you have a plan in place for replacement? Alternative LA? DIY?

Steameh

G_M wrote: »

Glad you got the money sorted.


Do you have a plan in place for replacement? Alternative LA? DIY?

I'm going to DIY, I have some research to do to make sure I'm doing it properly, I've a friend who lets a few properties, he's going to give me hand as well.

The property itself is no more than 10 minutes drive for me, I've plenty of tradesmen in my family who could help and I have British Gas cover should the boiler, central heating need repairing.

G_M

Make sure you get ALL the associated documentation from the agent


tenancy application
references
payment history

tenancy agreement
inventory
deposit details
correspondance sent/received
I cant think what else..... but there's more!

Steameh

G_M wrote: »

Make sure you get ALL the associated documentation from the agent


tenancy application
references
payment history

tenancy agreement
inventory
deposit details
correspondance sent/received
I cant think what else..... but there's more!

Gas Certificate is the only other one I can think of.