Would you rent a property out without using an agency?

dimbo61

So your starting a new business and need to get it right from day one or like many businesses you could go bust or worse.
Are you buying as a limited company ?As partners with your other half ?
Tenants in common ?
What is your market ?
Have you arranged finances in the most Tax efficient way ?
Join the NRLA and read all the advice in the first two post's at the top of this board about being a Landlord and your responsibilities.
We have used Gumtree in the past and maybe openrent or spareroom might be useful for finding tenants.
NRLA can be used for credit checks.
Directline offer Landlord insurance with legal cover and rent protection if they stop paying.
Making sure your rental property is safe, secure and fire safe with all the checks done !
EPC, EICR, GSC, Pat testing and legionnaires checks. 
Right to rent checks, credit checks, deposit protection and prescribed information . DPS Tenant information on how to rent. You may need a council licence and fire safety inspection 
There is more like video inventory and tenancy agreement plus addendum, Parent guarantors.
Please make sure any rental you buy is EPC rated C or better.

Stubod

..if in doubt you could go through an agent for the first year, and if you get a good tenant you can always give the agent notice (around 2 months?) and go DIY.