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August 25, 2022

Letting Agent Fees for Landlords Explained

August 12, 2021
Written by
Laura Williams

Letting agent fees for landlords are payments made to letting agents for services like property management and tenant find

monopoly houses stacked on british pound coins

Table of contents

Housing is a major expense for most people. Finding an affordable place to call home is complex. And letting agent fees make the process even more expensive. These costs can add up quickly! Letting agents are like the fairy godmothers of landlords. They can arrange to rent a property on your behalf. And even collect rent. But they're not cheap.

The reason many people don't choose them is because it's more expensive than looking on your own. But most let these magic workers take care of their properties so that less work has to go into renting out places. This blog post will discuss letting agent fees in detail. And offer some top tips for the landlord on choosing the right agent.

What are Letting Agent Fees for Landlords?

letting agent fees, house or new home, red paper house standing out for real estate property, house or new home, red paper house standing out

Letting agent fees are payments made by landlords to letting agents for the services they provide. These range from a flat fee paid in return for specific tasks. The letting agencies can help you with these tasks to an agreed percentage of your rent. It can cover things like tenant-finding and reference checks. If you're looking at using letting agents service. We recommend reading our guide on how to choose one before signing any agreements. So you can make an informed decision.

The Importance of Having a Good Agent and How to Find One?

Elderly woman holding a small house in her hands

With the cost of renting on the rise, it's never been a better time to rent out your property due to high demand. According to recent research from government officials. Seven per cent more people have privately rented in just ten years. It means there are plenty of renters looking for housing! Losing sleep over your property investment is not a good idea. A competent letting agent should make your life as a landlord much more manageable. A good letting agent will market the property proactively. Find you the right tenants and handle rental paperwork, all for an affordable fee!

Suppose you choose to go with management services. In that case, they can also capably deal with any day-to-day issues that may arise. While having their expertise on tap if something more serious happens. Such as a tenant leaving without notice or causing damage during the tenancy.

Now you need to decide on which services are the most important. For example, do you want a professional tenant finder? An expert negotiator with landlords and tenants on your behalf? Do they offer short-term or long-term rental options? Especially for different needs of people like yourself living abroad. They might not have time before their return home to search for property themselves. But still, wish to feel secure about where they will live during their stay there?

Researching local letting agents is an essential process. If one wishes efficiency through choice! The next step would be comparing fees from these agencies. Everyone wants what's the best value.

Letting Agent Fees for Landlords– How Much Do They Charge?

Home or real estate insurance protection concept. A man hand stop a wooden dominoes continuous toppled before reaching the house and money. Depicts letting agent fees that will occur to the property.

Some people do not have the time or patience to find a tenant for their house. That is why some landlords hire letting agents specializing in this area. And pay them fees called letting agent's fees. Different types of services let out agencies offer. So it all depends on what kind of service your landlord needs when hiring an agency.The fees you will pay depend on the services you choose, and you can pay them up-front. Or as a percentage of your rent. Whether you choose to pay a flat fee or as a percentage of your rent, the fees must be reasonable and not too high. The best way to avoid overpaying is by researching. That is before you sign any agreements with an agent. If you're still unsure about what steps you should take in regards to choosing an agent.

You are uncertain about whether to rent an apartment or buy a house? Don't worry! We can help you decide. It all depends on your needs and budget, but there is one thing we know for sure. You want the best bang for your buck when it comes to renting out apartments and houses. If you're thinking about using a letting agent to help you find an apartment for yourself in London. Or a landlord looking for a tenant. Our guide is available at www.oasis-living.com

Letting Agent Fees for Various Services

You can choose from different levels of service. It all depends on how much you are willing to spend and if you have the time or not. Services range in price point and scope. You should not take it lightly. As some people may want a more hands-on approach. While others prefer to get their credit card out for someone else's labour when it comes down to it.

Rent collection

Many landlords are too busy to handle the tedious task of collecting rent. And following up with late payments, so they outsource this job. This saves them time in managing their rental properties.

Looking for the Right Tenants

The most basic level of being a landlord involves finding tenants. Completing the referencing process, collecting a deposit, and drawing up the tenancy agreement. The agent may also arrange for furniture to be delivered. Or advertise an empty property on websites such as Rightmove. You must find someone who will take care of your investment. Rather than treating it like just another job.

Complete Management

You'll have a single point of contact for any questions about your property: the agent. They will take care of everything. From maintenance to repairs and tenant relations - you won't have to worry!You can count on one thing when it comes to owning an investment property. There are always things that need fixing or taking care of. With properties in particular, like rental units where tenants come and go. This becomes even more difficult with so many people involved and little accountability.

That's why we offer complete management services by redefining property management for landlords. So if you do not wish to handle all these duties by yourself. And are only interested in monthly rent collection. Feel free to contact us at www.oasis-living.com for complete property management.

Letting Agent Fees for Landlords

Wooden toy house with rent sign on grass close up

Nerve-wracking, isn't it? There is hope for those looking to rent out their property. But aren't sure about the estate agent letting fees! But don't worry. The cost of renting a home will depend on the level of service you're getting. And this guide should help clarify things. Finding a tenant typically has an upfront fee which can be as high as one month's rent. Collecting rents usually incurs between five and 10 per cent commission depending on your needs. Total management costs could also vary, with charges being at least 20%.

Before signing anything, just make sure you know what type of services. And associated fees each company provides. So that when all is said and done, there won't be any misunderstandings for later.

The Ban on Letting Agents Fees

The Tenant Fees Act 2019 came into force on 1 June, meaning that most fees for tenants are now banned. This has had the effect of making renting more accessible. Not just to people in need. But also to those who have a less-than-ideal credit rating and can't buy property by themselves.While some feared an increase in rents. Or higher costs are passed onto renters from landlords as their leases expire. This new law is already changing things. So drastically that at least one major bank predicted we will see fewer sales than expected. Because mortgage lenders may be turned off from financing buyers with bad credit scores. Due to uncertainty over how rental income would cover monthly repayments. If necessary repairs arise during lease agreements signed before the ban went into place.

Is it essential to hire a Lettings Agents?

You're not obligated to use a letting agent, but don't let that be your sole rationale. There is also the matter of fees. Using an agency means you pay as well. Beyond this, there's always a certain distance created when working with someone else. Even agents themselves are at arm's length from their clients and tenants alike.Managing a house can seem overwhelming, but it doesn't always have to be. In fact, as expensive and time-consuming as an undertaking it may be for you personally. Or not want the commitment in your life at all times. There are ways around this issue that will suit those with different needs.

For example, managing tenants is too much work than using real estate agents would save money on management fees. While also running smoothly without taking up extra hours from your day!

Top tips for landlords on Letting Agent Fees

3D white houses model in circle on blue background for real estate property, housing development or community

We know that finding the right agent to represent your property is essential. Here are some tips on finding one who will work best for you and your needs.

  1. To select the best agency for your property, consider what company size will meet all your needs. For example, if you have a small-scale rental portfolio in one city. And want to expand into other cities or states with multiple properties. A national firm might be better than regional firms that only operate within the confines of their home state. Alternatively, smaller local agencies may know more about an area's housing market trends. Because they're rooted there instead of being established nationwide. However, it can take them longer to get back to clients since this is not necessarily where most paychecks are earned from.
  1. Whether you are looking for a place to live or to make an investment. It is vital that the property be presented in the most flattering light. Would your agency take photos of and advertise on their website? You may want to provide professional photographs of the property. If you do not have them available already.
  1. When you're looking for a letting agency, make sure to do your research. Online reviews can go a long way in determining which agencies are worth engaging with. And which ones to avoid. If the company has an established, reputable reputation within their industry. It will increase the likelihood of tenants renting through them. Rather than finding someone who better suits their needs or requests.
  1. The more extended a contract, the more time you have to get out of it. This can be particularly helpful if your agent is being difficult. And not willing to work with you for whatever reason. However, make sure that there's nothing in this stipulation about how much notice must come before providing an end date. Or they could just keep asking without any obligation on their part!
  1. To ensure that the agency you choose is credible. Check to see if they are a registered member of The Property Ombudsman. Furthermore, this ensures that its understanding of good letting practices. And tenancy law will be up-to-date. You may also want to ensure their membership in different professional organizations. Such as the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the National Approved Letting Scheme (NALS). Or Association for Residential Lettings Agents (ARLA).

Conclusion

The best way to avoid all the hard work is by hiring the right agent who will do everything on the behalf of the client. From finding tenants to completely managing properties. This blog post has discussed some vital aspects of letting agents fee. So you can finally make up your mind if you need to hire the services of a letting agent! Or want to do it yourself.

If you're a landlord looking to save on your letting agent fees then you should consider online letting agents such as Oasis Living. We keep costs low by using smart tech and AI to do the heavy lifting. We can find you tenants and manage your property for less than any high street agent. Find out more by visiting our website homepage!

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