Owning a rental property can be a rewarding investment, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. From finding reliable tenants to dealing with repairs and legal compliance, managing a rental can quickly become a full-time job. That’s where a professional lettings agent can make all the difference.
Find out how using a lettings agent can help you manage your rental property, save you time, and give you peace of mind.
1. Finding the right tenants
One of the most important aspects of managing a rental property is finding reliable tenants who will treat your property with care and pay rent on time. A lettings agent like Jacobs Steel can:
- • Market your property effectively on popular platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and social media.
- • Conduct thorough tenant screening, including credit checks, references, and employment verification.
- • Handle viewings and answer questions from potential tenants, saving you time and effort.
2. Setting the right rent
Pricing your rental property correctly is key to attracting tenants and maximising your income. A lettings agent will use their local market knowledge to recommend a competitive rent. They can also advise on how to increase the rent over time based on market trends or property improvements.
3. Handling legal and regulatory compliance
The UK rental market is governed by strict laws and regulations, and it’s essential to stay compliant to avoid fines or legal disputes. A lettings agent will:
- • Ensure your property meets safety requirements, such as having an up-to-date Gas Safety Certificate, EPC, and electrical safety checks.
- • Advise on landlord responsibilities, including the Tenancy Deposit Scheme and Right to Rent checks.
- • Keep you informed about changes to rental laws, such as new energy efficiency standards.
At Jacobs Steel, we’re here to support landlords and help navigate the government regulations. We have in-depth knowledge of property laws, regulations, and market trends, helping landlords stay compliant.
4. Day-to-day management
Managing a rental property involves countless small tasks, from fixing a leaking tap to chasing late rent payments. A lettings agent can handle these on your behalf, as well as collecting rent and managing arrears, organising repairs, and acting as the point of contact for tenants, so you don’t have to deal with calls and emails.
If you need to evict a tenant, a lettings agent can also handle this complex process for you to make sure you’re compliant with UK laws.
5. Property inspections
Regular inspections are important to make sure your property is being looked after. A lettings agent will conduct property inspections on your behalf, and provide you with detailed reports. They can also help to identify any issues before they escalate, and offer advice on improvements to help maintain or increase your property’s value.
6. Managing end-of-tenancy processes
When a tenancy ends, there’s a lot to manage, from deposit disputes to preparing the property for new tenants. A lettings agent will help to oversee all check-outs and inventory assessments, handle deposit returns or disputes, and can organise professional cleaning, repairs, or upgrades to get the property ready for the next tenant.
Why use a lettings agent?
Using a lettings agent isn’t just about convenience – it’s about maximising your investment. A good lettings agent saves you time and stress by taking care of the details, and helps you earn more by minimising void periods. Whether you’re a first-time landlord or have a growing portfolio, we can make the experience more rewarding and less overwhelming.