News

One Simple Step to Change Your Letting Agent

Switching letting agents might seem like a daunting task, causing many landlords to delay despite receiving inadequate service or feeling disconnected from their current agent. However, the process is surprisingly straightforward, requiring just one action from the landlord. Your new letting agent will handle the rest.

Changing Letting Agent – Landlord's Role

1. Notify Your Current Letting Agent

The sole responsibility of the landlord in changing letting agents is to notify their current agent. The specifics of how and when to do this, including the notice period required, will be outlined in the terms of business agreed upon when initially appointing the agent. Typically, this notice period is three months in writing, though it's advisable to confirm this with your agent beforehand. Once the notice is given, the new letting agent will step in and manage communication with the tenants and the outgoing agent, facilitating a seamless transition. It truly is as simple as that!

Check out our tips on selecting the best letting agent for your property needs.

Changing Letting Agent – New Agent's Responsibilities

1. Obtain Information from the Current Agent

Upon receiving approval from the landlord, we promptly contact the current agent to confirm the takeover date. Prior to this date, we request essential documentation such as safety certificates, tenant contact details, inventory, and any property-specific information.

On the agreed changeover date, we collect:

• All sets of keys
• Original tenancy documents

2. Communicate with the Tenant

We establish contact with the tenant early in the process to introduce ourselves and inform them of the management transition. Keeping tenants informed and providing them with relevant contact details is crucial. We also coordinate with tenants to arrange a convenient time for an initial meeting post-transition.

3. Conduct an Initial Inspection

Following the changeover, we visit the property to conduct an initial inspection and meet with the tenant. This inspection allows tenants to address any concerns or maintenance issues that may have arisen.

The landlord receives a comprehensive update on the property, including:

• Overview photographs of each room
• Details of outstanding maintenance
• Suggestions for future improvements Subsequent property inspections are scheduled every six months unless issues arise, in which case inspections are conducted as necessary until resolved.

Contact us to discuss transferring the management of your Edinburgh lettings property effortlessly: hello@flatcompany.com  0131 226 7733