Many landlords believe that changing their letting agent mid-tenancy will be painful, difficult or downright impossible – but this really isn’t the case.
If you’re a landlord in the east London areas of Romford, Hornchurch, Dagenham, Rainham, Upminster and Harold Wood, we look at the things you need to consider before making a switch.
Can a landlord change letting agent mid-tenancy?
Yes. Though it may involve hassle and shopping around for the right agent. Still, it’s perfectly possible to switch mid-tenancy, depending on the terms of your contract. If you choose a decent, new letting agent, they should help you through the process too.
When is it a good idea to switch letting agent?
You should consider changing letting agent mid-tenancy for several reasons. For example, you might feel that their services aren’t up to scratch – that the agent is slow, unresponsive, bad at communication or simply incompetent. They may take too long to act upon tenant arrears, be poor at completing repairs, slow at returning your calls or have an attitude problem. Costs could be an issue too – you may be paying higher fees than other local agents charge and not getting much for your money.
Changing letting agent – the process
If you’re wondering what exactly changing your agent mid-tenancy will involve, this is the basic process:
1. Review your contract
Before you start looking for a new agent, it’s essential to understand the contract you’ve signed. Like tenancy agreements, many contracts contain an initial fixed period when you probably can’t change agents without a penalty, followed by a rolling contract where you can switch after giving the required notice. Look carefully at your contract to see if you’re in a position to switch and what the financial penalties might be – if there’s a termination fee. If your agent’s performance has fallen below par, you may be able to terminate your agreement on this basis.
2. Select a new letting agent
If your contract is acceptable, start shopping for a new agent. Talk to several firms, read reviews, and try to get personal recommendations and testimonials. Get a feel for how good they’ll be to work with, and look at their record for letting and managing property locally. Ask how they will help you with the switching process – most agents have a strong incentive to help you move over to them. If they’re reluctant, then view this as a red flag.
3. Give notice to the current letting agent
You need to give your agent the required notice to terminate the contract. They may try to change your mind at this point – listen to their counter-offer critically, based on previous performance. They may also come up with reasons why you can’t switch – your new agent should be able to help here if necessary. You need to give notice in writing.
4. Document the process
Keep copies of all correspondence and ensure it is neatly filed. If your previous agent has all the essential paperwork for the tenancy, such as your EPC and gas safety certificate, make sure these are returned to you.
5. Inform your tenants
Changing the letting agent mid-tenancy will not affect your tenants significantly. However, it will mean new people to deal with. You need to inform your tenants of the change and give them the contact details of their new agent. Your tenant agreement is between you and the tenant, not the letting agent, but it will need updating to include their details.
6. Inform your tenancy deposit scheme
Suppose your agent has managed the deposit protection process. In that case, you will need to switch schemes or inform the current one about the change in letting agent. Again, this is something your new agent may be able to handle on your behalf.
7. Make the switch
When the transfer happens, keys to the property will need to be handed to the new agent at the end of your notice period. Any burglar alarm must be reset, and the final paperwork must be signed and filed.
If you rent out property in Colchester, Chelmsford, Basildon, Thurrock, Harlow, Southend on Sea and Essex – and are unhappy with the service you’re receiving for any reason, talk to us. We’d be happy to manage your rental home efficiently and professionally, and take care of the hassle associated with a mid-tenancy switch.
