UK Landlord Forum / Life

I am renting out my first property and have used an established big name letting agency to fully manage my property. They have found me a tenant and he looks like he wants in for the long haul. We originally signed a 6 month contract.

To cut a long story short, the letting agency have amazed me with the incompetence and stupidity with constant mistake, no communication between colleagues,  consistently incorrect statements, and to top it off, attitude that comes from stupidity.

So, when my 6 month contract comes to an end I want to say "no thanks" to their kind offer to renewal (at cost to me and my tenant) and happily part company - however keep the tenant in and go direct. As we are both out of contract I can't see any problem with this. Am I wrong?

I've looked through the T&C's and there is only mention of fee's if I terminate the contact and keep the tenant. If the contract is naturally over are we all good to no longer pay for incompetence and stupidity?

Thanks in advance

They will want money money money.

They will have a clause to make you keep paying.

You dont have to renew, just let it go periodic, and as a result ask for better terms from the Agent and in writing a statement that after another say 12 months the tenant can pay you directly without deduction.

Honestly dont let them renew its a non sense.

Agree with this, but be careful and ensure you read through your agreement with the Letting Agent carefully. They do like to insert clauses that can mean you end up paying them in perpetuity, as long as the Tenant 'they got you' remains in place.

Please do not be amazed by incompetence, poor communication and attitude from Letting Agents. I take it you have not yet experienced the lying, obfuscation and the attempts at bullying?

Maybe soon.

Good luck. The email you write to the Letting Agent telling them that you no longer require their 'services' will be one of the sweetest ones you ever write. Savour it. Ensure it has no spelling mistakes and is something you'll be able to look back on with fond memories.

When I started to self-manage everything, one of the first things I got into my ASTs (which I always let Tenants review prior to renting a property) is the fact that there will be no charges to the Tenants for things like Inventories and Renewals. How many times have people told me that is a breath of fresh air? I say it's 'cos I'm not a Letting Agent / scum.

I forgot to mention the lying and bullying!! Here is the Clause that I think  May get me;
6.22 termination of agreement
A charge equivalent to one months vent plus VAT is payable on termination of Full Management or Rent Collection service agreement, if the landlord terminates the agreement and the existing Tenant remains in the property under either a Statuary Periodic tenancy or a Fixed Term tenancy agreement directly with the landlord. If any term or condition of this agreement or statuary obligation is breached by the landlord or any act or omission which renders the agent duties of managing the property in practical or impossible, the agent may terminate the agreement with immediate effect.

Is this void if the contract naturally terminates after 6 months?

Thanks for advice guys

I think they may have a clause that can 'get you' there as well. However, it's not too terrible. Some clauses I have heard of seem to say a Letting Agent's fee is to be paid, even if they are doing nothing, for as long as the same Tenant is renting. This, however, is asking for 1 month of rent plus VAT... so it could be over quickly, but it could cost a lot.

I would let the agreement 'terminate', as you say... and then stop paying them and let them know you're doing it yourself and see what their reaction is at that time. Then attempt to differentiate between 'ending' and 'terminating'... one being a natural conclusion to your agreement and the other (which you're not doing) is you terminating with their services.

I would say that is a pretty clear clause actually, and in reality a pretty fair one.

If you want to manage yourself, then expect to pay 120% of your monthly rent as a lump sum.

Easy!

As an absolute amount, it could be a lot for someone doing nothing. I would try not to pay it... but, from what I've learned over the years, I would always check for the presence of something like this and if it exists I'd ask for it to be removed or I'd not sign-up to it. Whether it's fair or not I think it's somewhat underhand. Tenant Find is something you pay for and disengage. Full Management is something you pay for on an ongoing basis, but you should be free to not take these services later (if you get more experience or want to save money or think the outfit providing the service isn't up to par). Most Agents don't do a lot for their money, but doing nothing for the money sticks in the craw.

I bought some rope from an Agent once, after I got it, I found out that it was made in 1822, and was not fit for the purpose for which I had bought it.


Apparently they made a habit out of transactions such as these!