Sadly we’ve heard many horror stories about property management companies in West Sussex that have let landlords down, where furniture has gone missing, incorrect health and safety advice has been provided and overdue rent has built up. Hopefully none of these things have ever happened to you if you’re a landlord. A good property management company should save you both time and hassle.
With Stuart & Partners, you can be sure of a personal, reliable service, formed from over 30 years of experience passed down through our family business. We have three different levels of property management available to suit varying budgets and knowledge levels, but in general, what should you expect from a property agent?
What to expect from a good property management company
- Either a flat fee charge or a percentage of the rent
- A clear contract detailing the agent’s responsibilities
- Tenancy agreement
- Marketing – use of property portals, local papers, shop windows, the agent’s database of potential tenants and relocation companies
- Honest market valuations
- Property signage e.g. ‘To Let’ board
- Thorough tenant reference gathering
- Accompanied viewings and negotiations with prospective tenants
- Inventory report
- Securely hold deposits
- Collect rent and provide statements (unless letting only service)
- Organise rent reviews
- Manage communications between tenants and landlords
- Manage tenant check-in and check-out of your property
- Serve Notices (section 21)
- The agent should be registered with The Property Ombudsman
We hope this has been helpful, particularly if you are a new landlord. Be sure that you know all about your health and safety obligations including conducting gas safety checks, and that you have current appropriate insurance too. If a local authority has any reason to suspect that a property is hazardous, it can assess the accommodation in line with the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
Property Management Companies in West Sussex – What to Expect From Your Agent, is an advisory blog post from Stuart & Partners.