For landlords · 6 min read
What does a letting agent actually do for the fee?
Letting agents sell three tiers. Tenant-find covers marketing, viewings, referencing and setting up the tenancy, then hands it over. Rent collection adds collecting rent, chasing arrears and accounting. Full management adds compliance oversight, repairs, contractor instruction, key holding, property visits and deposit dilapidation negotiation. Only full management involves anyone attending the property. Crucially, the legal duties stay with you as landlord at every tier — the agent performs tasks, but does not absorb liability.
Frequently asked questions
What does a letting agent do for their fee?
It depends on tier. Tenant-find covers marketing, viewings, referencing and tenancy set-up. Rent collection adds rent handling and arrears chasing. Full management adds compliance oversight, repairs, contractor instruction, key holding, property visits and deposit negotiations at the end.
Does using a letting agent remove my legal responsibilities?
No. Gas safety, EICR, EPC, alarms, deposit protection and serving prescribed documents remain the landlord's legal duties. An agent may perform the tasks, but liability generally stays with you if something is missed.
Is full management worth the extra percentage?
It is the only tier where someone attends the property, holds keys and manages contractors. If you live far away, travel often, or do not want maintenance calls, it has genuine value. If you are local and hands-on, you are largely paying for paperwork.
How many property visits does full management include?
Commonly two per year in published schedules, with additional visits chargeable — around £150 each at published rates. Check the included allowance and the per-visit charge before assuming inspections are unlimited.