Why Landlords should use a letting agent

Why Landlords should use a letting agent

We understand Landlords can save money upfront by not employing a Letting Agent but there are many more reasons why, skimping on costs of a professional letting agent, may prove costly in the long term.

Choosing the right letting agent

We are a local independent letting agent in Durham and deal with Residential Lettings only.  This is a specialist field requiring knowledge and tools most people don’t understand or acquire.  As members of ARLA, we are trusted professionals in Residential Letting Management and Property Inventories covering whole of North East.

Knowledge of property law

At PIIM we know the law.  Knowing the legal terms is part of the job and training we undertake.  The letting agreement we provide to our clients deals with all usual eventualities in a lawful and equitable manner that protects both Landlord and Tenant.  We can advise you on law relating to residential lettings, furnished or unfurnished and the law around holding a tenant’s deposit. Also maintaining properties gas and electric installations – failure to meet these obligations can result in large fines or even imprisonment.  Ignorance is no defence.

Knowing the local property market

Knowing the local market and demand is first step to setting a market value.  Without this, you may guess what property rent will be but this can be costly either by ending up with an empty property for weeks, or setting rent too cheaply, losing rent long term.

Dealing with property voids

Voids are costly and securing a new tenant is important for your investment’s performance, however, letting a property to the wrong tenant can be disastrous.  At PIIM we can undertake rigorous checks and referencing on your behalf.  This helps reduce potential costs involved with pursuing a tenant who has failed to keep their tenant’s obligation of tenancy.

Professional accredited property agent

We carry Professional Indemnity insurance, so you know you are protected if we make an error.  We have never had to use this and get underwriters involved and don’t plan to!

Dealing with property maintenance

We have connections to trades people in the area.  If the property springs a major leak at 9pm and you are out of area, what do you do?  We only manage properties locally, live and work locally so can be on-hand when needed.

Securing a tenant’s deposit into a government approved scheme

We can arrange for a tenant’s deposit to be secured in a government approved scheme. We deal with these organisations on a regular basis, its simplifies your life and removes the headache of owning and managing your own property.

Dealing with property disputes

As Professional Landlords, we understand sometimes there’s a need to have a 3rd party acting as a buffer between you and the tenant.  Face-to-face disputes can be stressful and intimidating. Instruct us to negotiate rent increases, discuss problems you have with tenants can be prudent.

Bespoke Property Management and Lettings

Also, we provide the latest modern and exhaustive tenancy agreement available, a bespoke property management service which can be less costly then a fully managed option, and professional inventories to cover all eventualities.  We are a one-stop shop, here to serve your best interests and requirements.

If you would like to discuss how we can help you to let your property or property portfolio, regardless of if your a professional landlord, accidental landlord or novice, or looking to change letting agent, feel free to contact us info@piim.co.uk or visit www.piim.co.uk/contact-us to book an appointment for some time to discuss.