With so many potential tenants looking for rental properties, competition can be fierce and there is always the potential for legal issues cropping up.
Here are five great tips from the letting experts at Bergins to help ensure that you get the most out of your experience with a letting agent in Manchester.
Tip 1: Take advantage of pre-letting services
When it comes to renting out a property, even if yours is just a 1 bed flat in Wythenshawe, one of the best things you can do is make sure that the property is ready to rent before putting it on the market.
A lot of letting agents in Manchester offer pre-letting services which provide advice on how you can best market your property. This work also includes assistance with drawing up any relevant contracts or paperwork before renting out your property.
Tip 2: Find an agent who specialises in your area
Making sure that your chosen agent knows your area inside and out is vital if you want to get the maximum return from renting out your property.
That's because an experienced local letting agent will have an abundance of knowledge when it comes to current rental prices, available properties in the area as well as how best to market them.
For example, if you have a 3 bed house in Wythenshawe that is suitable for families, you will not only attract people in the area but lots of potential renters who are working at or near Manchester Airport.
So, while a major letting chain may appear to be a sound choice, they may not have the local detailed knowledge you need for renting success. And they may not have a long list of quality tenants ready to sign up for your home.
Don't settle for anything less than an expert who really knows their stuff! And that means contacting the experts at Bergins if you want to enjoy rental success in Wythenshawe or Northenden.
Tip 3: Get all legalities signed before moving in
Nothing puts potential tenants off more than not knowing where they stand legally before moving into a new home or flat.
You should ensure that all the necessary documents are signed off by both parties before anyone moves into your property - this will help protect you against any surprise legal fees further down the line and give tenants peace of mind about their tenancy rights.
There are also various legal steps that need to be taken, such as placing the tenant's deposit with a recognised scheme and carrying out the 'Right to Rent' checks.
Tip 4: Audit your property regularly
Regular audits are essential when it comes to monitoring how a tenant is looking after your rental property.
At the very least you should visit once a year - with or without your letting agent - and many landlords will schedule two visits per year.
If there are issues, for example, finding damage to your home, then you can resolve these before they become more serious – and costly.
Tip 5: Choose an agent that has your best interests as their priority
When choosing a letting agent, it's important that you look around until you find someone who puts their focus firmly on representing you and protecting your interests first and foremost throughout the process.
Make sure that all contracts are watertight and include everything needed from insurance coverage to emergency contact details; this way, everything should run smoothly from start to finish no matter what surprises might crop up along the way.
If you would like more help and advice about using letting agents in Manchester, then it's time to contact the friendly experts at Bergins - we are happy to help!