There is a lot to consider when choosing a property management agent. Essentially you are handing over one of your largest investment into someone elseâEUR(TM)s hands and it is understandable that you want to be sure you have given it to the right company to manage. A lot of companies may make false promises about what they can deliver and the reality is something completely different and you are left feeling like you made a bad choice.
There are many landlords out there that feel that the tenants have been living in the property having not been taking care of the building properly. It is also common that tenants are alerting the property management agent to problems within the building and the agent is not dealing with the issue or even letting the landlord know. This can lead to unnecessary costs to the landlord who will ultimately have to pay for fixing problems that have been left to get much worse than they should have been.
Choosing a property management agent is best done by word of mouth. Try doing your own research by inviting round a variety of agents to see what they can offer and to also get a feel for their company and the type of people that work there. Find out about their letting fees but remember if you go with the cheapest you might not get the best care for your property.
Remember to look at the agents advertising materials - does it look like a reputable agency that someone you would want to live in your property would choose? Also consider how long the letting agent has been managing properties for âEUR" a bad agency will soon fold as business will dwindle. Consider the opening hours of the agent also. If agencies are open after working hours then it shows they are thinking about trying to attract employed tenants into their properties.
If they are a member of ARLA (Association of Residential Letting Agents) this is a good sign. There is a code of conduct for members and there is an official complaints and disciplinary procedure.

Property is something where you should not be looking to make a saving, go for the agency which seems to have the best quality of customer care and best track record. It can often be easy just to pick the first one that comes along however it may be a decision you regret for a long time.