Letting Agent Fees and Services

Property investment remains a popular way to generate additional income, but being a landlord involves more than simply finding a tenant and collecting rent. From maintaining your rental property to performing repairs, arranging inspections, and ensuring legal compliance, the process can quickly become time-consuming.

This is where letting agents come in. While their services can ease the workload and reduce stress, they do come at a cost. Understanding letting agent fees and services can help you decide whether using an agent is the right option for you.

What services do letting agents offer landlords?

Letting agents offer a range of services designed to support landlords at different stages of the rental process. Some landlords opt for full management, while others prefer to pick and choose individual services depending on how hands-on they want to be.

If you’re considering your options when letting your property, it’s important to understand how much support you really need.

What does full property management include?

Full management is the most comprehensive service offered by letting agents and is ideal for landlords who want a largely hands-off experience.

A full management service usually includes:

• Marketing the property and arranging viewings
• Finding and referencing tenants
• Preparing tenancy agreements
• Collecting rent and chasing arrears
• Managing maintenance and repairs
• Carrying out regular inspections
• Handling tenant queries
• Ensuring ongoing legal compliance

Because of the level of involvement required, full management is usually charged as a percentage of the monthly rent, typically between 12% and 18%. You can read more about what’s typically included in property management services.

What is included in tenant-finding and referencing?

If you prefer to manage your property yourself but want help at the start of a tenancy, tenant-finding services may be a better fit.

This service generally includes advertising your property, conducting viewings, and carrying out tenant checks such as referencing and right-to-rent. These services are explained in more detail within Emoov’s lettings add-ons.

How does rent collection work?

Rent collection services allow landlords to outsource the process of collecting monthly rent and chasing late payments. This option suits landlords who want support with payments but are happy to manage maintenance and tenant communication themselves.

What is guaranteed rent and is it worth it?

Some letting agents offer rent guarantee or guaranteed rent-style services, where landlords receive a fixed monthly income regardless of occupancy. These options can provide peace of mind but may involve higher costs or longer commitments. Details of similar services can be found in Emoov’s add-ons guide.

Do letting agents handle maintenance and repairs?

Many letting agents can coordinate maintenance and repairs on your behalf. This may involve arranging contractors, managing emergency call-outs, and overseeing routine property upkeep.

Some agents charge a management fee for this service, while others may apply additional administration costs on top of contractor invoices. Always check how maintenance fees are structured before agreeing to a service.

Are property inspections and safety certificates included?

Regular property inspections help ensure your rental remains in good condition and that tenants are meeting their responsibilities.

Letting agents can also help manage safety checks and certifications required under UK landlord legislation. You can read more about your responsibilities in Emoov’s guide to legal considerations for landlords.

What legal services do letting agents provide?

Letting agents often assist with legal aspects of renting out a property, including preparing tenancy agreements, handling renewals, and issuing notices when required.

Some agents may charge additional fees for legal paperwork, eviction support, or dispute management, so it’s important to understand what legal services are included in your agreement.

What extra letting agent fees should landlords watch out for?

Letting agent fees can be structured in different ways depending on the services you choose. In addition to core fees, some agents charge extra for services such as tenancy renewals, inventories, late payment handling, maintenance coordination, or early termination of contracts.

Reviewing the full breakdown of fees within this letting agent fees guide can help you avoid unexpected costs.

Are letting agent fees worth paying?

Being a landlord isn’t always as straightforward as it might seem. Keeping up with legislation, managing tenants, and maintaining a property can take time and effort.

For many landlords, paying letting agent fees is worth it for the convenience, reduced stress, and reassurance that their property is being managed correctly. Others may prefer a more flexible or cost-effective approach, depending on their experience and availability.

How can Emoov help landlords let their property?

Emoov offers landlords a modern alternative to traditional letting agents. With flexible services and clear pricing, landlords can choose the level of support they need without committing to long-term percentage-based fees.

You can find out more about how Emoov works and let your property with Emoov at a pace that suits you.

Summary

Letting agent fees and services vary widely, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The right choice depends on how involved you want to be, how much time you have, and what level of support you’re comfortable paying for.

By understanding the services available and how fees are structured, you can make a more informed decision and choose an option that works best for your rental property and your budget.