Last week, we covered five key questions every landlord should ask before choosing a letting agent.
This week, we’re continuing with five more. And in many ways, these are the questions that reveal what happens after a tenant moves in.
Because finding a tenant is only the beginning. What really matters is how your property is managed day to day.
6. How often will I hear from you?
You shouldn’t have to chase updates or wonder what’s happening with your property.
Ask how often the agent communicates, what you’ll receive and who your main point of contact will be. This might include regular statements, inspection reports or simple updates when something changes.
Good communication is consistent and proactive. You should feel informed, not in the dark.
7. What happens at the end of a tenancy?
This is where many problems tend to surface.
Deposits, condition disputes and delays in preparing the property for the next tenant can all slow things down.
Ask how check-outs are handled. Are detailed inventories used? How are disputes managed? How quickly is the property made ready and re-marketed?
A clear, structured process protects your position and keeps everything moving.
8. How do you reduce void periods?
Every empty week is lost income.
A proactive agent doesn’t wait for a tenancy to end before taking action. They monitor timelines, begin marketing early where possible and give realistic pricing advice to maintain demand.
Over time, even small reductions in void periods can make a meaningful difference to your overall return.
9. Will I deal with one person throughout?
Consistency is often underestimated.
If you’re passed between multiple people, information can be lost, repeated or delayed. It can also slow down decisions when they matter most.
Ask whether you’ll have a dedicated contact who understands your property and your preferences. A strong relationship makes everything simpler and more efficient.
10. What results can you show from your current landlords?
Finally, ask for evidence.
It’s easy for any agent to make promises. The real question is what results they’re delivering.
Ask about average void periods, rent achieved compared to asking price and what existing landlords say about working with them.
This isn’t about catching anyone out. It’s about making a decision based on performance, not presentation.
A better way to choose
As founding members of the Ethical Agent Network, and part of its advisory panel, we believe letting should be built on transparency, consistency and doing the right thing for landlords and tenants alike.
That shows up in the detail. In how properties are managed, how issues are handled and how clearly you’re kept informed.
These ten questions, across both parts, give you a simple framework to assess that.
Because the right letting agent doesn’t just fill your property. They protect it, improve it and help it perform over the long term.
Article by Andrew Overman | Partner | Location Location East
