Managing a rental property can be rewarding, but it also comes with a fair share of responsibilities, legal compliance, tenant queries, maintenance issues, rent collection, and more.
That’s why many landlords turn to letting agents for help. But not all agents are the same. If you’re thinking of using a letting agent to manage your property, it pays to ask the right questions before signing on the dotted line.
If you're currently renting out a property, and thinking of using a letting agent in East Yorkshire here’s a list of essential questions to ask to ensure you choose the right partner:
1. What services do you offer and what’s included in each package?
Letting agents typically offer three levels of service to landlords who are letting out property:
Let only (sometimes called tenant find or similar)
Let and rent collection
Fully managed
Before engaing a letting agent you'll need to clarify exactly what’s included in each tier. For example, will they handle property inspections, arrears chasing, or dealing with deposit disputes? Make sure you get it in writing, which any reputable agents should do automatically.
2. What are your fees? Are there any hidden charges?
Be clear on the upfront and ongoing costs. Make sure you ask the letting agent:
Are fees charged as a percentage or a flat rate?
Are there extra charges for things like renewals, inventory checks, or arranging maintenance?
How and when will the fees be collected?
A good letting agent will be completely transparent and provide a full breakdown of costs as ssoon as you ask, some will even have them on their website, we're fully transparent and you can find all of our fees form our landlord services page.
3. Are you regulated or part of a redress scheme?
Although letting agents aren't currrently required to be registered with a stautory 'letting agents' regulator (as of May 2025) they do have to meet certain legal requirements and it's alwasy best to choose an agent who is a member of a professional body.
Here's a breakdown of how it works currently and what's comign up:
1. Legal Requirements
Currently letting agents in England must:
Belong to a government-approved redress scheme, such as:
The Property Ombudsman (TPO)
Property Redress Scheme (PRS)
Be a member of a client money protection (CMP) scheme, which protects landlords’ and tenants’ money if the agent goes bust or misuses funds.
Follow consumer protection laws, such as the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, which require honesty in advertising and transparency about property details.
Display fees clearly (Tenant Fees Act 2019): Letting agents must publish their fees on their website and in their office, and they can’t charge most admin fees to tenants.
Register with HMRC for anti-money laundering supervision, if they handle rents and deposits as part of property management (more relevant for high-value landlords or larger agencies).
2. Voluntary Regulation / Industry Bodies
Some letting agents join professional bodies that impose additional standards and offer accreditation:
ARLA Propertymark
RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors)
Safeagent
Membership in these isn't legally required, but it can signal professionalism and offer clients some extra recourse if issues arise.
3. Future Changes
The UK government has proposed further regulation, including:
A new Regulator for Property Agents (RoPA), which would require formal qualifications and a licensing system for all agents. This hasn’t been implemented yet, but it’s still being discussed.
4. How do you find and vet tenants?
A good tenant can make all the difference to your experience as a landlord. Ask the agent:
How do you advertise the property?
What referencing checks do you carry out?
Do you handle Right to Rent checks?
Can you show me an example of your tenancy agreement?
Thorough screening of prospective tenants helps reduce the risk of late payments or property damage.
5. How do you handle repairs and maintenance?
You’ll want to know who is goign to handle all the repairs and maintenance so ask:
Do you have your own contractors or will you use mine?
Will I be contacted before any work is authorised?
How do you handle emergencies?
Clear procedures help avoid unnecessary costs and ensure prompt action.
6. What’s your approach to rent collection and arrears?
Find out from your prospective letting agent:
How is rent collected and passed to me?
What happens if the tenant doesn’t pay?
Do you charge extra for chasing arrears or serving notices?
A proactive agent will have a clear arrears policy and act swiftly if issues arise.
7. How often do you inspect the property?
Regular inspections can catch minor issues before they become major problems. Make sure the agent tells you how often they visit and whether you’ll receive inspection reports with photos and feedback.
8. What happens at the end of the tenancy?
You need to check who:
Conducts the final inspection and inventory check
Manages the deposit return process
Handles any disputes or damage claims
A structured end-of-tenancy process ensures fairness and protects your investment.
9. Can I speak to other landlords who use your service?
Testimonials or references from other landlords can give you valuable insight into the agent’s professionalism, responsiveness, and reliability. Read our reviews.
10. What notice is required if I want to leave your service?
Understand the terms of your agreement. What’s the notice period? Are there exit fees? Can you take over management mid-tenancy if you’re unhappy?
If you are thinking of switching letting agents we have a free switching service available.
Finally
Using a letting agent can take a lot of stress off your shoulders but only if you choose the right one. Ask these key questions to ensure they’ll represent your interests, protect your property, and offer value for money. A little due diligence now can save you a great deal of time, hassle, and expense later on.
Get in touch with us today to find out how we can support your rental journey - with protection, professionalism, and a little peace of mind.
Maddie Lancaster is an ARLA qualified letting agent with over 10 years of experience in the UK rental market. Rent East Yorkshire specialises in property management services for landlords across the East Riding of Yorkshire.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Specific legal advice should be sought for particular circumstances.
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