How to Spot Red Flags When Choosing a Letting Agent

Choosing a letting agent can be one of the most important decisions you make as a landlord. The right agent can take the stress out of managing your property, ensuring everything runs smoothly and your investment remains secure. But with so many options available, how do you know which letting agent to trust? At Perren Property, we’ve heard countless stories from landlords who’ve had poor experiences with other agents, and we want to make sure you make the best choice from the start. Here’s how to spot red flags when choosing a letting agent and ensure you partner with a professional who has your best interests at heart.

1. Lack of transparency

Transparency is key in any business relationship, and working with a letting agent is no exception. If an agent is vague about their services, fees, or the terms and conditions of their contracts, it’s a major red flag. A professional letting agent should be upfront and clear about:

• The fees you’ll be charged and what services these cover.
• How they will communicate with you and provide updates on your property.
• Their process for finding and vetting tenants.

Tip: Always ask for a detailed breakdown of costs and a sample contract before signing anything. At Perren Property, we believe in full transparency from the beginning, ensuring you know exactly what you’re paying for.

2. Poor communication

Communication is essential in property management, especially when you’re entrusting someone with your investment. If a letting agent is slow to respond to emails, misses phone calls, or seems disorganised when communicating with you, these could be warning signs of how they’ll handle interactions with tenants or maintenance issues. You need an agent who is proactive, responsive, and keeps you in the loop.

Tip: Test their communication style by asking a few questions early on. Are they quick to respond? Do they provide thorough answers? A good agent, like the team at Perren Property, will be attentive, ensuring you’re always informed and reassured.

3. No local market knowledge

Local expertise is crucial for any letting agent. Without in-depth knowledge of the area, an agent may struggle to set the right rental prices, market your property effectively, or understand local tenant demographics. If an agent can’t provide you with specifics about the Dorking rental market or seems unsure about local trends, they may not have the expertise needed to maximise your property’s potential.

Tip: Ask the agent about their experience managing properties in your area and see if they can offer examples or insights. At Perren Property, our deep understanding of the Dorking market ensures we price properties accurately and attract the right tenants.

4. Unrealistic promises

If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of letting agents who guarantee a specific rental income, promise to fill vacancies immediately, or assure you of zero tenant issues. No agent can control every factor in the rental market, and it’s important to work with someone who is honest about the challenges and realistic about outcomes.

Tip: Look for an agent who offers a balanced perspective, giving you both the opportunities and challenges of letting your property. We at Perren Property pride ourselves on providing landlords with realistic expectations and practical solutions.

5. Lack of professional credentials

One of the easiest ways to verify the professionalism of a letting agent is by checking their credentials. Are they members of recognised professional bodies such as ARLA Propertymark or the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA)? Are they registered with a redress scheme like the Property Ombudsman? If not, this could be a sign that they lack the necessary qualifications and professional standards.

Tip: Always choose an agent with verified credentials and professional affiliations. Perren Property is a proud member of ARLA Propertymark, demonstrating our commitment to best practices and high standards.

Bonus tips for landlords

1. Read reviews carefully

Online reviews can provide valuable insights into an agent’s track record. However, be mindful of agents who have either no reviews or an overwhelming number of 5-star ratings with no detail. Authentic reviews often highlight specific experiences, both positive and negative.

2. Ask for references

A reputable agent should have no problem providing references from current or past clients. Speak to other landlords about their experiences to get an honest perspective.

Final thoughts

Choosing the right letting agent can make a significant difference to your experience as a landlord. By looking out for these red flags and taking the time to vet your options thoroughly, you can find a reliable and professional partner who will work in your best interests. At Perren Property, we go above and beyond to provide transparent, trustworthy, and expert services, ensuring your property is managed with the utmost care. If you’re looking for a dedicated team that truly understands the Dorking rental market, don’t hesitate to get in touch.