Top Tips to ensure you make the right decision

If you own a London investment property, you need to keep it in good condition, you need to adhere to lettings regulations – and you need to keep your tenants happy. All this can seem like a full time job. That’s where a rental property management agent comes into their own. But how do you decide which London property management agent will offer the best service? Our guide will help you make the right choice.

1. Do your homework. Find out how long the rental property management agent has been in business – do they have extensive experience? Is the company a sales agent that operates lettings only as a sideline? Ideally they should be a lettings specialist. Ask to see copies of client testimonials.

2. If you’re looking for an agent to handle property leasing and management in London, make sure they have relevant accreditations. They should be a member of ARLA (Association of Residential Letting Agents), The Property Ombudsman and The Dispute Service (which operates the Tenancy Deposit Scheme).

3. Check the rental property management agent has relevant skills. They should be an effective communicator, able to deal professionally with landlords and tenants. They must be able to remain calm while dealing with stressful situations, from arranging the repair of a leaking roof to chasing up a late rent payment.

4. Professional qualifications. Ideally, a rental property management agent should have a professional qualification. The manager of our property management department is a qualified lawyer, a huge asset when handling the legal side of property leasing.

5. Make sure the agent operates an emergency repair service. This will ensure your property is well maintained and repairs dealt with promptly. Sorting out these issues quickly will keep your tenants happy too.

6. Check the London property management agent has an office near your property. An agent cannot easily let and manage your property if they are based in another part of London.

7. If you are based overseas, look for a London property management agent that also has an office in your part of the world. Benham and Reeves Residential Lettings has offices in Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai and India – this makes it much easier to talk to us as we have an office in your time zone – and it saves on expensive phone calls!