Quick answer
Before instructing full property management, ask for a printed fee schedule, what’s included vs extra, a named local manager (not a call centre), ARLA membership, repair mark-up policy, Section 13 fees, termination notice period, and references from other landlords — then compare 2–3 quotes.
Steps
- 1
Fee schedule & extras
Get every charge in writing: headline %, VAT, renewals, checkout, Section 13, compliance admin, and contractor mark-ups. If it’s not listed, it may appear on your statement later.
- 2
Named manager & coverage
Who is your day-to-day contact? Is it a local branch or a national call centre? How fast do they respond to emergency repairs? Ask for their direct number.
- 3
Credentials & references
Are they ARLA Propertymark (or equivalent) registered? Can they provide references from landlords with similar properties? What’s their void average locally?
- 4
Exit terms
Notice period to leave, early exit fees, and what happens to keys, deposits, and certificates on handover. Don’t sign until you understand how you get out.
People also ask
What should I ask a letting agent before signing?
Fee schedule, included vs extra services, named manager, ARLA registration, repair mark-ups, Section 13 fees, termination notice, and landlord references — then compare 2–3 written quotes.
What is ARLA Propertymark?
A professional body for letting agents with a code of practice and client money protection requirements. Worth checking — not a guarantee, but a baseline standard.
What repair mark-up do agents charge?
Often 10–20% on contractor invoices. Ask explicitly — it can add hundreds per year on an active property.
How long is a typical management contract?
Varies — often 12 months with notice periods of 1–3 months. Read termination clauses before you sign; negotiate if they’re punitive.