to think we can rent out a flat without using an estate agent??

[AmericanPastoral]

We have a 2 bed flat in central London we are looking to rent out. I've heard of [[https://www.openrent.co.uk/]] and now Easyproperty Has anyone ever rented a property out themselves, either using one of these, another company or you just found someone through contacts? If so how did you do the reference checks? And how long did it take for you to find someone? If you have problems with the tenant is it harder than if you rent out through an agent? Friends of mine have used an agent and had a nightmare with tenants - cleared by the agent's checks - and the agent has been useless so I just wonder what benefit they add and if you can bypass them. Thank you.

You can do a credit check
And get references.
I did it, and I found that I had a good judge of character. So it was better

But are you happy to be a landlord proper. Do all the annoying stuff. I didn’t mind. But it’s a hassle for some.

The agents only check financials. I personally had a proper chat with them about things and felt that I chose a good tennant.
They only moved because they bought.

You could use a Lettings Agent as opposed to an Estate Agent, which is what I do.

I had both round before I let my house, and binned the Estate Agency off almost immediately, as the lady from there pissed me off with her attitude. I went with the Lettings Agent, who is like a very stern headmistress, and she has been letting my house since 2006.

We are abroad, so the Lettings Agency does a full managed service for us, which includes doing repairs etc where necessary. They arrange inspections and servicing, and for my peace of mind, they are invaluable.

Meandwine and scary thank you so much for your replies.

OpenRent can find a tenant and do all the checks for you

Thanks Any.

Are you prepared to read up on your legal duties and become something of an expert? For example, what checks will you do to ensure a prospective tenant is in this country legally? Get that wrong and the Home Office come down on you like a sack of shit.
I personally decided it wasn't worth the risk and hence I pay a letting agent to run those checks for me. They also manage the property because I can't promise my tenants I'll always be available in an emergency, and I refuse to be the kind of landlord who leaves someone without heating for a fortnight while I'm on holiday.
If you're going to go it alone, please commit to doing everything properly and being an attentive responsive landlord, who endeavours to ensure your tenants have a well cared for home. If you can't do that, pay an agent.

We personally use an agent as easier, albeit more expensive. We have a very high maintenance tenant and couldn’t cope with all his petty demands!

But, DH follows Victoria Whitlock (I think) who does a column in the evening Standard Wednesday property section (the accidental landlord). She has multiple properties and very rarely uses an agent. She would be useful to look into as she gives good, sensible advice on such things as background checks, landlord liabilities etc.

Thanks very much Imaginary. You're quite right, it's important to do things properly and it's good to remember to check that any potential tenant has the right to live here.

Thanks very much Essex - will check Victoria Whitlock out.

I rent out a flat to tenants found via Facebook. They're absolutely wonderful tenants and we have a great relationship. We're really close so able to sort out repairs, quickly.
You can do it yourself if you live close, if you're prepared to do all of the checks plus keep up to date on all of the legal requirements plus any changes.

We use a one man band letting agent who works from home. I'm happy to pay for peace of mind.

Imaginary Essex Andromeida Mosaic Any Scary Meandwine Thank you all so much for taking the time to post such detailed, useful comments. I am very grateful.

I rented from an Openrent landlord last year. The landlords stipulated that they meet me at the property for an informal chat (grilling). Openrent dealt with all the credit checks, paperwork etc.

System works well and as a landlord you are able to meet the tenant and draw your own conclusions, which as long as the checks work out gives you a stronger piece of mind.

Unless you live far away I would ALWAYS recommend meeting the tenant yourself before agreeing any contracts. Gut feeling and instincts are there for a reason, and if something does end up going wrong, then you will kick yourself about it.

I found a tenant on Gumtree, if you join one of the big landlord groups they have template ASTs, etc, and you can take references yoursrlf- credit checks are available online at a small cost, the tenant will be providing you with the named of previous landlords, personal and work references for you to chase up and call.