Is anyone a member of a landlords' association?

[maggiethecat]

Considering joining one and wanted to find out if they're any good.

sooz28, I've looked at their website and also the RLA website - can't seem to see much between them. Both offer advice service, docs, news updates. RLA seem to offer advertising not sure about NLA.

Really am looking for resource on some of the practical aspects of renting.

That's helpful. Speaking of advertising - I'm looking to rent without an agent - I'm at home at the moment and I think that if the property does get publicity I stand a good chance of renting it.

Can you give some tips on getting it marketed?

That's a very good start! Have always let through agent as I've never had the time (or real inclination I suppose) to do it myself. But am really fed up with agents and know I can do at least as good a job, esp with paperwork which has always let my agents down. They also want to charge me continuous, albeit reduced, fee for the introductory service - think this is wrong.

Thanks again and will let you know if I need to pick your brain (but will join up with an association asap).

sooz, estate agents have always used Homelet to vet tenants and they seem to provide a thorough service but at twice the cost of NLA check. Are you very happy with NLA check or is there anything that you feel lets them down?
(Have found tenant ourselves and need to check them)

Thanks. DIY does have a hassle factor but vetting tenants directly has lots of merit. Had offers above asking which we could have gone for but in the end went for the ones that we thought would be good tenants for us (something I don't think agents are particularly interested in).

I know it seems unfair but bcos of the hassle that we've had with current tenants the agents who found them for us will never be used again!