Leasehold flat and letting agency query

[EL8888]

We currently own a leasehold flat but need more space so we are buying a house. Does anyone know if there are rules or restrictions on who we rent the property out through? The reason l ask is we bought the property through a branch of estate agents, who also manage the lease on the property. My experiences with them aren’t positive and would rather use a different letting agency. We know about informing the mortgage company, additional stamp duty, extra insurance, etc

No you can lease the flat through whichever agency you choose. Just because the estate agent manages the property they have no rights on what you do with it as you own the leasehold.

The restrictive covenants in the lease in relation to nuisance and any building rules usually need to be reflected in the tenancy agreement. Occasionally there will be a covenant to say that only one family can occupy (so no subletting of individual rooms) but a decent letting agent should be able to ensure that any tenancy is appropriate to your flat, this is your responsibility though so read the tenancy and your lease carefully. Also check that you don't need consent from the Management Company for short term lets. If you do then you need to apply in writing to them for their consent.

if its shared ownership you may not be able to rent at all check your paperwork. check
www.allagents.co.uk/league-tables/ there are reviews but be aware that if its a tenant they might be biased (ie not paying rent or not allowing LL in to do gas servicing etc
I would also recommend belonging to a LL association, for (phone email & articles) information & support keeping up with new rules & forums - its tax deductible there are other organisations too
www.rla.org.uk/

Check your lease. You will probably need consent from your Landlord (and Management Company if applicable) and some older leases even prohibit letting at all.

It’s not shared ownership. But good point about the lease. We need to have a look over that, it’s a while since we bought the flat