How to Change Letting Agents: A Guide for South West London Landlords

If you’re a south west London landlord wondering how to change letting agents, we explore how easy it is to switch and what you need to consider.

Anyone renting out property through a letting agent in the south west London areas of Coombe, Raynes Park, New Malden or Wimbledon needs to be happy with the service they are receiving. Your home is a prime asset, and you need to feel that you’re getting best value for your letting agent fees.

If that’s not the case, you should consider changing letting agent as the process is easier than you might think, and could save you a lot of anguish in the long run

When is it a good idea to switch letting agents?

There are many reasons why changing letting agents might make sense for you.

• Maybe your agent has increased their fees, and you feel you could get a better deal and better service elsewhere.
• You may have frustrations with how long it is taking to find a tenant, and a suspicion that the agent isn’t pulling their weight.
• Or you may just be unhappy with their communication, responsiveness or attitude. If it feels like they just don’t care, it is definitely time to start looking around.

Whatever your situation, it’s best to take a look at what different agents are offering to ensure you’re getting the best deal for your property.

Can you change letting agent mid-tenancy?

Your arrangement with your agent is a legal agreement, and you should always check your contract carefully. However, there should be no reason why you need to wait until the end of a tenancy to make your move.

The tenancy agreement is between you as landlord and the tenant so which agent you use shouldn’t make any difference.

How to change letting agent – the process

If you think it’s time for a change, follow these steps for a stress-free switch.

1 Check your current contract

Most landlords will be able to change letting agents without too much difficulty but always check your contract first – in case you are bound to a 6 or 12-month initial period, during which you can’t change without penalties.

You’ll also need to confirm your notice or termination period and whether your contract comes with any exit fees. If you are moving because of a fee increase, make sure any savings won’t be swallowed up in these extra costs.

2 Choose your new letting agent

Do your research to find your new agent. Compare fees, but don’t just go with the cheapest – level of service, good communication and professionalism all count.

Ask plenty of questions about their tenant-finding strategies and their approach to property management while getting a feel for whether you can work together. Read reviews and take on board any personal recommendations too.

It’s a good idea to have decided on your new agent before you give notice as, in many cases, they will manage the switch on your behalf.

3 Serve notice on your current agent

Give your existing letting agent notice that you want to terminate the contract in writing and keep a copy, so everyone has a record.

4 Keep a paper trail

File and keep all correspondence with your old and new agent so you have a paper trail of every step. Make sure you get written confirmation of the termination of the contract before you sign up with your new agent.

5 Tell your tenants

If you are midway through a tenancy, contact your tenants to tell them about the change of agent. First make sure you have their up-to-date contact details – some landlords leave all contact to their agent. Your new agent should contact them, but it is work getting in touch personally for better landlord/tenant relationship.

6 Reach out to your new agent

Start building your relationship with your new agent, giving them plenty of time to get all the necessary paperwork from your old agent and carry out the switching process.

7 Complete the final steps

Collect any keys, safety certificates and other important documents from your old agent at the end of the notice period. If there are alarms or key boxes at the property, you should have the codes reset.

8 Confirm the contract has ended

Make sure you have this in writing as well as confirmation that any exit fees owed have been paid.

Frequently asked questions

1 How much does it cost to switch letting agents?

This will depend on what your contract says and whether there are any exit fees. It may not cost you anything to switch and mean savings in terms of fees if you are able to negotiate a good deal.

2 Will I need to write new tenancy agreements?

There should be no reason legally why you need to issue a new tenancy agreement, unless you or the tenants want to alter the agreement or there have been changes in legislation since the last one was drawn up. You may want to issue a new agreement to reflect any changes in the property management arrangements. Discuss this with your new agent.

3 How easy is it to change letting agents?

In most cases it is a simple process that could mean less hassle than dealing with a difficult agent. You may even be able to outsource most of the jobs that come with switching to your new agent.

And Finally

If you’re a landlord with property in Putney, Kingston, South Wimbledon or elsewhere in south west London and you’re thinking of switching agents, get in touch. We’d love to talk to you about our record of renting out homes locally and our exceptional levels of service. We’d also be happy to take care of the switch for you, making the process for changing letting agents as smooth as possible.