Landlords, listen up: if your current estate agent is too pricey or isn’t delivering an adequate service, you can switch – and with Urban Village, the process couldn’t be easier.
When we’re instructed to take over an existing tenancy, we charge just 5% incl. VAT per month for our fully managed service – a significantly lower price than other agents.
Here’s our guide to how landlords can switch estate agents quickly, easily and with minimal fuss.
Why would a landlord want to switch?
Landlords shouldn’t have to deal with:
- · Poor property management services
- · Expensive maintenance charges
- · A lack of communication
- · Properties empty for long periods
- · Bad tenant vetting/failure to reference properly
Instead, you should consider switching today to an independent estate agent with high standards, fair fees and no hidden charges.
How can you switch to a new managing agent?
Follow the steps below, for an extremely straightforward process. Urban Village will manage the process and provide guidance from start to finish.
1) Check your contract
Check whether you have signed to stay on with an existing agent for a certain period. If there are exit fees, consider whether it will be worth the financial cost to switch to a new letting agent before your contract ends.
2) Give notice to the current letting agent
Give this notice in line with the contract with your existing agent – written notice is best so that you are leaving a paper trail, which leads onto our next point…
3) Get your paperwork in order
Make physical copies of every document related to the property, from EPC to gas safety certification, tenancy agreement and deposit protection.
4) Get up-to-date tenant details
You need to keep your current tenants in the loop; ensure you have the details of current tenants and that they have contact details for the new agent.
5) Instruct your new agent
Switching from a corporate estate agent? Your handover will be low on the priority list. The sooner you get your new agent on board, the sooner they can start collecting relevant information for your property.
6) Chase confirmation of the end of contract
When your notice period is complete, make sure you receive a document from the outgoing agent confirming the contract has been terminated.
Frequently asked questions
Will switching estate agents cost me money?
As long as you are abiding by the terms of your contract with an estate agent and have given them adequate notice, you shouldn’t have to pay any fees. Even if you are facing early exit fees, you may be able to waive these if you can prove that your agency hasn’t provided an adequate service. Remember, your contract goes two ways.
Will my tenants be affected?
Not if you are acting in compliance with your contract and keep your tenants in the loop. This means having up-to-date tenant information, giving them contact details for the new agent, and formalising the switch in a newly drawn up tenant agreement. Also, if the last agent was responsible for deposit protection on the property, you will need to reprotect it with the new agency.
Is switching estate agents worth it?
This is your property at stake, and your money on the line. You shouldn’t have to settle for anything less than fantastic management services that leave everyone happy.
Why should I switch to Urban Village?
To improve the service you receive make the switch! it’s easier than you think. Urban Village manages the process for you, creating a stress-free experience that always puts your requirements first.
We aren’t like corporate estate agents. We understand the challenges landlords face every single day, and our experienced team work to ensure any issues are dealt with swiftly and efficiently. We’re passionate about helping the communities we serve, which means we always strive to find the most responsible tenants and have an unmatched knowledge of the local area.
We have high standards, excellent customer care and communication, with fair fees and no hidden charges tagged onto maintenance works.
Because we’re an independent estate agent, we take a personal interest in each and every one of our landlords, giving them a personalised experience tailored to their needs.
Are you unsatisfied with your current estate agent? Get in touch with Urban Village today by calling 020 3519 9121 or head over to our contact page.