The right letting agent protects your income and keeps you on the right side of the law. Before you sign, ask these eight questions.
1. Are you a member of a redress scheme?
Letting agents in England must belong to a government-approved redress scheme, such as The Property Ombudsman. It gives you somewhere to go if something goes wrong.
2. Is my money protected?
Agents who hold client money must belong to a client money protection scheme. Ask for the certificate.
3. What are your fees, including VAT?
Agents must publish their fees, including VAT, on their website and in their office. Check what is included and whether there is a minimum fee.
4. How will you keep me compliant?
Ask how the agent tracks gas safety, electrical safety, EPCs, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, right to rent checks and any council licence. Rules have changed under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, so ask how they have updated their process.
5. How do you find and check tenants?
Ask about advertising, viewings and referencing, including rent history and credit checks.
6. Where are deposits protected?
Deposits must be protected in a government-approved scheme, such as mydeposits, within 30 days.
7. How do you handle repairs and inspections?
Ask how tenants report repairs, how quickly they are dealt with, whether you approve costs above a set limit, and how often the property is inspected.
8. How well do you know the area?
Local knowledge means realistic rents and fewer empty weeks. Ask what similar homes nearby have let for recently.
Hills Estate has let and managed homes in Ilford since 2003. We are members of The Property Ombudsman and Client Money Protect, and protect deposits with mydeposits. Book a free valuation or see our fees.
