Do you need previous property experience or qualifications to become a letting agent?

Most new letting agents have no previous letting experience and can come from a wide range of different backgrounds. You also require no qualifications to start a letting agency. The attributes required to become a letting agent are, a degree of common sense, the ability to listen, learn and communicate with people effectively, general people skills and pro-activeness. If you possess these basic skills, then there is no reason why you cannot set up a successful letting agency.

Don't forget that we will be here to support you every step of the way.

What does becoming a letting agent involve?

Once you have settled into your new workplace, whether it is from home, managed office space or a full shop front office, you will be aiming to bring together two parties - landlords (property owners) and people searching for a property (tenants). You will be offering two types of service which are:

The tenant find or let only service - this is to simply introduce a tenant and set up the tenancy for the landlord who then takes full responsibility for collecting future rents and dealing with maintenance.

And

A fully managed service - where the letting agent charges both a one off fee for finding a tenant and then an ongoing monthly commission deducted from the rent over the duration of a tenancy. You will gradually build an excellent recurring income as your managed property portfolio grows.

Ultimately, your role will consist of the following activities:

• Selling your service and providing rental valuations for Landlords properties
• Marketing Landlords properties to attract new Tenants
• Listing Tenant requirements and property matching
• Carrying out viewings at properties
• Considering tenant applications, referencing and preparing legal paperwork
• Handling the first month rental and deposit plus finalising paperwork

When you have been instructed to manage a property

• Prepare an inventory and schedule of condition before the tenant moves in
• Collection of ongoing rental payments and forwarding of monthly statements
• Action against tenants in the event of rental arrears
• Organising repair or maintenance, instructing a tradesman to attend the property if required
• Inspecting the property at agreed intervals

Our step by step training/operating manual provides a blue print of our own agency as well as clearly guiding you through all of the procedures and processes involved to successfully starting and operating a letting agency business. You will also receive all of our letter templates, legal documents and administration forms as well as free 1-2-1 ongoing telephone and email support to deal with any queries you may have.

Is becoming a letting agent worth it?

Yes, definitely. In one of the very few recession proof markets to begin a business, the role of a letting agent will offer you an exciting, dynamic and well respected position within your local community. It offers new challenges and the opportunity to meet new people on a daily basis, where no two days are the same. The financial rewards are excellent with no need to invoice or chase your fees. There are no dead ends or closed doors. You are in complete control of your own future and success. The sky is literally the limit.