How to Choose the Best Letting Agent in Faversham for Your Property 

10 tips for choosing your letting agent - OnTheMarket.com

When it comes to letting your property, choosing the right agent can make all the difference between a smooth, profitable experience and a stressful one. With several letting agents in Faversham offering their services, landlords must look beyond the surface to find an agency that aligns with their needs, values, and expectations. Whether you’re a first-time landlord or have an established portfolio, selecting the best letting agent is crucial for safeguarding your investment and ensuring long-term success. 

In this article, we explore the key factors to consider when choosing a letting agent in Faversham and how to identify the one best suited to manage your property with professionalism and care. 

Understand the Types of Services Available 

The first step in choosing a letting agent is to decide what level of service you require. Most agents offer three core packages: 

  1. Let Only – The agent finds a tenant, carries out referencing and draws up the tenancy agreement. Once the tenant moves in, the landlord manages the tenancy. 
  2. Rent Collection – In addition to tenant finding, the agent also collects monthly rent and chases arrears if necessary. 
  3. Fully Managed – The agent handles everything from start to finish, including maintenance, inspections, rent collection, renewals, and legal compliance. 

If you’re local and experienced, a let-only or rent collection service might suffice. However, if you prefer a hands-off approach or live outside the area, a fully managed service provides peace of mind. 

Check Their Local Knowledge 

Faversham has a unique rental market, with demand ranging from young professionals and families to retirees and commuters. An agent with deep local knowledge will understand which areas appeal to different tenant types, current rental values, seasonal trends, and local amenities that matter most to prospective renters. 

Experienced letting agents in Faversham can also advise on how to present your property to attract the right tenants, and ensure your pricing reflects current market conditions without risking void periods. 

Ask About Tenant Screening Processes 

The quality of your tenants can make or break your letting experience. A good agent should have a thorough vetting process that includes: 

  • Employment and income verification 
  • Previous landlord references 
  • Credit checks 
  • Right to Rent checks (as required by law) 

Ask prospective agents to explain their screening criteria. A thorough process reduces the risk of rent arrears, damage to your property, and future legal disputes. 

Review Their Marketing Strategy 

A proactive marketing approach ensures your property is let quickly and to the right tenant. When evaluating agents, consider the following: 

  • Do they list properties on the major portals like Rightmove, Zoopla and OnTheMarket? 
  • Do they use high-quality photography and well-written descriptions? 
  • Do they have a strong presence in the local area? 
  • Are they active on social media or other digital platforms? 

Effective marketing means less downtime between tenancies, which translates to higher annual yields. 

Understand Their Fees and Charges 

Letting agent fees vary widely, so it’s important to get a clear breakdown of all costs before signing any agreement. These may include: 

  • Tenant find fees 
  • Monthly management fees 
  • Renewal charges 
  • Setup and inventory fees 
  • Tenancy deposit registration 
  • Maintenance coordination charges 

Be wary of agents who offer suspiciously low fees—this may indicate corners being cut elsewhere. A reputable agent will be transparent about their charges and happy to explain what each fee covers. 

Ask About Maintenance and Contractor Management 

If you’re opting for a fully managed service, it’s vital to understand how the agent handles maintenance issues. Ask questions such as: 

  • Do they use in-house contractors or outsource? 
  • Are you consulted before repairs above a certain cost are made? 
  • How do they ensure work is done promptly and to a high standard? 

A good letting agent will have trusted local contractors and efficient systems in place to deal with problems swiftly—keeping your tenants happy and your property in good condition. 

Check Their Compliance and Accreditation 

Reputable letting agents will adhere to industry regulations and best practices. Ensure they are members of at least one recognised professional body, such as: 

  • ARLA Propertymark (Association of Residential Letting Agents) 
  • The Property Ombudsman 
  • Client Money Protection schemes 

These memberships offer you additional reassurance that the agent operates ethically and legally—and that your money is protected. 

Read Reviews and Ask for Recommendations 

Online reviews can provide insight into an agent’s customer service, reliability, and responsiveness. Look at both Google and Trustpilot, and be sure to read a mix of recent reviews from landlords and tenants. 

It’s also worth asking for recommendations from other landlords in the Faversham area. Word-of-mouth remains one of the most trustworthy ways to find a reliable letting agent. 

Consider Their Communication Style 

Lastly, pay close attention to how the agent communicates with you from the outset. Are they responsive to emails and phone calls? Do they take the time to understand your goals? Do they offer clear advice and regular updates? 

A good letting agent will treat your property as if it were their own investment—keeping you informed, managing issues proactively, and maintaining strong relationships with your tenants. 

Final Thoughts 

Choosing the right letting agent is one of the most important decisions a landlord can make. With a competitive rental market and rising legal responsibilities, working with knowledgeable and dependable letting agents in Faversham can save you time, reduce stress, and protect your investment. 

By carefully considering service levels, experience, transparency, and reputation, you can find an agent who will manage your property with the professionalism and care it deserves. In doing so, you’ll build a lasting partnership that benefits both you and your tenants for years to come. 

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