Short-Term Let Guide*

Letting agents provide the services you need at an affordable price and ensure that your property is let to the right tenant. Finding the best agency starts with knowing what you need and doing your research into the agencies that are available.

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Letting agents provide landlords with a platform through which they can let their properties and vet potential tenants. The best letting agents will be registered with one of the professional bodies that oversee letting agencies, such as the UK Association of Letting Agents (UKALA). If the agency is a member of such an organisation, it means that they work within the voluntary Code of Conduct and aim to meet the organisation’s professional standards. If the agency you are considering states that they are signed up to such an organisation, you can go to that organisation’s website to check. All letting agencies must also be members of the letting agents redress scheme as well. If the agency is not, then move on and look for a different one.

Some letting agents provide property management services. This means they will handle everything from a emergency AC repair to problems with the boiler. This is something you may want to look into if you do not want to be 100 per cent hands-on.

While letting your property is your main concern you should also take time to check how the agency deals with prospective tenants. They should not charge tenants for registering on their site, if they do then this is another indication that you should walk away. Don’t confuse registration fees with letting fees. The letting agency is allowed to charge a fee to cover the cost of referencing and credit checks. However, if these are too high, it will affect your ability to let your property.

To Furnish Or Not To Furnish?
Short term lets are ideal for people travelling for work, or who have not decided on where they want to settle. Furnishing your short term let can make it more attractive to tenants, but it does come with responsibilities. Learn more about the pros and cons of furnishing a property.

Short-term lets are generally referred to as properties that are let for any period between one day and six months. Those looking for these types of flats, apartments, or houses are often either looking for work, or have a job that requires them to move around the area, or even the country. These lets are also used by families looking for a stop gap between selling a home and moving into a new home. The type of tenant generally looking for short term lets would benefit from a furnished property because it makes their lives much easier. It makes your let more attractive than a short-term unfurnished one.

However, if you furnish a property, you add to your responsibilities. It means that you have more to maintain and potentially repair. You will also need to consider specialist landlord insurance to cover your contents. Most importantly, you will need to ensure that all furnishings are fit for purpose and have fire retardant stickers attached. Any electrical equipment you provide will also need to be regularly tested to ensure that it is safe for tenants to use. While your letting agents may arrange this on your behalf, it remains your responsibility.