house

[luco1110]

my pal is thinking of letting his house
to estate agent
what are the agents
what are the agents responsable for
getting people in damages etc
thanks

[bednobs]

he will need to check with the agency what theri contract covers

[cazzz1975]

be aware of the fee charged as well

[smurfchops]

The agent will take a fee from you, could be between 8% and 13% of the year's rent plus VAT. For 8% they will find a tenant, get references, keep the deposit until end of tenancy, get the tenant out at the end of tenancy. Landlord must get his own contractors if there are any problems. For 13% the agent will get contractors on landlord's behalf, but landlord must pay for contractor. An inventory will cost you another £100 approx which you will need to make sure nothing goes missing or is damaged. Anything damage made by tenant should come out of the deposit (held by agent) before it is returned to the tenant at the end. The tenant must pay for contents insurance. The landlord pays for buildings insurance. Any damage like leaks, new washing machine etc. is paid for by landlord.