Looking to sell and end of tenancy query with Estate Agent?
Hi all, Can you advise me regarding ending my fully managed contract with my letting agent?
I have read my terms of business and have given ample notice, 3 months. I have requested they confirm the transition and when will they walk away. The Agent’s response was that once the tenant returns the keys, an independent check-out will be arranged. The agent will communicate with myself, the tenant and agree on deposit deductions, if any and escalate to the deposit protection scheme if there is no agreement. This is all clear and what I would expect.
My query is the agent has advised if the tenant fails to vacate, I stay with the agent for support, and if they need to attend court (£120) fee, they will arrange this. I am fully insured with legal cover.
Am I missing something? Why do I need the LA at this stage? I am aware (should I need to make a claim?) I need to appoint a solicitor through my landlord’s legal insurance cover, otherwise, they cannot proceed with a claim (accelerated possession order).
The agent is also asking if I wish to move from Lettings to Sales (we are selling), but they have not been great. I have not included them in my initial research for a good Estate Agent and feel my next move is to call my insurance to query exactly what my policy includes.
Would the transition from Let to Sales be best placed, staying with the current agent? Is there anything I have overlooked?
Thank you
Comments
Have Your Say
Every day, landlords who want to influence policy and share real-world experience add their voice here. Your perspective helps keep the debate balanced.
Not a member yet? Join In Seconds
Login with
Previous Article
Block managing agents and quotes for repairs?
Member Since October 2020 - Comments: 1144
11:18 AM, 14th March 2025, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Alison Clark at 13/03/2025 – 12:54
If the tenant remains once the fixed term has ended then they will automatically have a rolling periodic tenancy. No-one can prevent that and no-one needs to make it happen. The tenant will have all the same rights until they choose to leave or a bailiff removes them.
Member Since April 2024 - Comments: 284
2:32 PM, 14th March 2025, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Judith Wordsworth at 11/03/2025 – 10:42
Hi Judith. Why do I need a deed of surrender?
The agent has already booked the independent inventory check out clerk for 2 days after the fixed term. Explanation for this…..if the tenant does not vacate they can cancel the clerk without incurring a 50% charge (this will be charged to me.) I am also wondering, I am assuming we cannot access the property until after the check out?
Thank you.
Member Since April 2024 - Comments: 284
2:53 PM, 14th March 2025, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by DPT at 14/03/2025 – 11:18
Thank you.
It is clear now DT regarding the agency fee. I assumed with serving s21 and selling it would be clear I wished them to fully manage until the tenant leaves and I would continue to pay their commission on the rent. I was trying to dot the I and cross the t by giving them notice, when I did not need to, not realising this would end naturally. Thank you.
Member Since January 2015 - Comments: 1435 - Articles: 1
10:12 AM, 15th March 2025, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Alison Clark at 11/03/2025 – 17:15
Belt and braces
Member Since January 2015 - Comments: 1435 - Articles: 1
10:15 AM, 15th March 2025, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Alison Clark at 14/03/2025 – 14:32The checkout is as the word says “checkout”. It should be done on the date the tenant vacated ie checks out, in the prescience of the tenant. Should also be doing meter readings sign as a true reading by both tenant and LLs agent if not the LL
Member Since April 2024 - Comments: 284
3:48 PM, 19th March 2025, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Judith Wordsworth at 15/03/2025 – 10:12
Thank you Judith. I missed this response.
Member Since April 2024 - Comments: 284
4:01 PM, 19th March 2025, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Judith Wordsworth at 15/03/2025 – 10:15
Thank you. I will discuss the checkout with my agent.
On a slightly different matter. Have you had experience with tenants not giving access to the garage during an inspection?
Two weeks ago after months waiting for the tenant to agree a routine visit with the letting agent, they had an excuse yet again, for not having the garage key. The agent did request the tenant to have the garage key when making the appt. A second visit was arranged to take photographs, tenant was not home (also suggested to the tenant to take photographs and email to the agent, if this was more convenient) NO images emailed. Agent doesn’t seem to think it’s a big deal now s21 has been served and fixed term ends 27th May? Fingers crossed. I disagree and want to see inside my garage. The agent was happy with the inside of the property, details fully recorded and photographs were taken. Any advice on this please?
Member Since April 2024 - Comments: 284
9:18 AM, 22nd March 2025, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Judith Wordsworth at 15/03/2025 – 10:12
Hi Judith. Strange discussing deed of surrender. My tenant has just requested to vacate a month early. I am so relieved, at least I now know his intentions.
I have agreed, but only by deed of surrender (agent advised their normal process is by email!) this is what I am up against. I want the agent as the witness to sign on the day the tenant wishes to vacate and after the keys are handed over. However, ideally I would prefer to do this at the Letting Agent branch, not at the property. I do not feel comfortable in the slightest with the tenant and the thought of this is making me feel anxious!!
My deed of surrender is a template my insurance legal team advice line emailed to me. I have included a few extra clauses, nothing unreasonable eg, remove all rubbish etc. am I on the right track with everything?!? Thank you.
Member Since October 2020 - Comments: 1144
11:36 AM, 22nd March 2025, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Alison Clark at 22/03/2025 – 09:18
Be very careful about “adding clauses” to any legal document unless youre legally trained. You could end up invalidating it.
Member Since April 2024 - Comments: 284
11:51 AM, 22nd March 2025, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by DPT at 22/03/2025 – 11:36
Thank you DPT. I am not legally trained. These are my clauses.
7. All belongings including personal items, rubbish including food items, will be removed from the property. Any items left behind the Landlord has the right to remove, store or sell or otherwise dispose of any furniture or items not removed at the end of the tenancy. The Landlord will give 14 days for the tenant to make contact following every attempt from the Landlord to make contact with the tenant.
8. The Tenant agrees to return the property both internal/external including the garage to the Landlord as it was originally rented and cleaned to a professional standard.
9. Any rental items included in the Let will remain at the property and any items missing, will be returned or deducted from the deposit.
10. Any additional fixtures and fittings installed by the Tenant will be removed from the property both internally and externally and any holes will be filled, rubbed down and painted. Any electrical fittings installed without permission will be subject to a qualified Electrician carrying out a safety check.
11. The tenant will allow access in a timely manner (24/48hrs if necessary) for any tradesmen to complete any checks.
12. Tenant agrees to a pre inspection to allow the tenant and Landlord to discus: the property condition and how the deposit can be returned in full.