Why we won't work with any or every landlord

Historically the ability to have the freedom to be able to make choices is one of the most taken for granted aspects of our society, although I think we all have a new appreciation for this over the past year!

During the 20 years and counting we've been in the lettings business we've come across and worked with hundreds of landlords. Those years of experience have taught us that there are certain types of landlords that are best avoided. Being well established and with a relatively large number of long term clients we're grateful to be in a position where we can choose who we work for and with.

Overall, most landlords are professional and conscientious but we were asked the other day what traits we DON'T want in Landlords.

Firstly, landlords whose top priority is finding the agent with the cheapest fee and/or who promises to get them the highest rent. This is a very short sighted and naive approach to the complex business of lettings.

Also on my 'avoid at all costs' list are landlords who ask us to break the law. Whether that's discrimination of any kind or not wishing to comply with the many legal obligations they have and make them aware of. We give these the widest of berths!

We never work with landlords looking for a short term let - in general, we would not want to get involved in anything less than one year.

A big no no to most professional letting agents is landlords with sub-standard properties. We are only interested in dealing with good quality property as this tends to attract good quality tenants and longer, less troublesome lets.

We'll avoid landlords wanting to instruct several letting agents on the same property, we used to do this and it causes too many problems. We want to be free to focus on doing the job properly, rather than feeling pressurised to let the property as quickly as we can which ultimately does the landlord a disservice and could mean they end up with tenants not properly vetted.

Just like with tenants we always try to use initial phone calls or meetings as ways of gauging what that person may be like. Landlords that show contempt for tenants are definitely to be steered clear of as it will certainly cause problems further down the line.

A good landlord in our opinion will trust the letting agent they have instructed and respect their judgement. This faith is repaid, we use our experience, network of contacts and knowledge of the industry to make their lives and management of their lets easier.

If you are considering letting or selling your home, we can help! As your local Hackney estate agents based in Dalston we know the area and are here to support you.

Please get in touch on 0207 275 8000 or email enq@courtneys-estates.com - we are here to offer our professional, friendly and expert advice.