Everyone’s situation is different. You might be emigrating, moving to a new property, or already have a tenant in situ. You may have a tight timescale, but time spent planning now will serve you well later.

Invite a few agents to visit your property and provide a free, no-obligation marketing recommendation. You must pick your agent carefully. Which agent will do the best job? With whom did you establish the best rapport with? Are they members of a professional body?

Different types of services are available when letting your property – from let only to full management. These can also vary according to the agent, which is worth considering before choosing who to instruct. We are members of ARLA and adhere to their code of conduct. We are also covered by ARLA’s comprehensive client money protection scheme. Ensure the agent you instruct is a member of the professional body.

To ensure your property has the most significant possible impact when we start marketing, it must look at its absolute best, especially for the photographer’s visit. Quality photographs and marketing images are vital. This is also true for the presentation of the property for viewings – the better it looks, the more interest you will have and, in all probability, the quicker it will let and the higher the price you may achieve.

You will need to know all the relevant details about the prospective tenant and tenancy agreement to enable you to make an informed decision. Things to ask include: Who is the tenant? How long would they like to live on your property? Are they requesting a break clause after a specific time? What furniture would they want, if any? Do they have pets, or do they smoke? Who exactly will be living on the property? If the offer price you receive is what you are looking for, ask your estate agent to negotiate for you. A good agent will always do this rather than simply recommending you accept the first offer.

Depending on the type of service you asked your estate agent to provide, your estate agent will contact you if there are any issues. Most estate agents will contact you within three months or so of the end of the tenancy to discuss your plans with your property and a renewal of your tenancy.