Stoke on Trent & Staffordshire Based Landlords

Whether you are an existing private sector, residential, buy-to-let landlord, already managing your own property, or somebody looking to enter the rental market as a private landlord in Stoke on Trent or the surrounding areas for the first time, you may be wondering if engaging a Letting Agent, like ST Properties, is worth the cost. Partnering with a Letting Agent rather than self managing your local rental property, might seem like adding unnecessary expense, but in reality for many landlords the reduced hassle and risk make it worth it. 

Private, residential landlords in Stoke-on-Trent often move to using letting agents, even if the landlord is local to the rental property, for practical, legal, and financial reasons. 

Of course, each individual buy-to-let landlord has their own reasons for partnering with companies like ST Properties Letting Agents, but here are some main ones:

Saving Time: 

Advertising, screening tenants, coordinating and conducting viewings, doing checks ins, collecting and chasing rent, handling maintenance, carrying out property inspections and dealing with tenant enquiries all takes time. Many landlords, even if they are local, do not want (or cannot afford) the time commitment.

Remaining Legally Compliant

With regular changes and updates to rental laws and guidelines, remaining legally compliant can be timely and overwhelming. Right-to-Rent checks, energy performance standards (EPCs), fire safety regulations, gas safety certification, electrical installation condition reports (EICRs), tenancy agreements, deposit protection schemes etc are all legal requirements which if not strictly adhered to can lead to costly fines and even criminal convictions. Letting agents, including ST Properties, take care of all compliance matters on behalf of the landlord, removing the stress and massively reducing the risk of any sanctions.

Finding the Right Tenant

Finding the right tenant, well matched to the property and the area, plays a large part in reducing void periods in properties, as the tenant is less likely to leave if the property suits their wants and needs. Conscientious Letting Agents, like ST Properties, consider the tenant preferences alongside the landlord preferences in order to get the most suitable tenant for the rental property. 

Letting Agents often have better tools and experience for checking tenant references, credit scores, and background information to reduce the risk of problem tenants. 

Dealing with Maintenance

Letting Agents usually have a network of tradespeople, covering all skill areas, meaning regular maintenance issues can be responded to in a timely manner. The Landlord does not need to find time to squeeze in doing the repair themselves, or find time to reach out to tradespeople for quotes and availability. Emergencies can be dealt with faster and with less stress for the landlord.

Rent Collection and Arrears Management

Letting Agents, such as ST Properties, can process all rent payments, chase late rent, and in the worst case can manage evictions. Not only does this reduce awkward or stressful confrontations for the landlord, it also keeps the landlord legally compliant. Arrears management and potential evictions need to be managed in line with legal guidelines. If handled incorrectly it can lead to further delays, and possible deductions, in payments to the landlord. 

Expertise in the Market 

Agents know local rental markets and can advise on competitive rents, property improvements, and how to reduce void periods. Partnering with a Letting Agent, for example, ST Properties, and benefiting from these expertise, can help private, residential, buy-to-let landlords increase their rental yield. 

ST Properties Letting Agency and Property Management Company provide services to landlords no matter what stage they are in their landlord journey, and regardless of the number of properties they have. 

ST Properties is based in the heart of Stoke on Trent. We support local landlord clients throughout all Staffordshire locations within an approximate 45 minute radius, including (but not limited to)

Longton, Fenton, Tunstall, Burslem, Werrington, Newcastle-Under-Lyme, Kidsgrove, Stone, Rugely,

Uttoxeter , Burton-on-Trent, Lichfield , Rugeley , Cannock 

ST Properties supports all landlords, single property accidental landlords right up to portfolio landlords with large numbers of buy-to-let properties. 

Contact us for more information on how ST Properties can meet your needs as a buy-to-let landlord. .