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What is a good way of letting out your own house without using an agent?

Is it mandatory to use a letting agent? I've found some of them to be con artists and they don't seem to do much of a job. If I can let my house out individually what things should I look out for that prove to be crucial later on down the line. How much deposit is usually charged and what can I do to ensure that the tenants continue to pay the rent on time and vacate the property when asked to do so and not squat. Should I actually include this as a clause in the contract or is that not allowed?

Public Comments

1. what are you saying "letting" out your house.
2. Unless you are up on real estate/rental laws, you are better off getting an agent to help at least until you learn the ropes. If you are concerned about con artists, ask around for some recommendations.
3. Sure you can cut out the Agents. You can advertise in Local Newspapers. You will need to draw up a letting contract which a local Solicitor can do for you or you may have an old copy from when the Agents let the house and you could copy this. The most important thing to do when taking on tenants is to get genuine references of their character. You then need to set up a standing order for the rent and be notified by the bank once the rent is received. In the agreement you will have to agree on "period of notice" ie. 1 month and either side can give that. I think it is usually 1 month's rent as a deposit plus one month's rent in advance, but you'd need to check this out. Ring up a few Agents and quiz them and use that knowledge to your own advantage. Citizen's Advice are also good for free information.
4. An Agent takes away all the every day hassles. Its worth paying that little bit extra for peace of mind I think.
5. My landlady doesnt use an agent I pay her direct, cash in hand every month, but you could set up a standing order. Deposit is usually one months rent. I think you can buy standard tenancy agreements from WHSmiths or you may be able to download one off the net. You have to give the tennant 2 months to vacate the property, but if they dont then you have to go to court which is where it can get expensive for you.
6. YOU STAY AND PAY YOURSELF...
7. We found a house on www.gumtree.co.uk they give you loads of area's to go by and then you can put an email as contact and yet people that way and arrange a personal contract between u and the people you letting it to.
8. I assume (from your language: "letting agent") you are in the UK Craigslist and Loot work better than the national newspapers. But you have to get references and actually check them out, and make sure the references aren't themselves phony. That they are employed, and if students, etc. have a guarantor, a parent who signs the lease. You get 6 weeks' rent as deposit and keep it in an escrow account. You need to get an assured shorthold tenancy lease form; you can download one from http://www.oyezforms.co.uk/ or get one from their shop.