Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!

Short-term flat rental

I am going away later this year for a a couple of months. I would like to rent out my flat for this period and I wondered if anyone had any agency recommendations. I really need them to actually manage the flat because I will be abroad and won't be able to do it from there. I have heard lots of negative reports from people who have rented their places and paid agents hefty fees only to find that the places haven't been looked after properly and the agents have done nothing. I really don't want to be in this position. The flat is not an investment property. I need to live in it so it's important it's looked after properly by the tenants and the agency sorts out any problems should they arise.

I would really appreciate any recommendations from others who have been in this position. Please no postings from agents trying to advertise I just want to hear from genuine clients!

Tags for Forum Posts: Agent, needed, recommendations

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Permalink Reply by VeronicaM on September 29, 2016 at 14:24

Hi Katia

If you're still looking my house may suit as I will be travelling from late October. PM if interested

Thanks

Veronica

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Permalink Reply by KP on September 5, 2016 at 11:55

Hi Katia thanks for your message. I think the flat might be a bit small for you. It's a one-bedroom which would be fine for a couple but not big enough for a couple with children I'm afraid.

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Permalink Reply by Eileen on September 21, 2016 at 22:43

Hi, I can recommend a letting agent, Ken Ince at Property Time, based in Belsize Park but also covers North London, contact details 020 7794 2008 / email info@property-time.co.uk But I'm not sure if he deals with short term rentals.

Note that agents have no real control over the state of the property once let. They charge an introduction fee, percentage can be negotiated. But this is just for the introduction of the tenants, contacts, references, credit checks etc. (Ken has always got me very reliable, professional tenants, I have usually got the flat back in better condition than it was on handover!!) You could get the agent to do full management which means they will deal with repairs. It's also quite expensive %, you will be billed back, plus service and admin costs. But again, the upkeep of the flat is entirely the responsibility of the tenant.

You could also try spareroom.co.uk, there are often people looking for short term lets. Be VERY careful with the agreement, make sure you do this via a solicitor or an agent. Maybe look at doing a licence, as in a spare room agreement, if you are going to be away for such short period. A tenancy agreement is a very strong legal agreement (on the side of the tenant), and should it turn sour ......

I certainly would not give someone a tenancy agreement for such a short period for my home, just do the agreement as though you are still living there, and give them license to occupy, not a full-blown tenancy.

Also if you find someone from a website, check them out thoroughly, get work references and maybe do credit checks. Again, this is where agents are invaluable, they do all that work. Even if you find the tenants yourself, it may be worth asking an agent if they would do the checks and agreement (obvs they will charge a fee).

Best of luck. But if you are not experienced in doing lettings, make sure you get good advice on the agreement.

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Permalink Reply by KP on September 22, 2016 at 13:02

Hi Eileen

Thanks for your advice. I realise full management is expensive but I am willing to pay on the condition that they FULLY MANAGE. What I don't want is to pay and have the agent not do any of the managing! As I mentioned in my original post it's my home not a property I regularly let out for investment purposes so I need it to be looked after properly so I can move back in.

I don't want to have to do all the checks etc myself so I am not going down the spareroom route.

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Permalink Reply by Rebecca D on September 22, 2016 at 11:24

Hi KP, My friend and her husband are looking for a short let for November and December 2016. They are thoroughly decent people, just looking for a place to stay while they find somewhere of their own (new to London!).

Do let me know if you go ahead with renting it out.

Thanks,

Rebecca

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Permalink Reply by KP on September 22, 2016 at 13:04

Hi Rebecca

Thanks for your message. I will be looking for someone to stay until April so I don't think my flat will work for your friends I'm afraid.

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Permalink Reply by Liz Homewood on October 8, 2016 at 15:23

Hello Katia - is the flat still available? I'm a Professional non smoking female looking to rent a place for about 6 months. What's the best way to get in touch please? My email is lizhomewood@yahoo.com if that helps....