How to Spot a Good Letting Agent: 7 Questions Every Landlord Should Ask

Choosing the right letting agent can make or break your experience as a landlord. A good agent doesn't just find tenants — they protect your investment, handle legal compliance, reduce voids, and ensure rent is collected on time. But with so many options available, how do you separate the professionals from the mediocre? At Sagoos, we believe landlords deserve better. Here are 7 essential questions every landlord should ask before appointing a letting agent — and what to look for in the answers.

1. How do you market rental properties?

A quality letting agent should offer a proactive and strategic marketing plan — not just list your property and wait.

✅ Do they use professional photography, floorplans, and video tours?
✅ Are they advertising on all major portals like Rightmove, Zoopla, and Spareroom?
✅ Do they promote listings on social media or email campaigns?

Red Flag: If their answer is vague or limited to just one or two platforms, your property won’t get the exposure it deserves.

2. What’s your void period average?

Letting agents who know their numbers can prove their efficiency.

✅ Ask how long their properties typically remain on the market.
✅ Look for evidence of low average void periods — ideally less than two weeks.

Red Flag: If they can’t give you a figure or try to avoid the question, they likely don’t track performance.

3. How do you screen tenants?

The wrong tenant can cause serious headaches. A thorough vetting process is non-negotiable.

✅ Do they conduct credit checks, employment verification, landlord references, and affordability assessments?
✅ How quickly can they turn around referencing?

Red Flag: Agents who skip references or let landlords “take a view” are exposing you to risk.

4. What’s included in your management service?

Not all ‘fully managed’ services are created equal. Get clear on what you’re actually paying for.

✅ Does it include routine inspections, rent collection, arrears management, compliance checks, and maintenance handling?
✅ Are there hidden fees for extras like tenancy renewals or maintenance call-outs?

Red Flag: If the pricing is unclear or the list of inclusions is vague, ask for a written breakdown.

5. How do you handle maintenance and emergencies?

You want a letting agent who protects your property without causing delays or inflated costs.

✅ Do they have trusted, local contractors and a 24/7 emergency line?
✅ Can they act quickly without always needing landlord approval?

Red Flag: If they outsource everything without quality control, you could end up with unreliable tradespeople and unhappy tenants.

6. What’s your approach to compliance and legal updates?

A strong agent keeps you ahead of ever-changing regulations.

✅ Do they handle deposit protection, gas and electrical safety, EPCs, and Right to Rent checks?
✅ Do they keep landlords informed about changes in legislation?

Red Flag: If they treat compliance as your responsibility alone, they’re not protecting your interests.

7. Can I speak to existing landlord clients?

Reputation speaks volumes. Good agents will happily introduce you to satisfied landlords.

✅ Ask for references or online reviews.
✅ Look for testimonials that speak to trust, responsiveness, and value for money.

Red Flag: If they hesitate to provide references, take it as a warning sign.

Why Landlords Choose Sagoos

At Sagoos, we’ve built our letting and management service around the needs of landlords who expect more:

✅ Properties marketed professionally with zero cutting corners.
✅ Ultra-low void periods thanks to proactive lettings.
✅ Robust tenant screening that protects your income.
✅ Transparent, all-inclusive management with no hidden fees.
✅ Legal compliance handled end-to-end.
✅ Hands-on service from landlords who know what matters.

Final Thoughts

The best letting agents act as your trusted partners — not just middlemen. By asking these seven questions, you’ll quickly identify which agents go above and beyond, and which are just ticking boxes.

Want a letting agent who thinks like a landlord? Contact Sagoos today and experience a new standard in property management.