It is a fair question, and one that more landlords are asking as self-management platforms and online tools become more accessible. The honest answer depends on your situation – but for the majority of Leicester landlords, a good letting agent delivers far more value than it costs. Here is why.
What Does an Agent Actually Do?
It is worth being clear about what a letting agent offers, because it is often more than landlords expect. A full management service covers everything: marketing the property, conducting viewings, referencing tenants, drafting tenancy agreements, collecting rent, chasing arrears, arranging maintenance and repairs, conducting inspections, managing check-ins and check-outs, and advising on legal compliance. A let-only service handles the tenant-find and handover, with ongoing management remaining the landlord’s responsibility.
The Case for Using an Agent
There are four areas where a good agent consistently adds value that is hard to replicate when self-managing.
Local knowledge is the first. Understanding which streets attract which types of tenant, what rents are genuinely achievable right now, and how to position your property in the market takes years of experience to build. A specialist Leicester agent brings that from day one.
Legal compliance is the second. Landlord legislation changes frequently, and the penalties for getting it wrong are significant. A reputable agent stays on top of every regulatory development – from licensing requirements and safety certificates to deposit protection and Right to Rent checks and ensures your property remains fully compliant.
Time is the third. Managing a rental property properly takes more hours than most people expect. Maintenance calls, tenant queries, administrative tasks and inspections all add up. Full management gives that time back to you.
Finally, void periods. Agents with established marketing channels, active tenant databases, and professional listings consistently let properties faster than landlords going it alone – and a shorter void is real money saved.
What to Look For
Not every letting agent offers the same standard of service, so it pays to do your homework. Look for Safeagents membership, which signals a professional agent. Client Money Protection has been a legal requirement since 2019, so verify it is in place. Membership of a redress scheme is also mandatory. Beyond the legal basics, look for transparent fees, a strong local reputation, and a team that communicates proactively rather than reactively.
The Bottom Line
For landlords with multiple properties, those who live away from Leicester, or anyone who values their time, a professional letting agent is almost always worth the fee. The cost is typically more than offset by faster lets, better tenant retention, and the avoidance of costly compliance mistakes. We offer both let-only and full management services – talk to our team to find the right fit for your circumstances.