Why Some Letting Agents Are Still Letting Landlords Down
There are still too many landlords out there paying for a “managed” service that barely covers the basics-vague updates, tick-box compliance, rushed lets, and reactive communication.
At best? It is lazy. At worst? It is putting landlords at serious risk. We have spoken to dozens of landlords who have been let down, left in the dark, or just completely underwhelmed by agents who did not care once the tenant moved in.
Here is what is still going wrong-and how we have built things differently at Martyn Russell.
1. Poor Advice Leads to Poor Outcomes
Some agents are afraid to be honest. They nod along when landlords overprice, ignore presentation issues, or refuse to fix key problems.
The Result: Void periods, stressful tenancies, and missed opportunities.
What we do instead: We tell you what needs to be done-clearly, respectfully, and with a focus on results. You are hiring us for expertise, not to agree with everything.
2. Compliance Is Still Treated Like a Box-Ticking Exercise
Many agents are still just “reactive”-doing the bare minimum, after the fact. We have seen agents forget to protect deposits on time, serve incorrect notices, or miss licence requirements altogether-exposing landlords to serious fines and legal action.
What we do instead: Compliance is not an afterthought here-it is baked into our entire process. From paperwork to renewals to record-keeping, we do things properly, because it protects you. This is our forward thinking protection strategy.
3. Communication Falls Off a Cliff After Move-In
Let us be honest-some agents are great until the tenant moves in. After that? Radio silence. Calls go unanswered. Emails take days. You do not know what is happening-and neither does the tenant.
What we do instead: We keep communication simple, clear, and fast. One point of contact, regular updates, and proactive handling of issues before they escalate.
4. Letting Is Treated Like a Churn Machine
Too many agencies are built around volume-stack it high, shift it fast. That means rushed viewings, poor tenant matching, and landlords who never get time to ask questions or feel looked after.
What we do instead: We run a boutique-style service-fewer properties, more time spent on each one, and landlords who feel confident, informed, and in control. We take pride in fostering this close relationship.
5. The Bar Is Low-We’re Raising It
Landlords deserve better. So do tenants. That is why we have built something slower, smarter, and more hands-on.
We do not just manage properties-we manage reputations, relationships, and results.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What makes your approach different from a standard letting agent? We do not take on more than we can properly manage. Every property gets real attention, experienced advice, and detailed oversight. You are not just a number here.
❓ Do you charge more for this level of service? We are not the cheapest-and that is intentional. We spend more time on each property, deliver a more hands-on service, and work to protect your income and your peace of mind. Our fees are fair, transparent, and reflect the value we provide.
❓ I’ve been burnt by a bad agent-how do I know you’re different? Let us have a conversation. No hard sell-just straight answers, and proof of how we do things. You will feel the difference from day one.
❓ Can I switch agents mid-tenancy? Yes-in many cases you can. If you are unsure, we can review your current contract and advise you on the cleanest way to make the switch.
Final Word
Tired of feeling like you are doing all the work and paying the fee?
Let us show you what better looks like.