estate agent new lettings delays

[Plithenewark]

I have recently advertised a property for let using a local independent estate agent. This will be the first time I have let a property, given a lack of any rentals in the area, the agents were keen and advertised said property at beginning of a week for multiple viewings together at the the end of that same week. We had 5 or so offers, some impractical (ie tenant would not earn enough to cover the rent). We decided to progress checks on two sharers who claimed to earn more than a certain amount.

I have a copy of the standard estate agency agreement but nothing has yet been signed despite chasing. The lettings manager did not seem keen to sign a contract at that point. After an initial good engagement, emails go answered and there seems a lack of clarity over things like length of the tenancy agreement and dates. Despite an apparently dire shortage of places to rent there is no urgency.

The two tenants are in the process of referencing, but one has apparently still not yet done the process two weeks after the viewings took place.

I have also been written to by other local agencies, i assume they get the property owners details from the land registry, saying I can proceed with them at the same time.

I asked for a copy of their standard tenancy agreement and also the agency contract to be sent, and that was not done, this has started to bother me slightly.

Should I just wait and see what happens? Can anyone advise at what point the landlord undertakes a formal contract/agreement with the agency? I am looking for fully managed so this is a bit troubling.

[JK0]

I think you need to give notice to the existing firm. If you engage someone else before your sole agency runs out, you'll have two lots of commission to pay.

[ash72]

Not answering your queries does sound unprofessional, on the other hand if they are still awaiting the T's to complete the credit and reference checks this could be the hold up. I would probably give the agent and the T's one additional week, otherwise you are terminating any agreement.

[AndrewDod]

Remove your instructions now (hopefully nil to pay) - and don't choose any tenants already passed on. You need to know the name of every tenant that contacted them to avoid a problem. Ask them to disclose that (if they refuse you are absolved if you happen to get the same tenant so make sure it is documented)

[Plithenewark]

AndrewDod,

thanks, I am certainly favouring this approach. But any idea why they are messing around in this fashion? I suspect we will be charged for referencing.

[jpkeates]

The agent did the referencing, so the charges are probably fair.
They've also done the advertising and the viewing, so you're going to owe them for that as well.

You've got some kind of contract with them, because you've agreed "something" and they've done some work.
I'd write and cancel the agreement - the lack of a written agreement and their crap service is enough to argue that they're not competent and shouldn't have any more of your business.
But there's some kind of contract and there are going to be some costs to pay.

[Another Fine Mess]

I would go to the Estate Agency and ask to speak to the manager, Some firms when someone goes on holiday dont like passing on work to someone eles as they have to share the commission, Like solicitors where when one goes on holiday the job stops.