Does anyone here let houses

[BlasterBates]

We've been planning to sell since last winter, once we finished the house. Now, it seems that might not be a good plan. Since the mortgage is only ~£300 a month, renting out our house (3 bed semi, bought for £70K in 2005) seems increasingly attractive.
But being lazy, I don't really want to have to do anything. How much effort is required both to get a house let, and to keep things running smoothly once you have a contract signed? I figure estate agents do a lot (and charge for it), what do you guys have to say about it?

You need a good estate agent then basically you do nothing. I let for a few years, and I didn't lift a finger. They took 15%. The only thing I had to do was approve repairs from time to time, most of which were deducted from the rents, apart from the new roof. Eventually they sold it for me, and the only thing I had to do was sign the contract, and transfer the money into a high interest account.

[basshead]

I just agreed to rent mine out to a celebrity - hoping I don't get crack parties and get the house splashed on the cover of Heat magazine!

Fortunately it is a 12 month contract. within 2 weeks I had 2 people for the place, and I chose who I wanted. It is an easy market for renting at present!

Lizzy Bardsley?

[Bob Dalek]

Being a landlord is a) a c**t's trick b) likely to leave you spending hours on the blower to your solicitor/the neighbours of the let property/the police/the Samaritans.

[Bob Dalek]

If it's a quick buck you are after, do as I do and employ a factory in China to manufacture A1 fake Clarice Cliffe teasets and condiment sets. So easy to get the look & feel right.

See you at Bonhams!

[Wilmslow]

Lizzy Bardsley?

My celebrity is only marginally more famous.....

They may be appearing in the next celebrity jungle.

[Diver]

Letting is great as long as you vet your tenants carefully. If in doubt, go to their prev address and talk to the neighbours, get your accountant to run a credit check if necessary.

if I'm in doubt, I don't let to them.

[AtW]

My celebrity is only marginally more famous.....

Marginally more famous than you?

[unemployed]

(3 bed semi, bought for £70K in 2005)

you sure ?

[BA to the Stars]

My celebrity is only marginally more famous.....

They may be appearing in the next celebrity jungle.

So why rent for 12 months or is the jungle the back garden and the grass needs cutting

[chicane]

you sure ?

Plenty still available at that price or less if you're not too fussy:

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/viewdetai...a_n=2&tr_t=buy