There is a previous thread on letting agents.
Personnally I would stay miles away. For them, its money for old rope. They dont care who goes in and its not up to them to extract rent when it is not forthcoming.
My top three tenets :-
- Renting is a business like any other, you need to devote your own time and judgement. If you are not going to take a personal interest, you will get stung its only a matter of time.
- Never let to someone you would not be comfortable sharing with.
- Visit a least once per month/two months - have a chat, have a look around, ask if anything needs doing. The attention will keep them on their toes and they will be happy that you are attending to their needs.