Choosing a manager
Property Management Fees in the UK: What Should Be Included?
A low management fee can look attractive until the first repair or renewal. Ask what's included before signing.
Start with the service, not the percentage
Two agents can quote different percentages and still be offering very different services. One may only find a tenant; another may collect rent, arrange repairs and manage communication throughout the tenancy. The written scope tells you what the headline fee actually buys.
Before comparing price, ask each provider to put the scope in writing. Two proposals with different exclusions may cost the owner very different amounts over a full year.
Questions worth asking a potential manager
Consider the work that happens when the property is empty, occupied or facing an unexpected problem.
- What is included in tenant finding, referencing and move-in administration?
- Who collects rent, issues statements and follows up missed payments?
- How often are inspections carried out, and will they include photographs or written observations?
- How are repairs authorised, priced and reported, including out-of-hours emergencies?
- Are renewals, inventories, safety checks, contractor visits and ending a tenancy charged separately?
- What are the termination, notice and handover provisions of the agreement?
Compare net value and accountability
A lower headline fee may still be suitable if an owner intends to handle maintenance and compliance personally. A more comprehensive agreement can be appropriate for someone who is remote, managing several units or unable to respond quickly.
Request a sample owner statement and a written explanation of what happens when a tenant reports an urgent defect. This reveals more about practical accountability than a service brochure.
At Signatures Asset Properties, we discuss the property and the intended management scope before providing an individual proposal. We do not advertise a single fee as appropriate for every property.
Sources and further reading
The following official sources offer current guidance. Always verify the rules for the property's location and circumstances.
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