Choosing a Letting Agent: What to Look For (and What to Avoid)
Posted in Oct 28 , 2025
You’d Think Every Letting Agent Follows the Rules — But Our Audit Says Otherwise!!
At SA Property, we recently carried out a detailed compliance review of letting agents across Swansea and the surrounding areas (SA1 up to SA8).
The results were surprising: over 60% of local agents FAILED to clearly display their landlord or tenant fees online, despite this being a legal requirement under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
It’s a simple rule — yet one that many ignore. And if they’re cutting corners here, what else might they be overlooking?
Why Transparency Matters
When you’re a landlord, your letting agent is your representative. They’re managing your most valuable asset — your property, your income, and your reputation.
That’s why the law requires agents to clearly display:
3. Redress scheme membership (e.g. The Property Ombudsman)
These rules exist to protect both landlords and tenants from hidden costs and poor practices. Transparency isn’t red tape — it’s the foundation of trust.
What Our Swansea Audit Revealed
During our local compliance sweep, we reviewed dozens of letting agents’ websites.
Shockingly, the majority failed to show the information required by law.
Some had no fees listed at all. Others used vague lines like “fees apply” or buried them behind broken links.
Many also failed to display their redress scheme or CMP details, which every agent legally must do.
And that begs the question — if they’re hiding this, what else might they be hiding?
Common Infringements Among Letting Agents
Our audit highlighted several recurring issues that landlords need to watch for:
1. Undisclosed Fees or Hidden Charges
2. Some agents fail to list all fees on their website or in-branch.
3. Charges for tenant referencing, tenancy renewals, or administrative tasks are often buried in contracts.
4. Landlords may discover extra costs only after signing agreements.
Contractor Mark-Ups Without Consent
Certain agents add a percentage to contractor invoices (maintenance, cleaning, or repairs) without clearly informing landlords.
This practice is increasingly viewed as unethical and can be illegal if not declared.
Failure to Display Legal Memberships
Many agents neglect to show Client Money Protection (CMP) or redress scheme logos on their websites.
This omission means landlords can’t easily verify their money is protected or that complaints can be escalated properly.
Vague or Misleading Descriptions
Phrases like “admin fees apply” or “costs may be incurred” leave too much room for interpretation.
Landlords may unknowingly agree to fees that are not permitted under Welsh law.
Improper Deposit Handling
Some agents fail to clearly state which deposit protection scheme is used, risking non-compliance with Welsh tenancy legislation.
Non-Transparent Communication
Incomplete or delayed communication regarding rent collection, property inspections, or maintenance updates can indicate systemic mismanagement.
If an agent is doing just one of these things, it’s a red flag. If they’re doing several, landlords need to ask serious questions — because compliance isn’t optional, it’s the law.
How SA Property Does It Right
At SA Property, we’ve built our business on trust, honesty, and transparency since 2013.
We:
1. Publish all landlord and tenant fees clearly online and in our office window.
2. Declare a fixed £6.50 + VAT contractor handling fee — no hidden percentages.
3. Are fully registered with The Property Ombudsman and CMP for client money protection.
4. Provide open, face-to-face communication — because you deserve to know exactly where you stand.
We don’t believe in smoke and mirrors. What you see is what you get —
transparent service, fair fees, and a commitment to doing things right.
How to Check if Your Agent is Compliant
Use this quick checklist to see if your agent is following the law:
1. Fees clearly displayed online and in the office
2. CMP scheme logo visible and explained
3. Redress scheme membership listed
4. No hidden or vague “admin” fees
5. Declared and transparent contractor handling fee
If they can’t tick every box, it’s time to ask why not.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a letting agent isn’t just about who charges the least — it’s about who you can trust to do things properly.
At SA Property, transparency isn’t a selling point — it’s the standard. From clear fees to honest communication, we’re proud to lead by example.
If you’d like a free lettings compliance health check, or want to discuss how we can manage your property the right way — get in touch today.
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