Advice renting out my apartment

what2do

It is looking likely that I may rent out my apartment in the near future so I'm looking for advice:

Would you recommend using an estate agent - I have family around who would look after it... 8 yr apt with which I have few issues but I guess you can be guaranteed that would change!

How much would you expect to pay an estate agent - annual fee or %

Any other suggestions/ pointers gratefully appreciated!

hfallada

I wouldn't not bother with an estate agent. They generally don't get the highest rents possible. And then they take a cut from your rent.

Your stereotypical ideal tenant for an apartment is a professional mainland European. They generally are zero problems compared to Irish people. I'm Irish and my parents experience Irish generally think they are fantastic paying their rent only a few days late. If you have an apartment in Dublin city you will have no issues letting it.

Moonbeam

I would rent it out yourself, all management companies/estate agents charge different amounts for renting it out and then monthly.

Horrid Henry

I'd echo the other posters' views...cut out the estate agent and deal directly with the tenants.

frank8211

agree as above. Its very easy at moment as there is a huge shortage of accommodation

Santa Cruz

Avoid Irish tenants. They have a negative attitude towards renting, landlords and minding property. Get a non Irish European professional, treat them well and have a maintenance plan ready for any issues so they can be dealt with promptly. I have rented two properties for the last 15 years this way and never a problem.

the world wonders

Santa Cruz wrote: »

Avoid Irish tenants.

Discrimination on the basis of nationality is illegal under the Equal Status Act 2000.

Horrid Henry

the world wonders wrote: »

Discrimination on the basis of nationality is illegal under the Equal Status Act 2000.

I don't think it's been suggested that the landlord give them confirmation in writing of why they're not being considered!

the world wonders

Horrid Henry wrote: »

I don't think it's been suggested that the landlord give them confirmation in writing of why they're not being considered!

So your argument is that racial discrimination is A-OK as long as you can get away with it?

Horrid Henry

the world wonders wrote: »

So your argument is that racial discrimination is A-OK as long as you can get away with it?

We're not a race.

the world wonders

Horrid Henry wrote: »

We're not a race.

Equal Status Act, 2000

(2) As between any two persons, the discriminatory grounds (and the descriptions of those grounds for the purposes of this Act) are:
...
(h) that they are of different race, colour, nationality or ethnic or national origins (the “ground of race”),

Horrid Henry

the world wonders wrote: »

Equal Status Act, 2000

I personally would have no issue with a landlord discriminating against people once he/she wasn't stupid enough to be overt about it.

I have a rental property and there is no way on Earth that I would let it to certain nationalities or ethnic groups.

what2do

I am adding to my original point now because I am going to be living abroad therefore I've decided that employing an agent is the way to go... had planned to have a family member look after it but think it would be easier if I just employed a professional

Anyone any recommendations on retaining an agents - tips.. fees?!

Thanks.

djimi

From a tenants point of view its easier to rent through an agent anyway if the landlord is absentee; at least that way there is no issue with having to withhold rent for revenue.

Mrs OBumble

what2do wrote: »

Anyone any recommendations on retaining an agents - tips.. fees?!

Thanks.

Choose an agency that specialises in managing rental properties, not one that's selling real estate and doing some rentals on the side.

As well as fees, find out how the screen prospective tenants, how often they do inspections, how they make the inspection information available to you, what their threshold for checking maintenance costs with you is, how soon they start taking legal steps if someone misses a rent payment.

what2do

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

Choose an agency that specialises in managing rental properties, not one that's selling real estate and doing some rentals on the side.

As well as fees, find out how the screen prospective tenants, how often they do inspections, how they make the inspection information available to you, what their threshold for checking maintenance costs with you is, how soon they start taking legal steps if someone misses a rent payment.

Thanks for the tips - appreciated!

Any suggestions on an agent - to be honest I had just contacted a few in the area however these would all sell houses as their main business.