To let: by agent or by yourself? (part I)

This post is most likely from a 1st time owner.

My two-cents: I don’t think it’s necessary to engage a lawyer, unless yours is a special lease that needs much customization in the contract.

Lawyers tend to give ‘safe advice’ in order to protect themselves (more than their clients). Going to and fro with unnecessary amendments often results in a waste of your time and money.

Agents from reputable property agencies all have a standard TA (Tenancy Agreement). That document has been used by countless landlords and tenants. You can bet that all parties will refer to it in case of disputes.

I tried to rent out my 1st property the 1st time on my own.

Without knowing any property agent, I could only post property ads in the Classified, the property websites, and even the noticeboards at Cold Storage.

I never wanted to do it again:

– I had to handle all the calls at different times of the day. It’s worse when I am traveling.

– I had to open the door for potential tenants or for tenants with their agents, all at their convenience.

– When it came to negotiations of the terms and conditions (namely the rent, furniture, appliances, diplomatic clause, etc.), I wish I had a middleman.

Imagine this: Once the tenancy starts, your tenant can call you in the wee hours of the night asking for help — to explain how to use the dryer, to fix the leaking ceiling, to arrange repair for a malfunctioned aircon, to borrow your spare key to enter the place after losing the original one …

As a landlord, I have experienced all of the above from my tenants. Fortunately, except the first incident, the others were all liaised and settled by my agent.

My agent would not give my handphone number to my tenants. If the tenant really insisted, she would do so but emphasized that she’s the main contact in any case.

Let me tell you a real-life story: I have an acquaintance who once decided to show her vacant condo unit to potential tenants in her free time.

A guy called and arranged for a viewing. He had good telephone manners and showed up decently-dressed just like any executive.

After they walked into the flat, he said the wind was too strong and closed the main door after him.

When she showed him one of the bedrooms, he suddenly said it’s a robbery. Like in a TV drama, her hands were tied and her mouth was taped.

Fortunately, the thief only told her valuables and left. She finally managed to break free after being alone for hours.

To all landlords leasing your place: If you’re not engaging any agent, here’s a kind reminder:

1) Arrange a few appointments at similar timing, or one after the other.

2) Let viewers know it’s an open house this morning/afternoon.

3) Always have the main door widely-opened under all circumstances.

Remember, your safety is your number one priority.


Since 2006, my property agent has been helping me with all the leasing and selling of my properties. If you also need her help for your property matters, you can send me a request here.