York Landlord Checklist: Is It Time to Switch Letting Agents?

Choosing the right letting agent can make all the difference when it comes to protecting your investment, keeping tenants happy, and maximising your returns. But what happens when your agent stops delivering the service you signed up for?

If you’re a landlord in York and you’ve been wondering whether it’s time to move on, here’s a simple checklist to help you decide if you should switch letting agents — and how to do it smoothly.

1️⃣ Communication Has Gone Quiet 📞

Good communication is the foundation of great property management. If your agent is slow to reply, rarely updates you, or only gets in touch when there’s a problem, it’s a red flag.

You should expect:✔️ Regular property updates✔️ Clear answers to questions✔️ Transparency about maintenance and costs

If you feel left in the dark about what’s happening with your property, it might be time to look elsewhere.

2️⃣ Repairs Are Taking Too Long 🛠️

Delays in handling maintenance can damage both your property and your reputation with tenants.

Ask yourself:

• Are repairs being dealt with promptly and professionally?

• Do you trust that the work is being done properly and cost-effectively?

At Pycroft Property Management, our in-house maintenance team ensures that issues are handled quickly and efficiently — protecting both landlords and tenants.

3️⃣ Hidden Fees and Unclear Charges 💷

If your monthly statements are full of unexpected charges or vague descriptions, that’s a warning sign.

A good agent should be completely transparent about fees, with no hidden extras.

Review your contract and statements — if things don’t add up, it’s time to find an agent who values honesty and clarity.

4️⃣ Poor Tenant Selection or Frequent Turnover 🚪

High turnover can cost landlords thousands every year in lost rent and re-letting fees. If your agent isn’t taking tenant screening seriously or rushing to fill properties, the long-term impact could be costly.

A quality agent will focus on finding reliable tenants, not just filling rooms.

5️⃣ Lack of Local Expertise 🗺️

York’s property market is unique — from city-centre apartments to student HMOs and suburban family homes. If your agent isn’t local or doesn’t understand York’s market dynamics, they may not be pricing, marketing, or managing your property effectively.

A York-based agency like Pycroft Property Management offers:✔️ Local knowledge✔️ Established contractor relationships✔️ Hands-on service and quick response times

6️⃣ You Feel Like Just a Number 🤝

Large agencies can sometimes lose the personal touch, and landlords end up dealing with a new person every month.

If you value consistent, personal service, a smaller, independent agency may be a better fit . At PPM, we know every property, every landlord, and every tenant personally — it’s what helps us deliver a better experience for everyone involved.

7️⃣ You’re Not Getting Value for Money 💰

Ultimately, your letting agent should be saving you time, reducing your stress, and protecting your investment. If they’re not delivering on that, why keep paying for the service?

✅ Thinking of Switching Agents?

The good news is that switching is simpler than most landlords realise. We handle the transition on your behalf — from contacting your previous agent to collecting keys, documents, and deposits. It’s smooth, professional, and hassle-free.

At Pycroft Property Management, we combine local expertise, transparent pricing, and responsive communication to give York landlords a service they can rely on.

📩 Ready for a change? If you’re wondering whether it’s time to switch letting agents, get in touch for an honest chat about how we can help.

👉 Learn more about our Landlord Property Management Services in York