Thinking of switching letting agents in Edinburgh?

Check the agreement before giving notice

Read your current agency agreement and ask for clarification of the notice process, any outstanding charges and the information available for handover. Do not assume every contract has the same notice period or exit cost.

This is a practical preparation guide, not advice on interpreting your contract. Obtain independent advice if a term or dispute is unclear.

• How notice must be given, and to whom
• How long the notice period is
• Whether any charges apply on ending the agreement
• What records the current agent will pass on, and in what form

Explain the current position

Tell the proposed new agent whether the property is occupied, whether rent or maintenance issues need attention and what you want to improve. A change of managing agent should not be treated as a new tenancy or a reason to change a tenant’s rights.

Ask who will communicate with the tenant, when that communication should happen and how rent-payment instructions will be checked.

Prepare a handover checklist

Discuss which tenancy and property records need to be transferred securely: the agreement, inventory, deposit information, safety documentation, rent statements, keys and outstanding maintenance records may all be relevant.

Agree responsibility for each item and record anything still outstanding. Avoid sending tenant identity documents or other sensitive information through an unsecured public enquiry form.

Confirm the new arrangement in writing

Ask for the proposed services, fees and responsibilities before instructing a new agent. Agree the handover date only once the existing terms and practical arrangements are understood.

RentLocally’s Edinburgh team can discuss your circumstances. We do not promise a universal transfer time or that switching will be free of charges.

Working out your order of steps

Your starting point changes what to do first.

You have not yet read the notice terms

Read the agreement first, then ask your current agent to confirm anything unclear

The property is vacant

You may have more flexibility on timing; confirm the notice terms before re-marketing

A tenant is in place

Plan how and when the tenant is told, and how rent-payment changes will be checked

There is a dispute with the current agent

Obtain independent advice before giving notice

Common questions