There has been a huge increase in demand for landlords and property investors who want to have their rental accommodation managed, claims one of the UK’s letting agencies.

Townends Estate Agents, part of the Badger Holdings Group, says an ever changing legislative industry is persuading more landlords to switch to a full service option to manage their properties.

In addition, Townends have found that more and more tenants are also requesting to rent a managed property due to the benefits of maintenance issues being dealt with promptly during the course of their tenancy, plus the knowledge that their deposit has been handled in line with legislation.

Caroline Kavanagh, Group Lettings Director for Badger Holdings said: “The last 18 months has seen a significant rise in the number of landlords opting for a managed service. In light of this, we have created an adaptable service which can facilitate tenants’ and landlords’ varying expectations from one situation to the next.

“We understand that this job requires diplomacy, attention to detail, good time management and strong negotiation techniques therefore we tailor our service to the individuals’ requirements, including offering an out of hours emergency service.”

The Badger Holdings sales pitch to landlord is that by having a property managed means they have a dedicated team of people with whom they can liaise with on all matters relating to their property. There is less pressure as the formalities are taken care of, which can be particularly helpful for a landlord with a large portfolio.

The managed service can, says the agency, also help deal with the service of official notices, minimise rent arrears situations and provide fully vetted contractors for all maintenance works.

At the end of the tenancy a property manager will assist with negotiating the dilapidations to the property with the tenant and landlord, guided by the strict legislation of the Tenancy Deposit Scheme enforceable since April 2007.

Kavanagh concluded: “Property management involves the processes, systems and manpower required to manage the life cycle of a tenancy, which many landlords, having experienced the process themselves, now realise the benefit of having a managed service.”