Handing Over Your Property? Here’s What to Ask Your Letting Agent First.
- Cambridge Stays

- Jun 3
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 6
Smooth handovers start with clear conversations — and too many landlords find themselves caught off-guard because they didn’t ask the right questions upfront. If you’re preparing to hand over your property to Cambridge letting agents, you’ll want to ensure expectations are aligned, responsibilities are defined, and every essential point is agreed upon in writing.
Essential Points to Clarify with Your Agent
Before passing over the keys, you need a complete understanding of what your letting agent will — and won’t — be responsible for. Start with access: who holds keys, and what’s the protocol for emergencies or guest lockouts? Next, ask about guest or tenant screening. Will they be performing credit checks? How do they assess suitability? Emergency protocols are critical too — who handles urgent maintenance, and what’s considered ‘urgent’?
Another key area: fees. Make sure your agent breaks down their costs clearly. Is there a set-up fee? A management fee? Are there extras for maintenance callouts or guest support? For Cambridge letting agents to be worth their cost, transparency on pricing is non-negotiable.
Documentation to Have in Place
Handovers without paperwork are disasters waiting to happen. Ensure your letting agent provides or helps you compile an updated property inventory list, complete with dated photographs. This protects both you and your tenant and streamlines any future damage claims.
You should also have a detailed service level agreement (SLA). This should outline everything from average response times to cleaning standards. Check-in and check-out procedures should be documented too — and agreed upon. Who greets guests or tenants? Is it self-check-in? What happens if someone leaves late or damages something?
What Happens After Handover?
Too many landlords assume the job is done after handover — but the real work starts here. A good letting agent will carry out regular inspections, communicate findings, and arrange any necessary maintenance quickly. They should also provide a clear feedback loop from guests or tenants, highlighting anything that may need your attention.
The best letting agents in Cambridge don’t just manage — they optimise. That means spotting inefficiencies, suggesting improvements, and helping you get more from your investment.
How Cambridge Stays Makes Onboarding Stress-Free
At Cambridge Stays, we treat handovers as precision processes. From customised onboarding checklists to SLA-based service delivery, we make sure landlords are never left guessing. Our agents clarify access procedures, emergency response workflows, and tenant communication strategies before you ever hand over the keys.
We help you prepare the right documentation, audit your inventory, and streamline all operational procedures. Once you’re onboard, our transparent communication, regular reporting, and proactive guest support keep things running smoothly from day one.
Clarity Before Keys = Peace of Mind
If you want a stress-free handover, don’t just sign the dotted line and hope for the best. Ask the right questions, get the right documents, and work with letting agents in Cambridge who prioritise clarity and performance. At Cambridge Stays, we turn handovers into long-term partnerships. Let’s make sure you start strong.
Comments