If your letting agent isn’t returning calls, repairs are dragging on or the fees keep creeping up, you don’t have to put up with it. Switching letting agents in Scotland is usually straightforward, and your tenants don’t need to move out.
- You can normally switch agent during a tenancy. The tenancy carries on as normal.
- Check your current agreement for the notice period and any termination fees.
- The deposit stays protected in its scheme; the records are updated to the new agent.
- A good new agent handles the handover and tells your tenants for you.
Can you switch letting agents during a tenancy?
Yes. Your tenancy is between you and your tenant, not between your tenant and the agent. That means you can normally change agent while the property is let and the tenancy simply carries on.
What you do need to check is the agreement you signed with your current agent. It will set out how much notice you need to give and whether any fees apply when you leave.
Common reasons landlords switch
- Repairs not being dealt with, or dealt with slowly
- Little or no communication with you or your tenants
- Hidden fees or inflated contractor charges
- Late rent payments or unclear statements
- Worries that compliance (gas safety, EICRs, alarms) isn’t being kept up to date
How to switch letting agents in Scotland, step by step
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Read your current agreement
Look for the notice period, any termination fees and whether there’s a minimum term. If anything is unclear, a new agent can help you understand it.
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Choose your new agent
Check they’re on the Scottish Letting Agent Register, ask for their fees in full, and find out how they handle repairs, rent and compliance. SAL and LAS membership and Client Money Protection are good signs.
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Give notice
Write to your current agent giving notice in line with your agreement, and agree a switch-over date. Your new agent can suggest wording.
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Hand over documents, keys and money
Your new agent needs the tenancy agreement, any notices served, the check-in inventory, safety certificates (Gas Safety Record, EICR, EPC), alarm records, rent records and all keys. Any funds held for you should be paid over or accounted for.
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Update the tenancy deposit
The deposit stays protected in its approved scheme. The scheme’s records are updated so the new agent is shown as managing it. Your old and new agents arrange this between them.
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Tell your tenants
Tenants should be told the date of the change, who to pay rent to and how to report repairs. A good agent writes to them for you.
How long does switching take?
The handover itself can often be done within a few weeks. The main factor is the notice period in your current agreement, so check that first and plan your switch-over date around it.
Switching to G4 Properties
G4 Properties is a family-run letting agent at 719 Cathcart Road in Govanhill, letting and managing homes for Glasgow landlords since 2008. There’s no charge to switch, and we handle the handover with your current agent on your behalf.
No charge to switch
We deal with your old agent and write to your tenants.
From 10% + VAT
Plus a £195 marketing fee, only once your property is let.
Local office
Quicker viewings, inspections and repairs on the Southside.
Accredited
LETWELL-qualified, SAL & LAS members, Client Money Protect.
Read more about switching letting agents and our free rental valuations, or our services for landlords.
Frequently asked questions
Can I switch letting agents during a tenancy?
Yes. The tenancy is between you and your tenant, so you can normally change agent while the property is let and the tenancy carries on. Check your current agent’s agreement for the notice period and any termination fees first.
Do my tenants need to move out if I change agent?
No. Your tenants stay in the property on their existing tenancy. They just need to be told the switch-over date, who to pay rent to and how to report repairs.
What happens to the tenancy deposit when I switch agent?
In Scotland, deposits must be held in an approved tenancy deposit scheme. The deposit stays protected in the scheme, and the scheme’s records are updated to show the new managing agent.
How long does it take to switch letting agents?
The handover itself can often be completed within a few weeks. The main factor is the notice period in your current agency agreement.
Does it cost anything to switch to G4 Properties?
No. There’s no charge to switch to G4. Our Full Management service is a £195 marketing fee plus 10% commission + VAT.
Get in touch
Thinking of switching?
Talk to a family-run Glasgow letting agent. We’ll explain exactly how the switch would work for your property, with no obligation.
Prefer to talk? Call the office0141 423 3462
- Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 6pm
- 719 Cathcart Road, Glasgow G42 8UA
- Family-run letting agent since 2008
Send us a message
Fill in the form and a member of our team will get back to you.
Related guides
Written by the G4 Properties team, a family-run letting agent at 719 Cathcart Road, Glasgow, letting and managing homes since 2008. Letting Agent Registration Number LARN1903011. This guide is general information, not legal advice.