Can I Change Letting Agents Mid-Tenancy in East London?

You’ve got tenants living in your rental property in Ilford or Stratford, but your current agent simply isn’t delivering a good service – what next? If you’re not happy with your current agents, you may be under the common misconception that you’re stuck with them. In fact, changing letting agents mid-tenancy is entirely possible as long as you take care of the details properly.

Whether you rent out a flat to young professionals in East Ham or a semi-detached family home in Chadwell Heath, we’ll show you how to move on to an agent that works for you in the Newham and Redbridge areas. Here’s our step-by-step guide to changing letting agents mid-tenancy in East London.

Can you switch letting agent during tenancy?

A landlord can change letting agent during a tenancy, though switching can be more complex if you’re using their management service. But don’t breach your contract. Check the termination clause in the Terms of Business for your agent’s procedure before you give written notice.

Make sure that any prospective new agent is a member of a government-approved redress scheme, like The Property Ombudsman or Property Redress Scheme, and are part of an approved Client Money Protection (CMP) scheme. Both are legal requirements, and the Renters’ Rights Act has given local authorities stronger powers to check landlords’ compliance. 

When should you change letting agents?

Under the Renters’ Rights Act, all tenancies became periodic on 1 May 2026, so fixed-term ASTs no longer exist to offer a natural point to change agents. With no initial fixed term in the tenancy agreement, look to the letting agent’s own management tie-in contract period. Following these easy steps to help things run smoothly for both landlords and tenants.

What to check when choosing a new letting agent

1. Membership of a government-approved redress scheme
2. A valid Client Money Protection (CMP) certificate
3. Transparent fees, in line with the Tenant Fees Act
4. A track record of minimising void periods, so the property doesn’t sit empty for long periods between tenancies
5. Robust tenant screening processes
6. Private rental legislation compliance, including knowledge of new Renters’ Rights Act rules
7. Knowledge of the local property market
8. Recent, local reviews relating to property management (or the lettings service you have chosen)

What if your old agent won’t cooperate with the handover?

Occasionally, an outgoing agent will be slow to release the keys, or hand over the documents or deposit protection certificate. If this happens, put in a complaint to the agent in writing.

Remember, estate agents are legally obliged to belong to a redress scheme like The Property Ombudsman or Property Redress Scheme – if they continue to behave unprofessionally, landlords can raise a formal complaint through the scheme.

Here is a rough overview of the process:

1. Check your contract rules

Locate your existing agent’s termination clause in the contract to find out the fixed term, notice period (one to three months), any exit or termination fees, and how they need to receive your notice.

2. Choose your new letting agent

Shop around for a new agent offering value and good service – you can even raise the problems you’ve had to make sure they’ll address them.

3. Give notice to end contract

Issue your agents with formal notice in writing that you want to exit the contract, following the guidelines set out in the termination clause.

4. Keep a clear paper trail

Give notice in writing and keep a written record throughout the process.

Want to know more? A good letting agent should be managing compliance on your behalf — read up on electrical safety certificates for landlords and explore what preparing for the Renters’ Rights Bill should look like in practice.

5. Tell your tenants

Reassure your existing tenants that you are changing agents but their tenancy won’t be ending.

6. Speak to your new agent

Plan the handover with your new agent in good time, so that your new and original agents can liaise.

7. Collect the keys

Pick up the agents’ set of keys, and reset the alarm code or key box code if you have one.

8. Confirm the contract has ended

Your previous letting agent should give you a document confirming that the contract is over, with no outstanding fees, along with tenancy documents and gas and electrical safety certificates.

9. New agent introduced to tenants

Provide tenants with the new agent’s contact details, any further paperwork, and let them know if there will be any procedural changes due to switching agents. Check that the new agent has re-protected the tenants’ deposit in a deposit protection scheme.

10. New agent visits & inspects the property

The new agent will carry out a property inspection, detailing the condition of the rooms and usually taking a photo record.

Frequently asked questions

What issues might I face when switching letting agents?

Make sure switching agents is a good long-term decision – don’t rush it or you could end up paying more, receiving poor service elsewhere, and you and your tenants could both be affected.

What if the letting agent has breached their contract?

If they’ve breached their contract, it’s usual to give them 30 days to correct the problem. At this point, you may have a case for ending the contract early, but seek legal advice.

Does it cost anything to change letting agent?

Changing agents shouldn’t cost you anything, apart from the usual property management fees or tenant finding fees, but some agents do charge exit fees. Speak to your solicitor to determine if these are fair.

Will a change in contract affect my tenants?

Your existing tenancy shouldn’t be affected – just ensure you have all their details, that they know who to contact, and that all paperwork is transferred.

Want to find out more? If poor management has left you dealing with arrears or disputes, our guides to tenant referencing and handling a tenancy deposit dispute may help you get things back on track.

Will I need to create a new tenancy agreement?

The original tenancy agreement still applies, as it’s between you and the tenants, but it can be a good idea.

Changing your letting agent mid-tenancy tenancy isn’t always hassle-free, but approaching it properly can help – and it can be worth it if you’re unsatisfied your current agent. There are good agents out there who will be happy to help you with your rental goals.

If you want to know more about renting out your property in East London – whether in Newbury Park, Ilford, Goodmayes, Seven Kings, Plaistow, Chadwell Heath, Leyton, Gants Hill or beyond – speak to Highcastle Estates. Find out what our property management and landlord services can do for you by contacting our experienced agents today.

Frequently Asked Questions