Help & InformationFrequently Asked
Frequently Asked
Questions
Everything landlords and tenants need to know about lettings in Middlesbrough, from fees and vetting to maintenance and compliance.
About Our Service
What areas of Middlesbrough do you cover?+
We're based in Middlesbrough town centre (TS1) and cover the whole of Middlesbrough and surrounding Teesside areas. Whether your property is in TS1, TS3, TS5, TS7, or anywhere in the Teesside region, we can manage it for you.
How much do you charge for property management?+
Our management fees start from just 8% + VAT on the Essential plan, with our Standard plan at 11% and Total Care at 14%. We also offer a Let Only service (tenant find) for one month's rent. Every plan includes rent collection and maintenance coordination — full details are on our pricing page.
What's included in your management packages?+
All packages include rent collection, financial reporting, and maintenance coordination. Our Standard plan adds six-monthly property inspections and free deposit registration. Total Care includes quarterly inspections, free renewals, and priority support. There are no hidden fees.
Do you handle maintenance and repairs?+
Yes — maintenance coordination is included in all our management packages. We have a network of trusted, vetted tradespeople in Middlesbrough who respond quickly and charge fairly. For emergencies, landlords and tenants can report issues 24/7 through our maintenance portal.
How do you find and vet tenants?+
We use a rigorous multi-step vetting process: identity verification, employment and income checks, landlord references, credit checks, and right-to-rent checks. We also conduct affordability assessments to ensure tenants can comfortably afford the rent. Our tenant find service includes professional photography, premium marketing on Rightmove, and accompanied viewings.
Can I switch from my current letting agent?+
Absolutely. Switching is straightforward — we handle the entire transition. You'll need to give notice to your current agent (check your contract for the notice period, typically 1–3 months). Once notice is served, we take over management of your property with zero disruption to your tenants.
For Landlords
How long does it take to find a tenant?+
In the current Middlesbrough market, well-priced properties typically let within 2–4 weeks. Properties with professional photography and accurate pricing let faster. We market on Rightmove and conduct viewings promptly to minimise void periods.
What happens if a tenant doesn't pay rent?+
We have a structured arrears process: initial contact within 48 hours of a missed payment, followed by formal notices if needed. We keep you informed at every stage. If a tenant needs to be evicted, we guide you through the legal process (Section 8 or Section 21). Our vetting process is designed to minimise this risk in the first place.
Do I need a gas safety certificate?+
Yes — it's a legal requirement. Every rental property with gas appliances must have a valid Gas Safety Certificate (CP12), renewed annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. We can arrange this for you. Failure to comply carries fines of up to £6,000 and potential imprisonment. Read more in our compliance guide.
What is selective licensing in Middlesbrough?+
Selective licensing is a scheme where landlords in designated areas must obtain a licence to rent out property. Middlesbrough Council operates selective licensing in several wards. The licence costs around £500–£750 per property and lasts 5 years. We can check whether your property falls within a selective licensing area and help with the application. See our selective licensing guide for more detail.
How much rent can I charge for my property in Middlesbrough?+
Rents in Middlesbrough vary by area and property type. As a guide: 1-bed flats typically achieve £400–£500/month, 2-bed terraces £475–£575, 3-bed semis £550–£700, and 4+ bed properties £700–£900. TS1 town centre flats command a premium for professional tenants. We provide free rental valuations — just get in touch. For a detailed breakdown, read our Middlesbrough rent prices by postcode guide.
Do you manage HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation)?+
Yes, we manage HMOs across Middlesbrough. HMOs have additional licensing requirements (mandatory HMO licence for 5+ occupants forming 2+ households). We handle compliance, room-by-room letting, and the extra administration that HMOs require. See our HMO conversion guide if you're considering converting a property.
For Tenants
How do I apply for a rental property?+
Browse our available properties on Rightmove or contact us directly. Once you've found a property you like, we'll arrange a viewing. If you'd like to proceed, we'll ask you to complete a referencing application — this covers identity, employment, income, and landlord references. The process typically takes 3–5 working days.
What deposit do I need?+
Most properties require a deposit of 5 weeks' rent (capped by the Tenant Fees Act 2019). For example, a property at £500/month would require a deposit of approximately £577. Your deposit is protected in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme and returned at the end of your tenancy, subject to the condition of the property.
How do I report a maintenance issue?+
You can report maintenance issues through our online maintenance portal 24/7, or call us during office hours on 03301 759773. For genuine emergencies (gas leaks, flooding, no heating in winter), we have an emergency contact line. We aim to respond to all routine issues within 24 hours.
Can I have pets in a rental property?+
This depends on the individual landlord's preference and is specified in your tenancy agreement. Since the Renters' Reform Bill, landlords can no longer issue blanket bans on pets — they must consider requests reasonably. We'll let you know the pet policy for each property during viewings.
What happens at the end of my tenancy?+
We'll conduct a check-out inspection comparing the property's condition to the check-in inventory. If everything is in order (allowing for fair wear and tear), your full deposit is returned within 10 working days. If there are deductions, we'll explain them clearly and provide evidence.
About Middlesbrough Lettings
Is Middlesbrough a good area for buy-to-let investment?+
Middlesbrough consistently offers some of the highest rental yields in England — typically 7–9% gross, compared to a national average of 4–5%. Property prices remain affordable (average around £120,000–£150,000), tenant demand is strong thanks to the university, hospital, and growing digital sector, and regeneration projects continue to improve the area. Read our buy-to-let guide for Middlesbrough for a full breakdown.
What are average rents in Middlesbrough by postcode?+
Rents vary across Teesside. TS1 (town centre): £450–£600 for flats, popular with young professionals. TS3 (North Ormesby, Berwick Hills): £400–£500, strong demand for family homes. TS5 (Acklam, Linthorpe): £550–£700, popular residential area. TS7 (Marton, Nunthorpe): £650–£900, premium family area. We publish a detailed annual breakdown — see our rent prices by postcode article.
What's the rental demand like in Middlesbrough?+
Rental demand in Middlesbrough is strong and growing. Key demand drivers include Teesside University (19,000+ students), James Cook University Hospital (one of the largest employers in the region), the Teesside Freeport and digital/tech sector growth, and ongoing town centre regeneration. Well-maintained properties in good locations rarely stay vacant for more than 2–3 weeks.