A council-owned lettings company is said to offer the lowest management fees.

City of York Council says it has researched rival operators and found its own not-for-profit letting agency YorHome charges between 6-7% less than eight other local agents.

According to the council, YorHome's letting fee of 9% for homes in York is the city’s lowest management fee with no extra charges.

Market research the council carried out this summer shows it could save landlords between about £700-£1,930 a year.

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City of York Council says new landlords signing up with YorHome could also get free home improvements and 12 months rent up front, and all YorHome’s landlords get their fifth consecutive year fee-free.

Using the example of a two-bedroomed home with an annual rent of £10,800 (that’s equivalent to £900 rent a month), the team found that, after the 9% fee deduction, letting with YorHome delivered its landlords £9,828 rent a year.

The next agent delivered £9,108 a year - £720 a year less than letting with YorHome - while landlords renting out through the city’s most expensive letting agent would get just £7,895 a year - £1,933 a year less than letting with YorHome.

The council says YorHome’s single fee of 9% delivers landlords a fully managed, comprehensive letting service.

This includes: helping prepare the home to be rented; a deposit scheme and deposit registration fee; tenancy agreements and extensions; preparing an inventory and inspecting the property; and paying for an Energy Performance Certificate.

Most other agents, the council continues, charge additional fees for many of these extra services.

YorHome is looking for empty homes or homes with six months remaining on the lease in York, to support people in York facing homelessness or refugees, such as those from Ukraine.

Just as the council says its research shows that its fees are among the city’s lowest, the council says it also supports many of the city’s tenants by keeping their rents affordable. It says it is happy to discuss rental levels with landlords.

Cllr Michael Pavlovic, Executive Member for Housing at City of York Council, said: “We give our landlords what we believe is the best return in the city. With our single management fee, we take care of everything while providing someone a much-needed home in York.

“The home you let with us could get 12 months’ rent up front and free property improvements, while your fifth consecutive year letting with us will be fee-free!

“Please contact us today to find out how to get the most from your rental property in York.”

Find out more at www.york.gov.uk/YorHome or call 01904 555700 or email: yorhome@york.gov.uk.