What a rental mandate should cover before you commit

You've just decided to rent out your property and found an agent willing to take it on. Before you sign that mandate, you need to know exactly what you're paying them to do—and what happens if they don't. A rental mandate is a binding agreement between you and the agent, and vague terms now will cost you time, money and headaches later.

The scope of their work

A mandate should spell out precisely which tasks the agent will handle. Will they advertise the property across multiple platforms, or just a few? Will they organise and attend viewings, or expect you to be there? Do they handle tenant screening—background and reference checks, credit assessments—or just collect inquiries and pass them to you? Some agents will draft the lease agreement; others won't. If deposit handling and inventory checks are included, that should be named explicitly. If the agent is responsible for rent collection and sending you statements, that matters enormously. Get it in writing. A vague phrase like "finding a suitable tenant" could mean anything, and you'll discover the gap when it's too late.

What to require about tenant vetting

The quality of your tenant depends on how rigorously the agent checks them. Ask the agent to outline their screening process in the mandate—or at least in a conversation you document via email or WhatsApp. Do they verify employment and income? Will they contact previous landlords? Do they flag red flags in rental history? You should expect the agent to provide you with a written summary of each applicant before you decide. The mandate should make clear that you retain the final say on tenant approval; the agent presents candidates, you choose. If they're handling deposits, the mandate must state they'll hold funds in a trust account and provide you with proof. Never sign a mandate that's silent on tenant vetting—it's the single biggest variable in your rental success.

Duration and exit terms

Mandates aren't forever. They typically run for six months to two years, and yours should specify the exact end date. More importantly, clarify what happens if either party wants out early. Can you cancel without penalty if the agent hasn't found a tenant after three months? Can they drop you if the property isn't renting quickly? What notice period applies? Some agents demand a fixed fee regardless of performance; others work on commission when a tenant moves in. Both models are legitimate, but the mandate must be clear about which one you're signing up for. If you're paying a monthly retainer, know whether that's refundable if you terminate early. Read this section carefully—it's where disputes often start.

Communication and reporting standards

You need to know how often and how you'll hear from your agent. Will they send you weekly updates on viewings and inquiries? How quickly do they respond to your messages—same day, within 48 hours? If rent collection is their job, when do you get your money and how will they report arrears? If something breaks in the property, who do you contact and how does the agent coordinate repairs? Some agents use email, some WhatsApp, some a portal. Specify what works for you. The mandate should also detail what happens if the property needs maintenance while rented—does the agent arrange contractors and deduct costs from rent, or do they flag issues and leave it to you? Clarity here prevents friction every single month.

Once you've checked these four areas, you'll know whether the mandate is fair to you or whether you need to negotiate further. If an agent resists pinning down details, that's a signal to keep looking. A solid mandate protects both parties and sets you up for a straightforward rental. When you're ready to find an agent, Strove lets you compare verified rental brokers in your area and read what other landlords say about their actual experience.