A day in the life of a letting agent
Being a letting agent is a fast-paced, varied, and rewarding job, where no two days are ever quite the same! Whether it’s arranging viewings, managing tenant applications, or handling maintenance issues, there’s always something going on.
I’m Kyle Finlayson, a 28-year-old letting agent with ESPC Lettings. Originally from St Andrews, I moved to Edinburgh seven years ago and have been in this role for nearly two years.
Before becoming a letting agent, I worked as a gas engineer. I’ve always had an interest in property, and through my previous job, I worked closely with letting agencies. Seeing what they did day-to-day made me realise it could be a great career path for me. Plus, my background in engineering means I have a good understanding of property maintenance, which definitely comes in handy!
A typical day working in lettings
What does a letting agent do in a day? Well, one of the things I love about this job is that there really is no "typical" day. My role involves a mix of office work, property visits, and plenty of interaction with landlords and tenants.
A big part of my job is handling the entire move-in process. This starts with managing enquiries for properties we have on the market, whether that’s over the phone or by email. Once a tenant expresses interest, I organise and host property viewings, giving them a chance to see the space and ask any questions. After the viewings, I liaise with landlords, reviewing applications and helping them choose the best tenant for their property.
Once an applicant is selected, I carry out reference checks, ensuring they’re a good fit. From there, I draw up tenancy agreements, making sure all the necessary paperwork is in place. Finally, before the new tenant moves in, I complete an inventory and move-in inspection, checking that the property is in good condition and recording any details that might be important for the future.
In addition to the move-in process, I also deal with property maintenance issues as they come up. Some requests are simple, like replacing a kettle, while others require organising repairs for appliances or arranging deliveries for new furniture. Having a background in engineering helps me assess issues quickly and communicate effectively with tradespeople to ensure things get sorted efficiently.
The best (and trickiest) parts of the job
One of the things I enjoy most about my role is meeting new people at viewings. It’s always great to chat with prospective tenants and help them through the rental process. The best part, though, is getting to tell someone they’ve been accepted for a property. You can hear the excitement in their voice - it’s a great feeling to know you’ve made their day.
Another thing I love is getting to explore the city. Edinburgh has so many unique rental properties, and I really enjoy driving around and discovering hidden gems. No two properties are the same, and it’s always interesting to see what’s out there.
Of course, like any job, there are challenges too. Managing multiple properties, liaising with different landlords and tenants, and handling unexpected issues means you have to be adaptable and organised. But that’s also what keeps the job interesting! Every day brings something new, and there’s never a dull moment.
Why ESPC lettings?
ESPC Lettings is a well-respected name in the industry, and being part of a team that’s frequently nominated for awards makes the hard work feel worthwhile. It’s a great feeling to know that the effort we put in is recognised, and I think it’s a real reflection of the level of service we provide. Plus, I won’t lie - the awards night out is always a highlight!
Working for a company that values high standards and excellent service makes a real difference. Whether it’s supporting landlords or helping tenants find their perfect home, I know I’m part of a team that takes pride in what we do.
For anyone considering a career in lettings, I’d say go for it! It’s a job that keeps you on your toes, but if you enjoy property, problem-solving, and working with people, it’s an incredibly rewarding path to take.