What is the secret to a 25+ year landlord-agent partnership?
One of our long-term landlords is also now working with us to sell their property. We've worked with him since 1999, and he has recently left us a glowing 5* review so we must be doing something right?
"Have been letting my second home in Canterbury since about 1999. Couldn't have picked a better Letting Agent. Well, you don't stay with the same organisation for over a quarter century if they are not looking after your interests in a highly competant manner. Now is the right time for me to sell my property and couldn't have found a better Sales Team than from Sandersons, Canterbury. Alex has led me through the process of offering my property for sale, with tact, humour and understanding. You will have a difficult search to find a better company if you looking to rent, buy or sell your home in Canterbury." - L. Lamb
1999, the year that gripped the world in 'millennium fever', but for us it was the year we started working with one of our long term landlords. We felt overwhelmed when we saw this review come in from them, after working with them for 25+ years it is wonderful to hear that our sales team is delivering the same exceptional service they have received from our lettings team all these years. It got us thinking... some landlords stay with agents for just a few years yet others stay with the same agent for 10, 20 or even 25+ years. So what's the difference?
Why most landlord-agent relationships break down
We speak to a lot of landlords who come to us after a poor experience. The patterns are often the same:
Communication becomes reactive instead of proactive
At the start, everything feels attentive. Over time, updates slow down, calls aren’t returned as quickly, and landlords are left chasing for answers rather than being guided.
You feel like just another property on a list
When an agent grows without maintaining service levels, landlords can feel like a number rather than a client with a valuable asset.
Problems are dealt with… but not prevented
Repairs get handled, tenants are found, rent is collected. But there’s little forward thinking. No advice on improving yield, reducing risk, or protecting long-term value.
No evolution with the market or legislation
Lettings has changed dramatically over the past 20 years. Agents who don’t stay ahead of compliance, technology and best practice quickly fall behind.
None of these are dramatic on their own, but over time, they erode trust. Once the trust goes, the relationship usually follows.
So why do some landlords stay for decades?
Landlords don't stay with the same agent for 25+ years by accident, it's because the fundamentals are consistently delivered:
Consistent, knowledgeable people
Longevity in a team matters. When you speak to someone who understands your property, your history and your priorities, conversations are easier, quicker and more valuable.
Proactive advice, not just reactive management
It’s not just about managing a tenancy. It’s about guiding decisions. When to review rent. When to invest. When to hold… and when to consider selling.
Clear, honest communication
Not just good news. Real conversations. Backed by experience, data and context so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
A genuine focus on protecting your asset
From thorough tenant selection to detailed reporting and compliance, everything is geared towards long-term property performance, not just short-term occupancy.
Evolving with the market
Legislation, tenant expectations, marketing, technology. The best agents don’t stand still. They adapt so their clients don’t get caught out.
A relationship built on trust, not contracts
We’ve always believed loyalty should be earned, not enforced. If a landlord chooses to stay for years, it should be because they want to, not because they’re tied in.
If you’re wondering whether your current setup is really working for you, or you’re starting to think about your next move, we’re always happy to have a conversation.
