Are you one of the many people who decided to get into the buy-to-let market? It may have seemed like a great idea at the time – property prices were rising, mortgages were available at competitive interest rates and there was plenty of good buy-to-let property on the market. Perhaps you didn't realise just how much responsibility comes with being a landlord, and you're looking for a way out.

The landlord's responsibilities

It sounds like the ideal situation – buy a property, rent it out, make enough money to cover your mortgage payments and costs, and perhaps even make a small profit. Later on, you can sell the property at a profit and re-invest the money you make. Being a landlord brings a range of responsibilities, however, and you may have found that you simply don't have the time, the energy or the inclination to manage your property and your tenants. You responsibilities include:

• Insuring the property
• Maintaining the property
• Making sure all the legal requirements are met
• Finding and vetting tenants
• Providing suitable accommodation for tenants
• Collecting rent and ensuring bills are paid
• Providing tenancy agreements
• Responding to complaints or issues raised by tenants

In addition to a full-time job and perhaps running other rental properties, this can take up a fair proportion of your spare time, and you only need to have one difficult tenant to make you wonder whether it's worth the hassle. If you've decided that it's time to reduce your property portfolio so that you have less stress and more time, try selling your property through an independent company.

A fast sale without disturbing your tenants

If you sell your property through an estate agent, you'll have to give notice to your tenants. You may have to pay back some of their rent in return for terminating their contract, or they may object and you could incur legal costs sorting things out. If you sell directly to another property investor, however, your tenants can stay in the property with the existing tenancy agreement and then decide whether to continue renting from the new owners or not. You can get rid of the problem quickly and without risking falling out with your tenants.

If you need help to get a fast sale for your property, contact us at Discount Property Auction. We're committed to helping you, whatever your circumstances. If you want to sell your home, you can use our dedicated online auction facility, which allows you to upload your property yourself and put it in front of genuine, interested buyers. Call us now on 0800 1313 999 or email admin@discountpropertyauction.co.uk to arrange a valuation today.