Transparent Letting Agents in Edinburgh: How The Letting Experts Protect Landlords from Fraud and Hidden Fees

Sean McMahon
Jul 22
2 min read

If you’re a landlord in Edinburgh, choosing the right letting agent can make all the difference — not just for finding tenants but for protecting your investment and avoiding unnecessary costs. Recent cases of fraud in the lettings industry highlight why transparency and robust safeguards are essential when selecting a property management partner.

**Ross Young from Belvoir pleaded guilty at Edinburgh Sheriff Court**

In one high-profile case, reported by Edinburgh Live, a lettings manager at a Belvoir branch in Edinburgh admitted to embezzling over £16,500. The manager created fake invoices for property maintenance work that was never carried out, transferring the money into his personal account. The scam only came to light when an accounts manager checked with the listed contractors, who confirmed they had not been hired for the work.

Unfortunately, situations like this demonstrate how easily landlords can lose out when their letting agent doesn’t operate transparently.

Why Landlords in Edinburgh Choose The Letting Experts

At The Letting Experts and The Property Experts, we operate differently. We believe in 100% transparency, protecting our landlords with industry-leading safeguards. Here’s how we make sure your property and income are always secure:

No Cash Payments – Digital Only
All rental income, deposits, and contractor invoices are processed electronically, leaving a full digital audit trail.
Client Money Protection (CMP)
Your money is safeguarded through Client Money Protection, giving you confidence that your funds are always secure.
Full Transparency with PayProp
We use PayProp, the trusted automated payment platform, to collect rent and pay landlords. Every transaction is itemised, so you always know where your money is.
No Commission on Maintenance Work
Many Edinburgh letting agents charge contractors 10–20% commission, inflating your maintenance bills — and some don’t even show you the contractor’s actual quotation.
At The Letting Experts, we never take commissions or add markups on contractor invoices. You receive the original quotation every time.
Professional Standards & Accreditation
As Agent Members of the Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL), we adhere to strict professional standards and best practices.

Why Transparency Saves Landlords Money

Many landlords are unaware that traditional letting agents often profit from hidden fees, including commissions on contractor invoices, administrative markups, or undisclosed charges for property maintenance. These costs can quickly add up, eating into your rental income.

With The Letting Experts in Edinburgh, you get a letting agency that: