Awful letting agents

Yes, I think the letting agents are also the management company (I was assuming that's usually how it works here, but could be wrong).

Usually letting agents are just that, agents who find tenants on behalf of landlords for a commission. Once the lease is signed you don't hear from them until you leave. However that is not always the rule, especially if the landlord is far away. Definitely check your lease and/or confirm with the agents!

Yay on getting the painted sorted though!