subject: Advice On Choosing A Residential Letting Agent [print this page] Advice On Choosing A Residential Letting Agent
When you're looking to rent a property, it's hard to know which residential letting agency offers the best service. They'll all tell you that they are the best and can meet your needs, but it's worth asking them some key questions to make sure they're up to the job. One question that's good to ask is whether or not they're in a professional organization. Ask to see proof of their membership so you can validate their answer. Professional membership means that they will be regulated and therefore competent.
The vast majority of residential letting agencies will also require you to give them a deposit. You should find out what happens to that deposit once you give it to them so you can be sure it's safe. You should also ask how you go about getting it back at the end of your tenancy so you're very clear on the processes and your rights. You should be wary of landlords that refuse to tell you what will happen to your deposit.
You should also ask the letting agency about their fee structure so you know what you will be charged for, how much and when. Often additional fees (such as maintenance or administration costs) will be hidden in the middle of a load of jargon, so ask them for a clear breakdown of what they charge. It's an idea to take someone with you who can decipher the jargon if necessary. Compare their fees with other agencies if you think they're unreasonable.
If you're renting a property, you need to know what sort of access the landlord will have to that property. For example, ask your letting agency how much notice they are supposed to give you before visiting your property and find out which people have access. You should also ask them what happens if you have a problem with the property find out their procedures for dealing with tenant issues such as electrical faults or burst water pipes so you know what to do in an emergency.
Finally, to make sure you have found a good residential letting agency, ask them for references from previous tenants. If possible, ask to contact the previous resident of the property you are interested in renting so you can find out firsthand how good the service is. All good agencies should be happy to provide you with references, so you should be more suspicious if they refuse to give you any. Of course, a bad reference can often be the kiss of death, so take note of what people say.
