What To Consider Before Choosing A Residential Letting Agent
Renting a property can often be a confusing business, especially if you go through a residential letting agency that try and take control of the process and pressure you into signing things before you feel comfortable. There are some questions you should always ask before renting. Firstly, find out if the agency is in a professional organization, as this is a good guide of their professional integrity and ability to do the job. Ask to see proof of their membership if you’re not satisfied with their answer.
A key part of the vast majority of rental agreements is the deposit, which you give to the landlord or letting agency and get back at the end of your tenancy. You should ask the agency what happens to the deposit when you’ve given it to them. Also ask about the processes for getting it back when you move out so you are clear on your rights and know your money is safe. Good landlords will happily give you this information, so if they don’t tell you, be wary.
Make sure you know if there are any extra fees associated with a rental agreement. Often, you’ll find that agencies bury extra costs such as maintenance or administration in the middle of a load of technical jargon that can be confusing. Ask for a copy of the fee structure and get someone to help you through all the terminology if you need to, as it’s worth knowing. Also consider getting a couple of comparisons from other agencies to make sure their fees are fair.
Also ask the residential letting agency about who will have access to your property when you rent it. Find out how much notice they have to give you before paying you a visit and get a list of people with access to the building. Also remember to ask them about the process for if you have an emergency or other problem such as an electrical fault or burst water pipe. This will make sure you know your rights in case you need the information later.
To make extra sure that you have chosen the right letting agency, ask them for references from previous tenants. All good agencies will be happy to give you reference details, so be suspicious of any that don’t as they may be worried they’ll look bad in feedback reports. You should especially try and get in touch with the previous tenant of the property you’re interested in renting, as they’ll be able to give you a good idea of what the agency is like as a landlord.
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