Letting Agents
Should I use a letting agent?
Ideally, you should use a letting agent. The reason for this is because if something goes wrong with the property, the letting agent is there during the day, and sometimes in the evenings to deal with any problems that you have. Letting agents can also help you through the process, understanding the legal documents, letting you into the property, and making sure that everything is in good working order.
How do I choose a letting agent?
It's really important to choose a letting agent that belongs to a well-known organisation, such as the Association of Residential Letting Agents or the National Association of Estate Agents. The reason for this is that they run a professional code of conduct, which means that if you have a problem with that letting agent, you can apply to a third party to get it resolved. The other reason is that these letting agents have to be insured to be a member of these organisations. Therefore, if they go bust for any reason, the money that you have given them that may not have yet passed to the landlord is insured, and so you're still safe with your tenancy agreement.
How much will a letting agent charge?
The charges that a letting agent make to a tenant vary dramatically. In some cases, there might be no charge. In other cases, a letting agent could demand a whole host of different charges. For example, you might have an administration fee, you may have to pay to get your references checked and you may have to pay for an inventory. It is essential that before you sign up to any letting agreement with an agent you are very clear on all of the different charges that they are going to make, not just at the start of the tenancy, but throughout the tenancy, and even if you want to renew the contract at the end of that tenancy
What contract will I have to sign with a letting agent?
The contract that you're likely to sign through the letting agent is the tenancy agreement between you and the landlord. The tenancy agreement is something that the letting agent typically administers.
