Want a wider choice of rentals and the reassurance of knowing you're dealing with a professional?
A letting agent will tick both of those boxes, and more.
When you've worked out what you can afford in rent, it's time to get in touch with a letting agent.
They'll help you narrow down the choices, get ahead of the competition and secure your perfect rental home.
Help with finding a place to rent
Wowed by a particular location or postal code? A letting agent should be your first port of call.
Finding a flat or house through social media or individual listings is time-consuming and laborious.
On the other hand, going straight to a letting agent is quick and efficient. It gives you one point of contact, and the potential to line lots of viewings up at times you've agreed.
It’s always worth building relationships with letting agents to find out if any potential homes that match your requirements are coming up. The rental market moves much faster than the sales market.
Make sure that they're clear about what you want, and that they know you're serious about finding a place to rent.
Looking for a new rental home?
Search for a new rental home by location, price, number of bedrooms and more.
Tips for finding a rental home through a letting agent
With a bit of organisation, you can get the most from your letting agent and find the perfect rental quicker.
Demonstrate that you're serious and you've got everything you need to rent quickly, so you’re front of mind with the letting agents when suitable homes come in.
Tell the agent which of your rented home requirements are absolutely fixed, for example, the number of bedrooms, and what you may be more flexible about.
Don't waste their time or yours. Avoid looking at places to rent that are outside your budget or don't fit your criteria, as it doesn't do either of you any favours.
Give feedback to the letting agent. After viewings, tell the agent what you liked and didn’t, so they can build up a clear picture of what you’re looking for.
And of course, if you love the flat or house, act quickly to bag it as your next home.
If there is nothing suitable on a letting agency's books immediately, keep contacting them to see if anything new has come in. If they don't hear from you, they'll assume you've found something elsewhere and your details will be put 'on file'.
Letting agents may be simply tasked with finding tenants, checking references and providing an inventory, or they may also be managing the property for the landlord for the duration of the tenancy. That means they will be your main point of contact for repairs and maintenance and for paying your rent.
The reassurance of using a letting agent
Letting agents acting as property managers must be a member of an independent redress scheme by law.
If they receive money from you such as rent payments, they must also be a member of a client money protection scheme by law.
Deposit protection scheme guide
Remember, since June 1 2019, tenancy deposits are capped and most fees charged in connection with a tenancy are banned.
Tenant fees: everything you need to know
Reputable agents will be accredited through a professional body like ARLA Propertymark, Safeagent, RICS or UKALA. This gives you the reassurance of knowing they follow a code of practice.
Since November 2016, landlords and agents who let and manage rental properties in Wales must now be licensed via the official scheme, Rent Smart Wales.
Since October 2018, agents who let properties in Scotland have to register on the Letting Agent Register.
When you work closely with a letting agent, you know things will always be above board.
Arranging viewings safely
When arranging viewings, it’s sensible to follow a few safety principles.
It’s always a good idea to take someone with you to a viewing. After all, it’s handy to have a second opinion, right?
Let a friend or relative know where you are, what you’re doing and that you’ll give them a quick call when you’re done. You can use certain apps, such as WhatsApp, to share your location for extra peace of mind.
If you’re worried an advertiser isn’t who they say they are, share your concerns with us straight away via our Help Centre .
If you're looking at a room share, ask to meet everyone who lives/will be living at the property. This will help you get to know all of your potential flatmates, and gives you a sense of their characters.
Remember if you feel at all uncomfortable, you can leave the viewing at any time. Always trust your instincts – if something doesn’t feel right, it’s time to go.