Mike
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I think it is better not to use an estate agent. I can't think of anything they actually do for a tennant except cream a lot of money off them. |
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amsterdam
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Use a Letting Agent, not an Estate Agent. Some Estate Agents also do letting on the side, but often they don't know what they're doing. Go to a specialist, and make sure they are a member of ARLA (Association of Registered Letting Agents)
They will ensure your landlord does the necessary safety checks, they will draw up an Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement for you and the Landlord to sign, and - from (I think) April 07 will hold your deposit, because from then on Landlords are no longer permitted to hold deposits.
Remember, however, that they are employed and paid by the Landlord, so ultimately that is where their loyalty lies. They are not allowed to charge you anything, despite what AKMG says, and any Letting Agent who asks money from tenants is breaking the law.
A good Letting Agent in Crouch End, London N8 is Traynor and Co
http://www.traynor.co.uk/
Alternatively, buy a copy of Loot and start ringing round
Good Luck |
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akmg
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Not necessarily - there are many private properties that are advertised locally - just make sure you are covered by a good assured shorthold tenancy agreement and also make sure an inventory is done to cover you with regard to getting your security deposit back.
With agencies, you invariably pay more as you pay them an admin fee and reference fees. |
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Kate J
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Try www.gumtree.co.uk for lettings available, especially if you're looking to share a property.
Even if you are renting from a friend or unoffical company/individual; make sure you get a contract written up that you both sign 2 copies of so you have a copy each.
Usually agencies/offical companies will take a commission of a months rent as a fee for finding a property for you.
Good luck! |
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mummyroe
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it is roughly not much difference these days, however you choose to rent. I personally have used both mehods. But i would strongly recomend which ever method u use, that you have a legal and bindinng contract to protect yourself. |
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hedzyhedzy
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i have a two bedroom flat in cricklewood that i'm looking to rent - mail me through my profile if you ant to see some piccies and get the details!! |
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sweynseye2002
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No not necessarily.However if you decide to rent privately,make sure you have a legally binding contract.This will protect both you and the landlord. |
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iain
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An estate agent will charge a fee which should be paid
by the landlord, and he will have several options to choose
as your desired placing. |
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philipscottbrooks
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There is no correct answer to this but you have a greater chance of it being a safe property as the estate agent will require the land lord to have relevant safety check certificates e.g. gas central heating etc
Although do not be misguided these mean they are safe appliances and often will bear no responsibility t the competence of the contents of the property. |
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tom l
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i wouldn't bother to rent at all, its dead money |
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sanjay
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more protection through est agent or rental co |
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D
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Stay away from estate agents. Never pay any fees. They will rip you of as much as they can as there job is to get as much out of you as possible. Look in local papers local websites, eg chiswickw4.com an independent landlord will be able to charge less and be moe responsive. Where do you want to rent and i may be able to help further |
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TeeVee
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Anyone that says Estate Agents prevent you from being done over by your landlord is naive.
Take a risk with a private landlord - its much cheaper, you won't get mucked around in the first stages with extra deposits and admin costs, and your contract will still cover you legally.
Estate agents are scum-sucking, yellow-bellied, pig-eyed sacks of filth. |
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zoe_chugie
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even though its expensive....
its a proper way of doing things. you easily get some one responsible for certain things. some agencies are good & some of them "suck". you want to be carefull which one you picking.
on the other hand renting from the landlords directly is also good as well. you just need the rite property owner |
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Push
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It is better go through landlord and you will find cheaper and reliable. |
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Mari C
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You will not pay the estate agent anything as the landlord will pay the estate agents management fee. That being said you may be able to find somewhere cheaper privately as the landlord may split the difference with you.
The most important thing is your deposit, you will be expected to put down 6 weeks rent deposit. With a reputable estate agent this money will go into an escrow account (no-one can touch the money) until your lease ends. If you rent privately you ought to check where your money will be held as an unscrupulous person may just spend it & you might have a lot of trouble getting it back.
If you are considering renting from a friend you trust then less of a problem, they should still draw up a proper lease though (just incase anything happened to either of you) & have the necessary gas/electrical safety checks (gas is a legal requirement, electrical either is or will be very soon) |
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damianw99
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No. Look at www.moveflat.com |
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chtfj21
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No. go to gumtree.
www.gumtree.co.uk |
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answers_anyone
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If you can avoid it, avoid it. You have to pay extra fees to them plus the landlord also has to pay them. That means the landlord jacks up the price to you and your flat costs more.Therefore, I would try to rent directly but there are fewer flats available that way.
Try loot - weekly paper or online. Gumtree.co.uk may also have a rental listing on line |
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Oakesy
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I've had some good experiences renting privately, less money to pay out upfront and at the end for inventory checks, reference searches and cleaning - agencies try and squeeze every last penny out of you.
Private landlords can also a bit more flexible about moving in and out dates.
Loot is a good place to search, although they do go quickly, I would advise using the Loot website and pay the subscription fee (which is about £5/£10) which gives you access to ads before they go the paper.
Good luck |
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mersie
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I paid the extra to go through an estate agent, it was 400 sterling to go through Foxtons but they do all the work for you. You tell them the type of place you want, number of bedrooms, the area etc and they pick a few and take you to the properties...so worth the money...less hassle, less time consumin! |
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Helen S
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Estate agents are expensive with their fees but you are a little more protected with an agency with the contracts and deposit. However don't ever be under the impression they are working for you, as their concern will always be the landlord as that is how thay get their commision and make most of their money. They will pull out all the stops to help you find a place though which can be handy as houses go so quickly. I'd say if you are going to use an estate agent then make sure you read everything really carefully and be clear on what the clauses mean etc. If you choose to go through a private landlord, loot is good as is gumtree and look in the windows of newsagents etc and library notice board as these are often lower priced. Whatever you do, Good luck. |
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Nicola L
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It'll be more costly to go through an estate agent - but then you do have slightly more peace of mind that they are set up for renting out properties and repairs/problems are likely to be dealt with more promptly (with a large established chain I mean - the smaller independent estate agents such as Alcomax in south London will be equally slow and annoying as a private landlord and they will charge large sums of money for administrative costs). Best of luck. |
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Lurgess
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rented with private landlords - got ripped off 700quid for 56hrs of house cleaning + 200quid for tidying the garden T_____T (no the hse wz not in a mess at all + we didnt bomb the house at all!)
lived at uni hall and got ripped off 150 for some graffiti i didnt do T______T
went through estate agent, althought the admin fees etc was about 130, but hey at least everything is down in black n white and there wasnt any trouble afterwards.
p.s. the smaller the flat/house, the less u gota tidy mate. |
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Rocco Jr.
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You will be, more fees, and raises a lot, with a estate agent, every year. try with a private landlord. It's so easy. |
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MILLIE
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dont matter where you rent its always best to do it through an estate agent |
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