Letting Agents

London is bursting with properties to rent – the trick is finding the right one that is available at the right time!  Flat hunters generally find flats in two ways: 

Directly through the landlord or

using an agency as an intermediary.

Finding a flat directly through the landlord involves answering advertisements in newspapers, property websites and classified publications, like Gumtree (The Gum Tree) or the Loot (The Loot). 

Prepare a list of questions to ask on the phone to get a general idea of the terms of the lease and the condition of the flat.  There is no sense wasting your own time and the landlord’s time to view a property that doesn’t meet your specifications.  When you arrange to view the flat it is a good idea to have a friend go with you.  A second opinion is always worthwhile, and going in pairs or groups is also safer.  (After all, you are entering the property of someone you’ve never met before). 

Going directly through the landlord offers some advantages, most notably the fees you save that would normally be paid to an agency.  While most landlords are trustworthy and available to help at all times, occasionally tenants run into problems with the property owner.  In these instances signing a lease directly with the landlord means there is no intermediary to help sort out any issues between tenant and landlord.  Although these occasions are rare, the Citizens Advice Bureau (www.citizensadvice.org.uk) offers free advice in situations where the tenant–landlord relationship has gone sour.   

Estate agents or letting agencies have listings of properties to let.  One advantage of using an agency is that you may be less likely to have problems with the landlord, and there should be a proper tenancy agreement in place. 

Registering with an agency means providing basic details such as how many bedrooms you need, your budget, where you’d like to be and any other specifications you have such as an ‘eat in kitchen’, or a garden.  Agencies will alert you whenever a property comes on the market that suits your requirements and will organise to show you around the flat. 

Agencies certainly make flat finding much easier, but their services come at a price… beware companies like Foxtons who charge exorbitant fees for minor services or changes to your lease.  Many agencies have very reasonable finders fees that won’t break the bank and using their services will certainly save you time and aggravation, so it’s worth spending the money in the end.  Be sure to understand the agency’s fees, terms and conditions before you agree to a property through them.  Bear in mind that an estate agent is never allowed to charge you for registering your details with them or for viewing flats through them.  You may choose to use an agency which is a member of NALS:  http://www.nalscheme.co.uk. 

Finding an agency in any area of London is easy.  Apart from their listings on the internet, you can’t help but stumble upon a selection of letting agencies on any high street in London!