Renting a new property can be exciting, but it can also be quite stressful. The jargon and bluster used by some residential letting agencies can be confusing, so we’ve put together a guide of the sort of questions you should be asking your agency to make sure you’ve got a good deal. One good question to ask is whether or not they’re in a professional organization. This can often be a good indicator of the quality of services as professional membership will ensure they’re properly regulated.

The vast majority of residential letting agencies will also require you to give them a deposit. You should find out what happens to that deposit once you give it to them so you can be sure it’s safe. You should also ask how you go about getting it back at the end of your tenancy so you’re very clear on the processes and your rights. You should be wary of landlords that refuse to tell you what will happen to your deposit.

Another good thing to ask about before signing anything is the fee structure operated by the letting agency. This will tell you want they charge for, how much it costs and how often you have to pay. Fee structures are often complication and loaded with jargon, so take someone with you to go through the complicated bits if you need to. You can also compare their fees with other agencies to make sure you get a good deal. Common additional fees include maintenance and administration.

Another key question to ask your letting agency is what happens if you have an emergency. For example, if you have an electrical fault or burst water pipe, what happens? Make sure you have a list of the people who will have access to your property and find out about how much notice the agency have to give you before entering the property. It pays to be clued up on your rights and the workings of the agency in case you need the information later.

Finally, to make sure you have found a good residential letting agency, ask them for references from previous tenants. If possible, ask to contact the previous resident of the property you are interested in renting so you can find out firsthand how good the service is. All good agencies should be happy to provide you with references, so you should be more suspicious if they refuse to give you any. Of course, a bad reference can often be the kiss of death, so take note of what people say.

Next : www.residential-lettings-london.co.uk

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