Finding the best letting agent for you can be extremely daunting. A million questions need to be answered, and each loose end needs to be chased, before making any rash decisions. Essentially, if you want to get the best deal and fit for you it isn’t going to be a quick fix. With all the different factors that need to be taken into account it can become more difficult and overwhelming than it needs to be. So, welcome to your map to the tricky trail that is letting agents.
Research, Research, Research!
You can never do too much research when it comes to something as important as this. Several things take place in a letting agent that you need to be made aware of that, unfortunately, not all letting agents will make you aware of. Therefore, coming into something like this it is best to do as much research as possible to ensure that you don’t assume that all letting agents are the same so that you can access all the benefits and get the best outcome you can.
Is the letting agent you are interested in abiding by all the legal requirements? For example, CMP (client money protection) in essence this is a legal scheme to ensure your money is secure in the event that the business misuses your money whilst running their business.
Another important legal requirement letting agents must follow is abiding by a deposit scheme. This means that the letting agent must protect the deposit given by tenants under an authorised tenancy deposit scheme, preventing them to do what they wish with it. As a part of this scheme the tenant must be informed, in writing, within 30 days of the move into the property where their deposit is protected. If the letting agent fails to protect the deposit then the tenant can sue the letting agent for up to three times the value of the deposit! Definitely something to research! For example, Northwood Wirral belongs to the Deposit Protection Scheme.
Another key legal requirement to research is whether or not the letting agent belongs to a government approved redress scheme. A redress scheme is a service that helps both landlords and tenants to air out any issues or complaints they may have against the letting agent. This is essential to make sure you are protected in the case of any disputes. For example, Northwood Wirral belongs to The Property Ombudsman (TPO).
Reviews and recommendations!
There is always going to be bad reviews and good reviews on everything in life. However, it doesn’t hurt to see what other people thought of a letting agent or how the experience was for them. The internet is a perfect place to start, go straight to the website for testimonials, look at google reviews, trip advisor reviews or any of the many tools provided on the internet. Similarly, if you want to get a wider outlook on the reviews or you’re simply not that keen on the internet, then speak to the people around you, it’s as simple as that! They may be able to inform you on their experience or something they have heard through someone else or even give you a recommendation to a particular letting agent. Reviews and recommendations are the perfect, unbiased assessments of businesses such as letting agents, however, don’t obsess over what other people have said because experiences can differ from person to person as no one property is the same.
What can they do for you?
Obviously the main goal is to successfully and smoothly rent your property out or rent yourself but when it seems that all the letting agents are offering the same, what makes each one stand out from the crowd? A company offering additional benefits is obviously more appealing in getting you the best deal possible, with a little extra benefit. Why not take a look at what you can get out of it?
Here at Northwood Wirral we strive to be as flexible as possible with tenants in terms of appointments, viewings, check – ins and check – outs. We understand that you have your own agendas just as we do, that’s why we like to spend time to work with you the best we can. We also pride ourselves on having a wide range of properties at our disposal throughout different places on the Wirral. This is our way of trying to find you the best, most convenient property that suits you.
Landlords can also reap the benefits that come along with Northwood Wirral as we offer our Guaranteed Rent Service. Essentially, this is us giving you peace of mind that for whatever reason whether it be late rent payments, or other complications, we will pay you your rent regardless. Not only do we offer this service but if you are signed up to our Guaranteed Rent Service, any refurbs, such as kitchens, bathrooms or decorating, can be funded by us!
Consultations.
Research and reviews are incredibly important, but if you are struggling to find the right information or just prefer speaking to a person then have a consultation with the letting agents themselves! Consultations are perfect for clearing up any queries you may have and allowing the letting agent to learn more about you to find the best property for you.
Here at Northwood Wirral we offer free consultations anytime to anyone interested in Northwood, whether that be landlord or tenant, one of our approachable members of staff would be happy to help in whatever way we can. After all we are the Proper Property People!
– Written by Lauren Jones.
