How to find a good letting agent

The UK Association of Letting Agents (UKALA) has compiled a list of the top things a tenant should look for when searching for the ideal letting agent.

With demand for private rented accommodation only expected to grow in the years to come, the relationship between tenant and letting agent will have an important role to play in ensuring that tenants benefit from a wide choice of quality property and that properly trained, professional letting agents are poised to deliver this service.

The UK Association of Letting Agents (UKALA) has compiled a list of the top things a tenant should look for when searching for the ideal letting agent.

With demand for private rented accommodation only expected to grow in the years to come, the relationship between tenant and letting agent will have an important role to play in ensuring that tenants benefit from a wide choice of quality property and that properly trained, professional letting agents are poised to deliver this service.

With this in mind, there are a number of things that tenants should look for when appointing a letting agent.

1. Look for a reputable agent
   Look for a good, reputable agent to take the stress out of finding a property. Start by researching agents in your area, looking for agents that are members of a registered trade body such as the UK Association of Letting Agents (UKALA). Membership of a professional association confirms that they are professionally approved and must adhere to a Code of Practice. UKALA agents also utilise Client Money Protection Insurance, which protects your money for the duration of the tenancy. 
2. Check the area the agency cover
   Letting agencies cover a specific geographic area so if you’re looking for a property in the North of Manchester for example, renting with a letting agent in the South of the City won’t be as convenient as going to the area itself, particularly when it comes to maintenance or repairs. 
3. Check the agency’s specialism
   If you’re looking for a studio or one bed flat, you’ll have more luck with some agencies than others. Some agencies will specialize in bigger, family homes and others will let modern flats and apartments. You’ll soon get a feel for the agency’s target market by visiting their website. 
4. Look at the agent’s fees
   Some letting agents will charge higher fees than others but agents who are members of registered bodies such as UKALA should be transparent and clear about their fees before you sign any agreement. These should be outlined in advance and in a manner that is easily understood. This will allow you to make an informed decision about the agency you choose. 
5. Ask for out-of-hours call out details
   Even if managing the property, not all agencies offer an out-of-hours service but if the boiler were to break on a cold winter’s evening or the roof were to leak on a wet weekend, you would need someone to call. If the agency doesn’t offer an out-of-hours service, then you may want to look further afield. 
6. Check that the agent protects deposits in a tenancy deposit protection scheme.
   An agent must protect your deposit in one of three government-authorised schemes and provide you with relevant prescribed documentation. Check that the agent will do this within 30 days of the tenancy starting; if they don’t, they will be breaking the law. 
7. Ask about regular maintenance and safety checks.
   When managing a property on behalf of a landlord, it is essential that the letting agent visits the property at least every six months to check for any maintenance issues. However, they should always seek permission from the tenant first with 24 hours written notice. In addition, the letting agent legally needs to arrange for gas safety checks to be carried out every 12 months to ensure the property conforms to the required gas safety standards and provide the tenant with the certificate. 
8. Check that the staff are knowledgeable
   Good letting agents will train their staff using industry qualifications, such as Continuous Professional Development (CPD) courses. Look to see what training each agency undertakes; if the staff are knowledgeable, they will be able to help with the various hurdles you may experience with your rental arrangements. 

–ENDS–

NOTES TO EDITORS

About UKALA:

The UK Association of Letting Agents (UKALA) is a trade association representing businesses which facilitate the rental of private residential property in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. All revenues generated are used by the association to support and benefit its members.

UKALA exists to support letting agents who are committed to improving conditions in the private rented sector. UKALA membership requires all applicants to be vetted against UKALA safeguards, and only if the following three requirements are met can letting agencies become members and be covered by UKALA’s CMP insurance.

1. Written confirmation from their bank that they have a clearly segregated client money account. 
2. Written confirmation from their accountant(s) that their business finances are in order. 
3. Proof of a minimum level of Professional Indemnity Insurance, to be confirmed by Hamilton Fraser Insurance (HFIS) at the time of application. 

Once accepted as members, each agent is also required to abide by the UKALA Scheme Rules and Code of Practice; to ensure the highest standards of professionalism and an assurance of quality in residential letting for both landlords and tenants.

UKALA is dedicated to continuously improving conditions in the private rented sector, by ensuring that landlords and tenants are treated fairly and that best practice is understood and adhered to in residential letting.

For further information on UKALA, contact:

Press enquires:
Sam Billett
Sam.Billett@edelman.com
020 3047 2207

UKALA Membership enquires:
Jack Stephenson
jack.stephenson@ukala.org.uk
0207 820 7900