MEGATHREAD:- Recommended Lettings Agents

[rach108]

Belvoir are useless.

[Smack Jack]

Its not looking good for the agents is it? In their favour if you select one that is a member of the ombudsman then they should have fairly good practices and should in theory protect both yourself and the tenant. Some landlords would never put anything right if they werent obligated or pressured too by an agent and some tenants would take the p if the agent wasn't theatening the various things they do. I'd say like anything you pay a lot for get your rights and expectations clear in the first place and come down like a tonne of bricks if theyre deviated from

[munky]

When it comes to recommending a lettings agent, you wouldn't recommend anyone that had given you even a hint of poor service.

 

This is why I can't sing Bloors praises high enough and a couple of Workmates have rented from Bloor and I think they'd say the same.

 

Not many companies actually live upto their motto or slogan, however "Bloor - About people, not property" really does fit and does exactly what it says on the tin.

[renishawboy]

Why bother when you can do it yourself for nothing

[Square-Bashe]

I would expect that Letting Agents would be good for landlords if the Landlords are not in the country any longer or near the property or do not want the hassle of the day to day management of the property. If you do use a Letting Agent make sure they are members of the NAEA or ARLA for peace of mind and a certain level of professionalism.

[Charlotte_24]

As a tennant, I've rented of a number of different letting agencies and would only recommend one to anyone.

 

Bloor and Co are a family run business and they are superb. The only downside as a tennant is having an inspection every three months, but even this is kinda good as amongst the first questions they ask is "is there any problems at all. Hows yer boiler and is the heating working without any problems?"

 

I don't have any shares or vetted interest in Bloor other than to genuinley recommend a quality letting agents, as there are a shedload out there such as Blundells and Reeds Raines that make out like they care when in actuall fact, they only care providing it doesn't cost them anything.

 

I can second this, i've had many experiences with various letting agencies (and heard horror stories over the years) but Bloor always get a good report. I've rented through them myself and found them to be very friendly and helpful, and i know my landlord is happy with the service he receives. Once again, i don't work for them!

 

I would say that with any agency you consider using it's best to check if they are a member of a regulatory body, and always check out their reputation locally.

 

Another tip that i read is to go into various agencies, act as though you're looking for a property. Make enquiries and see how helpful they are, will they print off information etc. as this will give you an idea of how they will market your property.

[arthurseaton]

My property has been let by PJ Properties for over ten years now. They are extremely professional and in all that time my property has been occupied even though it isn't in a prime student location.They specialise in letting to students so if your house is in a student area I strongly recommend you use them.

[Fonzie]

I friend of mine has had problems with Swindle Mee recently,if what he tells me is correct

then they are a complete shambles.

 

I have viewed a property with this firm recently, and i'm thinking of applying. Anything/one I should watch out for?

[EmmC]

Thanks very much for all your help. Will check out the ones you have recommended for price. Have tried doing it myself but it has cost me a lot of dosh.

[juby]

Don't use an agent - you make less money and they do not do anything for their cut of your rental income. You can get all the information you need on being a landlord, what your responsibilities are and how to draw up your own contract from the internet or CAB used to have them. Take photo's of all the rooms in your property, before the tenant moves in, key areas are kitchens and bathrooms, as this is often where most damage occurs. You can check out any references yourself by phone and letter, ask prospective occupiers to see proof of income etc., set up D/D or S/O with the bank, take the bond before they move in. Good Luck!