Rent from an accredited lettings agency
We recommend using a letting agency that is a member of a national scheme or recognised trade body including:
This will ensure the agency follows a code of practice, has a formal complaints process, and offers client money protection.
What you should not pay for
A reputable letting agency should not charge you:
- To register with the agency
- For a list of available rental properties
- A deposit that is only refundable if they fail to find you a property
Before you register with an agency
Ask the agency for the following information before registering:
- What services they offer
- A clear breakdown of all fees and charges
- Whether they have a formal complaints process
- If they are a member of The Property Ombudsman Scheme
- Which tenancy deposit protection scheme they use
Before you sign a tenancy agreement
Make sure you understand:
- The full terms of the tenancy
- The amount of rent and whether it includes service charges
- How much you’ll need to pay in advance (e.g. deposit or rent)
- Details of the deposit protection scheme used
- Whether the landlord has permission from their mortgage lender to let the property
- The process for requesting and handling repairs
Unregistered agencies or notes in shop windows
We strongly recommend not renting from people you don’t know or from handwritten notes in shop windows or unverified ads online.
These can be risky and may even be scams, where you could lose your money or end up in a property that isn’t safe or legal.
To stay protected, we always suggest going through a trusted letting agent; ideally one thats part of a professional body like Safeagent or Propertymark.
That way, you know your money is safe and the property meets proper standards.