Cut cost of renting

daz_free

Hi,

I'm looking to rent but really want to get the best deal possible. Ideally I would like to cut the agent's fees and go direct with the landlord.

Do you think it is possible for me to find the owners details of a house and then contact them directly (therefore possibly saving the 10 - 15% agents fees)? Obviously I would have to prove to the landlord that dealing with me is better than going through the agents.

Also I often work from home and therefore would be great if the internet is up and running before I move in. Do you think this would be possible aswell?

Thanks,

D

princeofpounds

Yes it is possible but you cannot even pick up the phone to the EA otherwise it will count as an introduction, and the LL might be in a management contract even if they save money on a find fee.

Your best bet is contacting local and national landlords associations as well as private ads. They normally have good listings.

Unlikely a landlord would want to set up internet for you. That requires billing and all sorts and why would they want to mix their details with yours? If you don't change them they are stuck with an expensive contract!

SurreyChris

I work from home at times and when I last moved it took me about 3 weeks to get the internet set up. I used a 'pay as you go' mobile broadband dongle for that time. That might be an easier option if you're moving to an area with good coverage.

I think I paid £45 for the dongle and 1.5Gb which was fine for me but I guess it depends on the work you do.

G_M

Check local papers for landlords advertising their own property.

If you really want to bypass agents, you'll need to identify a property ('To Let' board outside?) and then identify the owner via the Land Registry (£6.00), then find his home address/phone number.....

eco-friendly_2

Do you think it is possible for me to find the owners details of a house and then contact them directly (therefore possibly saving the 10 - 15% agents fees)?

It's highly unlikly you would make a saving contacting a LL direct, most LL's that use LA's do so to save the hassle of managing a property and take a drop in income, that will not change the 'market rent' Although you should make a saving on the fees that some LA's charge.