Renting without an agent?

louisaL

Is this wise? Can someone point out the things I should consider and make sure I do before renting from a private LL without the use of an agency?

Or should i stay away?

olly300

The only thing you need to ensure you get is the landlord's home address, telephone numbers etc and make sure they are actually real.

You should also ask things like how do they want you to deal with problems. Some have tradesmen they don't mind you dealing with directly as long as you tell them first while others do things themselves.

Generally when talking to the landlord you should just make chitchat and find out how they got into being a landlord to find out how experienced they are.

amcluesent

You could drop by CAB or see if Shelter has info on their web-site.

Otherwise, you'd need to ensure you're deposit is protected, the safety certificates are valid, you agree with the list of stuff and conditions, the AST contract is standard and not to your disadvantage and there's a proper rent-book to show payments.

As the LL isn't paying 10-15% in fees to an agent, the rent should reflect that.

>Or should i stay away?<

Chances are the LL is an old perv and will go through your knicker drawer when you're out.

Gwhiz

I rent direct with LL. She's absolutely fantastic and a LA would only get in the way.

However, an amateur LL who does not care about their tenant could be a nightmare.

LL or LA is not the issue - it's whether either are professional and have a good service ethic.

louisaL

thank you very much for your replies

louisaL

Is there anyway of finding a 'reputable' LL. i.e is there an association or anything or is that wishful thinking?

also is there any good websites?

HappyMJ

louisaL wrote: »

Is there anyway of finding a 'reputable' LL. i.e is there an association or anything or is that wishful thinking?

also is there any good websites?

There are associations and being a member would be a good thing but it does not prove that they are reputable.

Ask the potential landlord if they are a member and ask to see the membership card.

louisaL

thank you happy MJ i didnt know if there was a list and you could few their properties for example. asking too much i'm sure!

olly300

amcluesent wrote: »

there's a proper rent-book to show payments.

No rent book is required by law or will be provided if you are paying the rent monthly.

To avoid problems always pay the rent via cheque, standing order or bacs. That way you will have a record of the rent paid.

If the landlord will only accept cash for the rent payments walk away.

amcluesent wrote: »

As the LL isn't paying 10-15% in fees to an agent, the rent should reflect that.

Not necessarily you don't know when the landlord brought the property etc.

Also LA and EA make some of their money from credit checks, check-in/ check out costs and tenancy agreement charges from the tenants.

Therefore while the rent could be expected to be at the lower end of the market rents for the area it won't necessarily be 10-15% cheaper.

Edited to say: when I rented directly from landlords in the past I used word of mouth to find out about them. For example in two cases I found the landlord via friends who rented other properties from them.

Hammyman

louisaL wrote: »

Is this wise?

Its how it used to be until recent times.

G_M

There are regular horror stories on here about letting agents. A good landlord is far preferable to a bad agent.

The key check is that it's not a scam. ie the landlord really owns the property. Check ownership with the Land Registry (£4) and ask to see some ID from the LL to check it's the same person.

Check the property has a gas safety certificate (if there's gas).
Make sure you have a contact address for the serving of notices on the LL.
And preferably a means (telephone/email) for faster contact.
IF you are given an inventory, check it thoroughly before signing. If no inventory that is a) the LL's problem not yours but b) an indication he's an amateur

Most of all this applies with a letting agent too!