How hard is it to find a good agency to rent from?

Viberduo

My friend is looking and most seem to have terms for rental that only benefit them, and I know its logical to protect themselves but I mean things like they wont do credit checks without a deposit paid first, and if you fail credit check you lose deposit, or if you pass credit check but dont give references within a few days or get bad ones you lose your deposit, then theres one agency that says that they only start tenancies on Thursdays or Fridays(despite being open 6 days a week) and many of their propeties being a few minutes drive at most from their base., and things like they charge you for a new contract every 6 months,

Then they say on their contracts that they have the right to come into property at any time, can chuck you out for whatever reason(without going through court) or they will do "inspections" of the tidiness of your flat whenever they want and if they decide it needs a clean they will deduct money from your deposit(this is whilst you live there and they dont send any cleaners or anything) or things like they charge fees like if you refuse an inspection its like £50 fine

Have noticed variations through some agencies but a basic set of temrs they have.

This seems quite mad and heavily in their favour and of course not even legal, what would happen in court if they refused to give someone their deposit back for failing a reference or credit check, oh they also say if you lie on references or credit check they can chuck you out at any point.

Pixie5740

If I remember correctly you live in Scotland. Does your friend also live in Scotland. If so, the only money LA and LL can take is a security deposit and rent, any other fees and charges are unlawful and can be claimed back.

A LA took a £200 holding deposit from my brother last year. He failed the referencing and whilst the LA said the holding deposit was non-refundable that was a load of tosh. Using a letter template from Shelter Scotland he got the £200 back.

Pixie5740

I'll also add that I've not had a tenancy agreement that says the LL or LA can just wander into my home when they feel like it or charge fees for refusing inspections (in any case these fees would be unlawful).

I've only had 1 tenancy agreement that came close to saying I could be evicted without notice. It said that if I didn't pay my rent then I could be evicted in 14 days. The landlord in that case was a deluded bampot and I knew the clause would hold no water at sheriff court. It was a moot point anyway since I have never paid rent late.

I think your claims are exaggerated.

jjlandlord

It depends on the wording. If the agreement states that a reasonable callout charge will be applied if you refuse access for an inspection when you were notified in advance then it should be enforceable.
The landlord and his agent also have a right of access for inspections.

On the other hand, the terms you suggest are completely over the top and wouldn't stand a chance.

It said that if I didn't pay my rent then I could be evicted in 14 days

That's a standard, valid term.
However, it only applies in very specific circumstances and many landlords may not be aware of that slight caveat.