What should I ask the letting agent about my prospective landlord?

pph

Hi, we are moving into a rented house and being asked for proof of identity, earnings, references... all fair enough.

But what about us asking the letting agent about the landlord? I think we have a right to know their name and address to do some background checks on them? What if we google them and they are notorious slum landlords?! OK unlikley as we are going through a reputable agency, there's tenancy agreements and will be an inventory.

Just feels like they know everything about us and we know nothing about them. Not even his / her / their names!

What can I reasonably ask the letting agent about?

Thanks!

G_M

You can reasonably ask anything you wish. Whether the agent will tell you is different.

Once you are a tenant you have a legal right to be told both the name and actual address of your landlord (Landlord & Tenant Act 1985 ). Unfortunately that right does not apply o 'applicants'.

Indeed, if the LL has instructed his agent (yes, his agent) not to reveal his identity, the agent would not be allowed to do so.

Nothing stopping youpaying £3 to the Land Registry here to find out who owns the property though (if it's a flat, buy the Leasehold Title, not the Freehold).