Top Tips for Landlords and Tenants
When it comes to choosing a letting agent, it’s important to be careful and do your homework to avoid getting caught up in a scam. There are plenty of fraudsters out there who might attempt to trick landlords or tenants into paying unnecessary fees and providing personal information. To ensure that you only sign with trusted Witham letting agents, here are some essential things to consider.
Verify Their Identity
Before you even consider working with a letting agent, make sure that you verify their identity. Start by searching for the agency online and checking their website for things like contact details and testimonials left by past and present clients. Look for red flags like poor grammar, spelling mistakes, or a general sense of a lack of professionalism.
Next, call the agency directly to confirm their address and phone number. If you’re still uncertain, you could always visit their office and talk to a member of the team in person. Be cautious of agencies that refuse to disclose their physical location or insist on communicating only via email or text message. A genuine letting agent will have no issue with you dropping in for a chat.
Check Their Membership Status
Trusted letting agents will usually be registered with industry bodies and government schemes. One example is MyDeposits, an independent government scheme that ensures deposit protection for renters. Check whether the agent is a member of this scheme or similar ones such as ClientMoney Protect. They should also be a member of the Property Ombudsman. This will give you additional peace of mind.
Ask Plenty of Questions
Don’t be afraid to ask plenty of questions before deciding to work with a letting agent. A reputable agent will be happy to answer your queries and provide detailed explanations of their services, fees and contract terms. On the other hand, if an agent seems evasive or unwilling to provide answers, it might be best to look elsewhere.
Be Wary of Unnecessary Fees
When discussing fees with a potential letting agency, keep an eye out for any charges that seem excessive or unnecessary. You can expect some fees of course but watch out for hidden charges or vague descriptions of services that could lead to unexpected expenses down the line. Remember, legitimate agents will clearly outline their fee structure and provide a full breakdown of what you can expect to pay upfront.
Trust Your Instincts
Finally, always trust your instincts when dealing with letting agents. If something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t ignore warning signs or dismiss your doubts – instead, walk away and find another agent who is able to give you the answers you need and is willing to accommodate your needs as a landlord or tenant.
You’re All Set!
By following these simple steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to a letting agent scam. You’ll get a safer and much more enjoyable experience when working with a reliable and trustworthy letting agent – so it’s worth taking the time to ensure they really are all they seem.
