Using a private letting agency
General
Private letting agenicies or accommodation agencies are companies which offer a management service to landlords. Letting agencies can offer a number of services to landlords, including:
- Advertising properties
- Finding new tenants
- Managing the property and arranging any repairs or maintenance issues reported by tenants
In return, the landlord pays the letting agency a set fee each month (usually a fixed percentage of the rent).
If you are looking to rent a property through a letting agency
Letting agencies are restricted in what they can and cannot charge you.
It is illegal for letting agencies to charge you a fee before they have found a property for you.
Many agencies charge an administration fee for vetting potential tenants so ask if there are any 'additional costs' before accepting the tenancy.
For more information, go to deposits and fees and other charges .