Renting a property - Managed vs. unmanaged

Why choose a managed service?

Below are some tips when dealing with agents:

• Access the Web - Be sure that properties available to rent are listed on an easy-to-use website and regularly updated. You can then quickly see if the property is worth viewing before agreeing to give up any of your time.
• Spread the word - If you want a property quickly then leave your details and requirements with all the local agents.
• Keep in touch - If an agent has nothing available immediately, they will usually put your details on file and assume that you've found a place after 1-2 weeks. If you are not successful in the initial stages of your search, contact your agent regularly.
• Be persistent - Rental properties go quickly, so phone everyday if you want to keep the latest news about what's available.
• Be aware of limitations – Agents will only show you what they have available; they will not source what you want. If they don't have anything that interests you, then so be it.
• Get the details - If the property has remained on the market for longer than expected then the landlord may consider reducing the price. Discover whether there is room for negotiation by getting a history of the property from the agent.
• Costs - Letting agents will charge for checking your references, preparation of inventory, drawing up tenancy agreements and administration costs, etc. Depending on the area, agency and property charges can amount to £200-£500. Ensure that agents do not charge you for looking at properties or holding your details.
• Deposit – A deposit is always taken from a tenant prior to the moving in date. The deposit remains the property of the tenant throughout the tenancy and it is recommended that the money is held by the letting agent. The agent will not release the funds until the landlord is satisfied with the check out report at the end of the tenancy.

Choosing to rent privately?

Here are a few points to bear in mind.

• Unregulated - Private Landlords do not have to subscribe to any professional body or code of practice, so it is worthwhile asking for references from past tenants before signing a lease agreement.
• More cost effective - Renting privately can be less expensive than renting through an agent. There will be no administrative costs to pay and your landlord won't have the overhead of paying an agent's fee.
• Flexible - Landlords can be more flexible than agents. They may not have restrictions to stop you having pets or personalising your home by hanging things from the wall.
• Someone you can trust –The quality of the landlord is just as important as the quality of the home. Some landlords will give you excellent service; others will pretend that you don't exist. Work with someone who you think you can trust.

Why choose haart?

Whether this is your first move or one of many, renting a property has never been easier with haarts letting services. The 'moving experience' starts as soon as you decide to move and we are here to help you make it as straight forward and as trouble free as possible.

We pride ourselves on being specialists in our industry and our highly trained staff can assist you in finding your new rental home.

The haart website can assist you with your initial search, with hundreds of properties available from across the country. Our search facility allows you to choose your desired location, number of bedrooms and price range, immediately displaying to you what is available.

At haart we strive to exceed your expectations and to give you the advice and service you need.