How To Choose A Good Lettings Agency?
In order to choose a good lettings agency, the first and the most important factor is that the letting agents should be considerate and courteous at all times when dealing with the client. An ideal lettings agency updates the accommodation details at least twice a week and advertises. They contact their clients after every 3 to 4 working days or as soon as they get a suitable accommodation for them. Letting agency must be sure that all the aspects of the property registered with them are mentioned in an accurate manner without misrepresentation to forthcoming tenants.
The agency should check the property condition prior to its tenancy security. The agents should check and verify that the Gas safety (Fixing and Use) standards comply with Regulations 2009 before they advertise in the paper. This can be done by confirming the yearly Gas Safety Check of the premises. The yearly Gas appliances check should be verified by the agency.
Agency should keep an eye on the electrical appliances and wiring of the property; they should be safe to use and should be kept in an appropriate condition during the tenancy period. A complete installation of electricity examination should be taken for the complete property at least after every five years by an expert electrician.
Along with the above mentioned point, an agency must make sure that yearly checking of the electrical appliances at the accommodation is carried out, which is known as PAT (portable appliance testing); although it is not required at the Government level, it is compulsory to make certain that electrical appliances that are present are safe and secure.
The premises must also be observed in accordance to the furnishing and furniture (Fire and safety) rules and regulations. The agency has to make sure that the housing abides by all the regulations mentioned by the Local Authority and that all its rights are observed, mostly in case of a fire and its escape routes.
The agency should observe that the accommodation is free from all infestation and is properly cleaned before the contract starts. It is the job of the agency to make sure that the accommodation is provided with an adequate heating system, a cooker, one refrigerator and a vacuum cleaner as well.
The agency should make sure that the housing is managed as per the rules of the Government’s Housing Act, (i.e. Tenancy Deposit Protection, HMO Licensing and the Housing Health and Safety Rating System). Agents need to verify that all property owners, marketing the property through them, are authorized to do so of the said premises. They need to make sure that the person has the right or authenticity to let that property.
The accommodating tenant will be given a tenancy agreement or a license which will highlight the terms and conditions of the contract and will be given a time frame (one working day) to check it and decide before he/she signs it. The letting agent will give the exact timelines to the new coming renter to get his agreement checked before offering the housing to any other party. It is the job of the letting agent to ensure that all undertakings are dealt with prior to the commencing of the contract such as, renovation and installation of any appliances. If the agency abides and fulfils all of the above mentioned details it can be considered as a genuine and responsible company for tenancy.
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