In This Guide
Choosing an area
Getting in
Leaving
Lettings agents
1. Using an agent
2. Tricks of the trade
3. ARLA
Living
Looking for property
Renting introduction
Tenancy agreements
Viewing property
Lettings agents
Tricks of the trade
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You may think of your lettings agent as a kind of saviour. With a bit of luck they will be able to solve your housing crisis and find you the perfect place to rent exactly when you need it. But don't EVER forget that they are salespeople whose primary responsibility is to make money for the business that they work for.
Fast talking, brash and confident, some lettings agents will have you believe that the run down old shanty you are viewing is in the most sought after location in the city. Not every agent will stoop to these depths, but some do, so watch out!
Here are our top three techniques as used by letting agents across the country for getting you to agree to rent a property that you do not really want to live in:
Being liberal with the truth comes second nature to many salespeople.
Some of the things that are said go way beyond dressing mutton
up as lamb. We are talking categorical irrefutable out and out
crusty pork pies:
"Yes it's a very safe area", is a very popular one in inner city areas. This can be true, if widespread burglary, car crime and muggings fall within your definition of safe.
"The train line runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week". No it does not.
"The train that rattles your windows as it goes past does not start until 7 in the morning". Check the timetable it may well be 7 minutes past four.
"The porter is there all night," - many are only there for normal working hours.
"Car parking is free", - once you have paid for your residents permit.
"The pub is really quite quiet", except in the evenings, when all hell breaks loose.
"You'll love the neighbours", - in a kind of love - hate - hate - hate sort of way.
The promises that are made by lettings agents are usually spur
of the moment gambles that the agent hopes will turn out to be
true, often in response to direct questioning from prospective
tenants. They probably choose to believe them, knowing full well
that they haven't a clue whether they are telling the truth or
not:
"You can paint the walls any colour you like, the landlord won't mind", - maybe, maybe not.
"The furniture will be staying, it belongs to the landlord", - not always the case.
"The landlord is going to be redecorating the whole flat in a month", not always the case, and do you want the disruption even if it is true?
"We'll get that fixed before you move in", - make sure that any promises that are made are written into the tenancy agreement before you sign it.
Perhaps the sneakiest of all the techniques used, the cunning
displayed by some lettings agents is actually quite amusing as
long as you are not the victim:
- A common trick is to pretty confidently tell you that the
property will be gone tomorrow. By feigning indifference to
whether you are interested, they plant the seeds of panic into
your mind and you start to think that it is a better place than
it actually is. Of course, it may be true, but it is a common
sales trick.
- Telling you that there are several viewings arranged for this
afternoon takes this trick a step further.
- Getting their friends or colleagues to call round whilst you
are actually viewing the property not only makes the property
look popular, it puts more pressure on you, as no-one likes
to be rushed by the competition.
- The final nail in the coffin for your hopes of avoiding the trap is pre-arranging for a colleague to phone them whilst you are viewing the property. This is amazingly common. Once you are made aware that someone else wants to put an offer in on the property, it is amazing how many people dig their heels in and make their own offer when they are given the inevitable first refusal "since you are here now", or "as long as we go and sign up now".
All of these actions are geared towards making you think that you would be missing out by not renting the property. Don't be fooled. Good properties are usually filled on merit, and the agent shouldn't need to resort to such tactics. If they do, then you should ask yourself why.
Lettings agents tend to get the most creative when they are nearing the date by which their targets must be reached. Usually this is the end of the month, but different companies will set different frequencies and different dates. Just be aware that this sort of thing is significantly more likely when an agent is under time pressure to let out a number of properties.
NOT ALL AGENTS ARE LIKE THIS
Please do not think that all lettings agents are like this. They are not. The vast majority are professional, helpful, open and good at what they do. This article serves only to highlight the actions of the wayward few who tarnish the reputations of the others.
Do you feel aggrieved by the way you were treated by your lettings agent? Have you got a story to tell about how you beat the lettings agents at their own game? Get it off your chest and tell us your story.
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