Once you know what you are looking for, you can begin your search. As with any search, luck and timing play a part. But the more time and effort you spend looking for a place, the more likely you'll be lucky and find one that suits you.
Timing
Generally, landlords will start to advertise properties that will be available in about 4-6 weeks time. So, if you are looking to move in three months, it might be better to wait for six weeks before seriously going out to view properties. Otherwise, you might find yourself wasting your time and that of the agent or the landlord.
Online Searching
There are dozens of websites that advertise rental properties. But it is tough to know which sites are reliable and up-to-date. Rightmove.co.uk updates its website four times a day, so you can be assured that you are seeing the most recent changes from the agents who supply us their property details. Rightmove.co.uk has the largest housing stock available in the UK, with over 50% of estate agencies in the country posting property for sale or rent on the site.
Here are some advantages to using a top-quality property site like Rightmove:
- Ease of searching - you choose your desired location, property type, no. of bedrooms, and price range, and we show you immediately what is available.
- Indicates market strength - you'll see how strong or weak the rental market is from the numbers of properties available, and the rental prices posted.
- Helps you find agents - when you see a property you like, you may find the agent has other similar properties available. This can help you decide which agencies you wish to work with.
- Saves you time - by finding properties first on the web, you save yourself a lot of time viewing properties that don't suit you.
Offline searching
There are literally hundreds of offline places you search through to find your ideal home. Here is a list of some of them:
- Newspapers - classified and property sections advertise rental property. Remember that most local papers are only printed once a week, so rentals advertised may no longer be available by the time you pick up the paper. Loot and other classified advertising papers also list properties available.
- Lettings Agents - just stop in the High Street estate agents and ask to see their list of currently available rental properties. You'll be able to tell if the firm is worth working with by the response they give to your request.
- Neighbourhood Watch - look at ads posted on shop windows. Check out the To Let signs posted in front of houses and flats in your area. Talk to neighbours and friends and see if they've heard of any properties coming available to rent. You'll be surprised how successful word of mouth is in finding new homes.
- Accommodation Registers - some local councils keep accommodation registers, which lists landlords and estate agents in the area, as well as properties available to rent. The council usually doesn't require the landlords or agents to meet any service standards to be listed, so don't think this implies that the council has given them a stamp of approval.
- Relocation Agents - the most expensive option available. Usually, people who have more money than time use relocation agents. If your company requires you to move, they may foot the bill for a relocation agent, who specialises in finding the right property to meet your needs.
Letting agents
Using a letting agent is the most common way to find a rental property. Make sure any agent you do use is a member of the Association for Residential Letting Agencies, because they have a code of practice that agents must subscribe to. Below are some tips in dealing with agents:
- Web Access - Be sure their rental properties are posted on an easy-to-use website, and updated regularly. So you can quickly see if the property is worth viewing before agreeing to give up your Saturday morning. Find a Rightmove agent, to see a list of agents who post their properties on Rightmove.
- Spread the Net - If you want fast action, leave your details with as many local agents as you can find.
- Be Persistent - If an agent has nothing available immediately, he will usually put your details on file. He will assume that you've found a place within 1-2 weeks of starting your search, so be persistent in calling him if you're not successful in the initial stages of your hunt.
- Build Relationships - Rental properties go quickly, so phone everyday if you want to keep the latest news about what's available.
- Lettings agents are not Relocation Agents - They will not source what you want, they will only show the stock they have available. If they don't have anything that interests you, then so be it.
- The Inside Story - Landlords will usually consider reducing the price if their property has remained on the market longer than expected. Ask the agent to tell you the inside story of the property, so you know if there is room for negotiation.
- Costs - Letting agents will charge you certain costs before you move into a property. These costs include charges for checking your references, preparation of inventory, drawing up tenancy agreements, administration costs, etc. They can amount to £200-£500, depending on the area, agency and property. Be aware that agents should not charge you for looking at properties or holding your details.
Renting privately
There are advantages and disadvantages to renting privately. Here are some factors to keep in mind.
- Unregulated - Private Landlords do not have to be part of any professional body or trade association. They only have their own reputation to uphold. It is worthwhile asking for references from past tenants before signing a lease agreement.
- Less expensive - Renting privately can be less expensive than renting through an agent. You won't have the upfront administrative costs and your landlord won't have the overhead of paying an agent's fee.
- Flexible - Landlords can be more flexible than agents, and allow you to have pets or hang things from the wall.
- Unpredictable Service Standards - Landlords come in all shapes and sizes. Some will give you excellent service; others will pretend that you don't exist when you call to complain that the kitchen is flooding. The best advice is to work with someone who you think you can trust. The quality of the landlord is just as important as the quality of the home.