Letting Agent vs Private Landlord?

[chris-sussex]

Whats are the pro's and cons of each? for both a tenant point of view and property owner??? really interested to know everyones thoughts on this!

[mgrds]

I am a private Landlord. I don't use an agency I think the benefits are:-

1) I save money in agents fees which I pass on to tenants in cheaper rents.
2) Tenants can contact me directly and get repairs done and problems sorted out more quickly
3) I know more quickly if a rent payment is missed, ect as I don't rely on an agency to contact me and tell me
4) When a tenant gives notice I know right away.

I have had bad experiences with agencies losing paperwork, failing to collect monies etc.

I like to give my tenants a better quality service. I'm sure there are good agencies out there. However I have not yet found one that will give my tenants the same quality of service and attention to detail that I pride myself on offering.

[canton]

I agree, after all we are here to make money, not let the agency take our money!

Do you ever see agencies buying property?

[matjones]

When renting through an agent you will generally find all kind of extra charges in the lease aggreement .One agent wanted to charge me £180 for a credit check , £60 to draw up a contract £200 in admin fees and then £60 at the end of each contract to re-write the contract ontop of 1 months deposit + 1 month up front totaling around £1400 before I could even move into the flat. A private landlord will generally charge you just 1 months deposit + 1 month upfront. Ive rented from both private and through agencies Private wins me over every time.

[jodieB]

when iw as at university i dealt with both letting agent and private landlord and it was alot easier dealing with a private landlord as of there were problems i could irectly talk to them rather than contacting the letting company and getting fuzzy answers

[epictom]

mgrds comment is a really honest and i think perfect comment, a private landlord, is so much better then a letting agent because you will get 1 to 1 with a private landlord, and there not a company such as a agency, because of big name agencys, they will get you to pay for more for less, Private landlord if you wish to save money.

[Danzo]

Hi
Am I responsible for home insurance if I rent an apartment?
Danzo

[brian]

Danzo, yes.

[garethcthomas]

Go with an experienced private landlord every time.

If the landlord isn't experienced, use an agent with a good reputation for doing the paperwork properly. Paperwork is KEY in tenancy agreements.

[eddie.lindley]

We just moved North and started with an agency, but got to know the landlord and now deal directly with them - agency was quite expensive