Whether you are looking to rent out your property or you are a landlord, there are a number of factors that you will need to consider when hiring a letting agent. These factors will help ensure that you get the best results for your money. Before looking for the best letting agents in Glasgow, here is what to consider:
Character Reference
Getting a character reference from a letting agent is important when you are renting out a property. This can tell you whether the tenant will pay their rent on time, damage the property or be a nuisance to the neighbours. You can also get a credit check from a letting agent, which will tell you whether the tenant has a good credit history. However, you must get the tenant’s permission before checking their credit history.
Rental Housing Act
Having a legal document in hand is a must. The rental housing act governs all aspects of renting out a piece of property. This includes security deposits, fair housing laws, and tenant rights and obligations. A reputable letting agent knows all about these laws and more. If you’re thinking of letting out your home, be sure to hire a legal expert before you pull the trigger. If the rent is not paid, you may be stuck with a big bill.
Deposits
A security deposit may be required to occupy a rental unit, but you can still expect to be reimbursed for the cost of damage to the property. A reputable letting agent will tell you that the best time to collect your security deposit is before you move out. You may also want to consider paying the deposit in cash, or transferring it to a bank account. It’s also smart to be sure your letting agent is up on the latest rental housing laws. Some states require that the tenant pay the first months rent upfront, while others may require that you pay a certain percentage of the rent in advance.
Hire A Local Agent
Getting a letting agent in the area the rental property is in is a great idea, but it’s important to find the right one. A good letting agent will be able to take care of all the details for you, including the legal requirements surrounding deposit protection. Also, they will be able to advise you if a tenant fails to pay rent.
Some agents may charge you a one-off fee to find a tenant, while others may charge a percentage of the rent. This can vary greatly depending on the type of property you are trying to rent. The fee also depends on the performance of the agent. A high-performing agent may be able to charge a higher fee than a low-performing one.