28 May How to spot a quality rental property (and a great agent!)

When you’re looking for a new rental property, it’s easy to get swept up in the process. But how do you really know if the property behind the photos, and the agent, are up to scratch? At Kaytons, we believe that every renter deserves quality support, a superior service and transparency so keep reading to find out what to look out for:

A well-maintained property 

Put simply, a quality rental property should feel well looked after. Pay close attention to how clean the property is including working appliances, windows and plumbing. If there are any signs of damp, mould or pests, you should be wary, and an overly dated property could be seen as a red flag too. 

Safety standards 

A quality property won’t just look good, but it will meet legal safety requirements. Ask to see gas and electrical safety certificates, enquire about smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and check how secure the doors and windows are. A reputable agent will be able to provide this documentation or explain these standards.

An accurate listing

Good agents don’t have to hide details or oversell. Instead, they trust the original property listing. Some key things to consider include whether there are clear and recent photos, how accurate the room sizes and descriptions are and whether there is upfront information regarding bills, deposits and tenancy length. 

 Professional communication

The best letting agents are the ones that respond quickly, clearly and ensure your stress is minimal. Remember, you should feel listened to not pushed or rushed. Any communication issues in the early stages should be used as a warning sign. 

Proper tenant screening

While it might not seem like a benefit to you, agents who carry out effective tenant referencing are ultimately showing landlords that they care about long-term and stable tenancies. What’s more, it also means they respect your rights and expectations – which is a must-have when it comes to finding someone to rent from. 

A clear tenancy agreement 

Finally, if you are given a detailed and easy-to-understand agreement, this again shows that you’re choosing someone who respects your rights and expectations – and this is only going to make the whole process more enjoyable for you.

Got any questions about finding the right property? Perhaps you’d like some help from our team of experienced agents? Either way, get in touch today and we’ll show you what a great agent looks like.