Renting from a Managing Agent?

About 35% of the student off-street rental market in Leeds is rented using managing agents.

There are a number of reasons why students do this including:

• an attractive office with an air of professionalism
• the ability to see lots of properties quickly
• accompanied viewings and transport.

In addition there are often lots of similar agencies close together so you can compare properties between agencies.

Many of the complaints Unipol and the students' union receive, however, relate to managing agents.

To help students choose the best managing agents there is the Unipol Code. 90% of all complaints that Unipol receive about student housing come from the 30% of unaccredited landlords. It really is best to rent from a Code landlord or agent.

There are now a number of managing agents in Leeds who have full Unipol Code status, which means all their student houses meet the standards of the Code. If renting from an agent these agents are strongly recommended and their names can be found here.

Unipol also has Supporter status for those agents working towards full Code membership and these agents should be given preference over agents which have not joined any scheme and further details can be found here.

The best managing agents are as good as the best landlords but it also important to consider some specific issues in dealing with Managing Agents.

Let Only Services

Many agencies offer a "let only service", which means the agent is only responsible for letting, not managing the property. If you are renting a property through a let only arrangement the agent should make this very clear and give you full details of the landlord so you can find out if the landlord is part of the Unipol Code and you know who is responsible for actually delivering your services.

If the agent promises any upgrading (for example a new sofa or redecoration) it is very important to get this promise in writing.

Many agents have very attractive offices, which is a sign of professionalism, but remember you are not renting the office and concentrate on the property. A good office does not always equal a good property or a good service.

Accompanied Viewings

Accompanied viewings are a good thing but you should remember that this is likely to be a promotional tour and you should concentrate on looking at the property properly. You should also not gloss over any problem areas (such as: what is that damp patch? who will have the smallest room?)

If possible you should try and take the opportunity to talk to the current tenants about the property and their experiences of dealing with the landlord or agency. Good agencies and private landlords are always happy to give you the freedom to do this.

It can be difficult to be assertive and ask the obvious question, but do not let that put you off and do not be rushed through the property. You should take your time and look carefully so that you are buying exactly what you want.

If you are not interested have the courage to say that (no one will mind) so that no one wastes any further time and the property can be remarket to others who may not share your views. Also, if you change your mind and have booked to have a viewing, just ring up and cancel it as a matter of courtesy to the agent. Treat them how you would expect to be treated yourself.

If you are feeling intimidated by the sales pitch then this is frequently "hard selling" techniques. You should never agree to anything under duress so simply say firmly that you are not interested and move on.

Sign up Fees and Deposits

Some agencies charge sign up fees for setting up the contract. Make sure you are happy with paying any fees before you commit to taking the property. Many landlords who advertise with Unipol do not ask students to pay these additional fees or keep them low.

Some agencies do not charge deposits but instead charge higher sign up fees. The main advantage of this is that this fee is often lower than paying a deposit and is therefore less money to find at the time of signing for your new property. The disadvantage is that you will not get this money back.

If you pay a deposit you will get this money returned as long as you return the property in a good condition. Agents and landlords that take a deposit are now obliged to place the money in a government approved scheme that safeguards your deposit.