Here are some tips to help protect you from fake letting agents.
Make sure that the letting agent is a part of a professional letting body.
Before you go on hiring someone, make sure that he or she belongs to a professional letting organization. Make sure that the organization that the agent belongs to is one that is recognized. The problem with letting agents is that anyone can set themselves as letting agents. Now if the letting agent has the logo of a professional organization, then you can search that organization’s website for confirmation.
Hire an agent that has signed up to a redress scheme.
Agents could get a penalty charge if they don’t sign up for a redress scheme. Redress schemes will allow the tenant and the landlords to file a complaint if they encounter a problem with a letting agent.
Hire an agent who is a member of Safe Agent.
If you do not want to risk the safety of your money, then you can always hire a letting agent who is a part of Safe Agent. These agents would have a “SAFE” seal on their websites.
Do not make an early deposit to guarantee a property.
There are those who collect money from buyers but still allow the property to be open in the market so that they can still collect money from other potential buyers.
Watch out for hidden charges.
Never allow yourself to pay extra charges and make sure you know all the fees that you are obligated to pay from the agent.
Search for testimonials.
To guarantee that an agent is suitable for hire, you can look out for testimonials from past clients because they already know the service that the agent gives.
