Finding accommodation to rent is a daunting task, especially in areas where the property market is particularly tight. While many people used to entrust their rental property search projects to agencies, it's clear that many of them are now returning to advertisements placed by private individuals.
Renting from one person to another has a number of advantages over renting through an agency.
When renting through an estate agent, tenants are required to pay agency fees. These fees can amount to one or two months' rent, and unlike the deposit, they are not returned at the end of the lease. By renting directly from a private individual, there are no agency fees or administration costs, which means substantial savings.
Hire accommodation from one person to another allows negotiate directly with the owner, without an intermediary. This can facilitate exchanges and enable more flexible agreements to be reached, for example on the length of the lease, the start date or the terms of payment of the rent. It can also mean smoother communication and greater responsiveness when repairs or adjustments are needed.
Estate agents often work with a limited portfolio of assets. By looking for accommodation directly from private individuals, you can access a wider range of properties, often at more competitive prices.
Finding the perfect rental requires a methodical approach.
These days, most rental searches are carried out online. So it's essential to choose a reliable platform that specialises in private-to-private rentals. For example, the LocService is a site that puts tenants and landlords in direct contact, without intermediaries, while offering tools to refine your search according to your criteria.
Before embarking on a rental search, it's essential to define your selection criteria. These may include the type of property (house or flat), its location, the size of the property, the number of bedrooms or bathrooms, and its proximity to public transport, whether the property is eligible for APL benefits, the presence of certain facilities (lift, parking, etc.), and of course the rent.
cTo get an idea of the price of rental properties in the area you're looking for, it's important to find out about property prices in the region where you want to rent.
Unfortunately, the private rental can also involve risks. Here are a few tips to protect you from scams.
If an advert seems too good to be true, it probably is. Rents well below the market, luxury homes for ridiculously low prices, or landlords who press you for money without having seen the property are all warning signs.
Never sign a rental contract or pay any money without visiting the property first. A visit, even by videophone, allows you to check the condition of the property, ask questions about the area and the neighbourhood, and make sure that the advertisement is genuine.
Make sure that all the terms and conditions of the tenancy are set out in a contract signed by both parties. The tenancy agreement should include the rent, the term of the lease, the conditions for terminating the lease and the rental charges. This protects you in the event of a dispute.
Choose bank transfers or cheques for the rent and ask to receive your rent receipts each month. This leaves a paper trail and provides proof in the event of a problem.
Finding accommodation to rent from one person to another can offer many advantages, particularly in terms of cost, flexibility and choice. However, it's essential to remain vigilant and methodical in your search to avoid unpleasant surprises.
