Lettings body backs ‘how to rent’ guide
ARLA has pledged its support to the Department for Communities and Local Government’s recently launched ‘How to rent’ guide.
The guide provides a helpful checklist for people who are looking for a house or flat to rent, offering guidance through every step of the lettings process.
At a time where rental properties are highly sought after, ARLA says it fully supports the Government’s initiative to ease the process of renting to tenants, and sees anything which can support people in the rental market as a step in the right direction.
The guide outlines the rights and responsibilities a tenant has and helps them to understand the questions to ask to create and maintain a positive relationship with a landlord or letting agent.
PROPERTY SEARCH
When choosing a property, either direct from the landlord or through a letting agent, a tenant should ensure the agent or landlord is accredited by The Association of Residential Lettings Agents (ARLA), as recommended by the ‘Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) ‘How to rent’ guide.
Susan Fitz-Gibbon, outgoing president of ARLA, said last month: “Embarking on renting a property can often be a daunting time for people, with would be tenants sometimes expected to make a quick decision, provide extensive information and sign numerous documents before their dream home is snapped up by someone else.
“The DCLG guide will hopefully make the rental process smoother for tenants and offers simple, straightforward guidance for people who are looking to rent, empowering them to make informed decisions.
“Before any potential tenant signs on the dotted line it’s vital they ensure their lettings agent is accredited through a professional body, such as ARLA. ARLA accreditation means your landlord has a responsibility to tell you upfront what fees and costs they will charge you, complaints from both sides will be dealt with fairly and effectively, and you have the peace of mind of knowing your money is protected should you have any dispute with your landlord.”
If you are searching for your next home, then click here and you will be guided to a fully accredited agent’s properties.
The free guide can be downloaded here, just click here
