Choosing a lettings agent

• We would always recommend that you choose an agency with some ARLA qualified staff members in the team, as this is a solid indication of high standards of business practice and an understanding of the rental sector – all our team managers are ARLA qualified and other team members are either qualified or currently in the process of training.
• Always check that the agency complies with the Deposit Protection Scheme – this gives you piece of mind that your deposit is held by an independent, government approved third party, as well as offering you a free and independent dispute resolution service if required.
• Anyone can set themselves up as a lettings agent and many go out of business every year, leaving landlords and tenants high and dry. Always research your lettings agent carefully to ensure they are an established and reputable service provider. Circle Living is part of Circle, one of the largest Housing Groups in the UK. We’re a non profit making Group regulated by the Homes and Communities agency (HCA).
• Ensure the agency you appoint understands the sector and has a local team with local knowledge. Circle Living has its own substantial portfolio of rental properties. Being a landlord ourselves, as well as being a lettings agent, we understand both sides of the business and the pressures landlords face to ensure that rental income is secured and properties are being looked after professionally. We do this for our own rental properties to look after our business interests and we ensure landlords using our service receive the same high quality service.

23/08/10 11:58