Accommodation in the UK Using Letting Agency 1 2 A landlord can manage their property on their own or hire a rental agent to handle the property and its tenants on their behalf. A rental agent can discover suitable renters, perform all referencing, check the home throughout the term, arrange maintenance, and more. It is important to note that, even when using a renting agent, the landlord is always responsible and liable for the property. In the United Kingdom, there are several options for finding accommodation for overseas students. 1.Using a letting agency 2.University accommodation 3.Searching a private accommodation online Reasons of Using a Letting Agency The very first question: Landlords that employ letting agents do so because it makes their life simpler. Letting agencies can also be useful if the property being handled is not in the same neighborhood as the landlord. A letting agent's role is to bring knowledge to the table, as well as professionalism and efficiency. Many landlords are extremely busy and may not have the time to address all of their tenants' concerns and questions. A letting agency can manage this for you and provide professional guidance on current regulations as needed. 3 Additionally, whether you're a seasoned landlord with a large portfolio or a new landlord just starting out, letting agents can give a lot of peace of mind and help. If you're unsure about the legality and compliance duties of being a landlord, this might be quite beneficial. While renting out the house yourself is always a possibility, it may be easier and ultimately less expensive to utilize a rental agent. . 4 Works of Letting Agents Simply said, a letting agent is someone who operates on behalf of the landlord and performs responsibilities related to your rental house to varying degrees, based on your agreement and how much you pay them. The amount you pay the landlord will vary based on the degree of service you demand. When it comes to letting agents’ responsibilities, you can typically have three levels of service you require. 5 1.Find renters and organize the rental of your house - a basic service that includes advertising your home to possible new tenants as well as the initial arranging of the let itself. This includes photography, internet advertising, and scheduling viewings. Once an agreement is reached, the letting agency will proceed with credit checks, references, collecting the deposit, drafting the tenancy agreement, and managing the inventory. 2.Rent collection - A rental agent's obligations might include collecting rent from renters on your behalf. The key advantage here is that a letting agency can operate impartially and professionally, allowing you to avoid unpleasant and perhaps painful talks over your tenant's rent. 3.Full command – Your renting agency will eventually handle the day-to-day operations of your house, including repairs and upkeep, as well as cover renewals and arrange renegotiations. They will also monitor issues such as tenancy deposit scheme disputes and intervene on your behalf. 6 Services of Letting Agents 7 Depending on how involved you wish to be in maintaining your home, a rental agency can provide you with a variety of services. Every letting agent has their own style of doing things, however there are several services that are provided by the majority of them. Keep in mind that the price you pay your letting agent will vary depending on the degree of service, the sort of home you are renting, and your geographic region. Finding Tenants: Tenant-find is one of the most basic services — the renting agent will do all of the legwork in locating appropriate renters for your property. This procedure often entails taking professional pictures of the home, creating floor plans, and advertising in venues such as local newspapers and online property websites. They will also organize and attend property viewings, as well as do referencing and background checks. They will establish a legally valid tenancy agreement for both the tenant and landlord to sign, and they can even make an inventory of the property in order to collect exact, fair deductions from the security deposit when the tenancy ends. 8 If this is the sole service you select, a letting agent will assist you in finding a tenant, and you will then handle the continuing parts of the tenancy such as rent collection, property inspections, maintenance, and settling deposit disputes. Collect the Rent: This service is sometimes combined with the tenantfinding service. It entails collecting and safeguarding the security deposit as well as collecting rent from the renter. It also includes following down rent arrears, sending notifications, and counseling renters on what to do if they do not pay their rent. Some agencies even provide insurance that ensures your income if your rent payments fall behind. 9 Ways to Choose a Letting Agent If you determine that using a leasing agency is the best option for you, you must select the correct one. A good letting agent will be a member of a professional standards group, such as the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA). They will also provide Client Money Protection (CMP) to protect your losses in the event that they go bankrupt. A reputable renting agency is well-versed in the most recent legislation, rules, and laws governing the private rental market, and they are legally compelled to participate in a redress mechanism. This is to ensure that if you have a complaint about your agent, it may be escalated to a mediation organization with the prospect of reimbursement. 10 The leasing agency services you employ will be determined by the size of your portfolio, your location in proximity to your homes, and how hands-on you wish to be as a landlord. If you are simply renting out one or two homes, you may only require assistance in locating a renter. It may also be beneficial to utilize a rent collecting agency to alleviate the burden on your shoulders. If you own property that is far from where you live or if your portfolio is too vast to handle on your own, a completely managed service may be beneficial. 11 Renting Apartment as a Student Renting a house or flat as a student is comparable to renting a property as a nonstudent, except lease agreements are usually shorter, lasting only the academic year. Most student rentals run from August or September to June or July, while there are others that are longer-term for students who choose not to relocate every year. To rent a home as a student, you must submit identification as well as verification of your present residence, which is normally in the form of a bill or a letter from your institution. To take advantage of your council tax exemption, you must also give the municipality with your exemption letter from your institution; this may be done either by yourself or through your letting agency, who will notify the council on your behalf. 12 Finding Accommodation for International Students It might be tough to discover adequate housing before arriving in the UK, but you definitely want to identify good lodging before you arrive. England offers a wide range of options, including university-run halls of residence, where you will live in a block of self-contained bedsit rooms and the university will be your landlord, private rented student halls, which are similar to student halls but have a private landlord, and private rented flats and houses, where you may share a smaller property with other students in residential areas of the city. Documents International Students Need to Submit 13 ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ 14 Passport must be current (we will need to view the original document 28 days before your tenancy start date). Right to rent is a legal requirement in the United Kingdom. Visa is still valid (we will need to view the original document 28 days before your tenancy start date). Right to rent is a legal requirement in the United Kingdom. 3 months' worth of bank statements — from the account where you pay your rent. Evidence of research completed during the previous month Proof of address must be dated within three months of the commencement date of the tenancy. It must include an issue date. In the end, if you are an overseas student traveling to the UK to study and need assistance finding housing or guidance, please contact experts. Thanks! 15