Questions Every Canterbury Student Should Ask an Agent when Viewing
Looking for your Canterbury accommodation for 2021/22 can be stressful but make sure you stay protected by asking letting agents these questions.
· Is this property managed by you and if so, is your office local?
Many property management departments that will look after you during your rental period might not be local to the Canterbury area. This can mean that a property manager, who will be dealing with your property, might have not ever seen your property which can be difficult to deal with a problem, should it arise.
· Do I have a dedicated person managing my property from your company?
There is nothing worse when you move into a property and a problem arises, only to be treated as a number when you speak to a call center, or the person who you need to speak to is out doing viewings during the day. Check to make sure that you have a dedicated point of contact whose job is to look after any problems during your stay. That you can email, visit or call them when needed.
· Are you apart of Propertymark ARLA?
Every reputable letting agent should be a part of the Propertymark ARLA scheme. It is there to protect consumers and their money by holding their members accountable. Reassuring you that renting a property through an agent who displays the ARLA Propertymark Protected logo will offer you a better service and financial protection than the alternative. Be cautious of an agent is not a part of the scheme.
· How long has your letting agency been operating in Canterbury?
On average 9 UK estate agents closed every week in 2019 and 45% of businesses go within the first 5 years. Make sure you choose a well-established letting agency to deal with you during your stay. Imagine working with a newly established letting agency who halfway through your rental period goes out of business leaving you to work out who is going to manage your rent, deposit and works on the property.