A Cautionary Word

Renting property through well run agencies can have some unrecognised benefits. Some agencies (but by no means a majority yet) are members of trade associations that monitor standards and they should check basic safety provision on furniture, gas safety, etc of anything on their books because they have legal liabilities themselves if they don’t.

This doesn’t apply to independent landlords, where tenants need to proactively check basic safety for themselves. And, unfortunately, the worst landlords of all, offering the dangerous property, can’t get taken onto the books of any legitimate agent, meaning they always advertise in the press along with the overwhelming majority of responsible landlords. Be very wary of any property that seems clearly cheaper (or tackier) than its competitors. Safety isn’t something you can afford to be casual about. See Lesson 2 on viewings for advice.