Finding an Agent to rent from
Real Estate management companies act for properties owned by investors and individuals. They are responsible for finding tenants, doing maintenance work and collecting rent.
Do a little research on the agents that interest you. Look at web sites to see what kinds of properties each company offers and, if at all possible, ask renters what they think of the agent.
Get in touch with a few companies to discuss your needs, and find out what properties are available. Look at each rental carefully, assess the overall accommodation and note any damage.
Make sure you sign and date a property inspection report that details the condition of the place. Take photos of anything that is not as it is listed, in order to document the fact that the condition existed before you moved in. Sign, and have the agent representative sign, and date the back of the pictures. Ask the representative about repairing any damage you see, and find out about the agency guidelines for maintenance and emergency repairs.
Make sure get any agreements in writing. This forms the basis of how the company is obligated to you.
Be clear about your needs from a rental property when talking to agencies. By having the terms and conditions in writing you can ensure your expectations will be met. However, it pays to remember that the rental property manager is looking out for the interests of the owner, not necessarily the tenant.
Try to find out from the current tenant if a property in need of repair has gone without improvement while under the agency’s management. If more than a few months have passed since the repairs needed were noted, don't bother with the property. This probably means the agency wants to give owners a return, and make a profit for the business, by skimping on capital improvements.
Make sure the agency will repair any damages noted in the property inspection carried out when the previous tenant left. Some of the estate agents that cater to a low-rent market often keep security deposits but neglect to use the money for repairs.