Renting a flat through an estate agent – why is it worth it?

Autumn is a time of increased activity on the rental market, mainly because of students looking for new accommodation for their studies. This time of year is also conducive to changing jobs, so working people may move too, to be closer to their workplace. Whatever the reason for the move, renting a flat means having to devote time and energy to finding a suitable property. On top of that come safety concerns for both the landlord and the tenant. So if you want the whole rental process to go quickly and smoothly, to the benefit of both sides, consider using the services of an estate agent. In this article you will find out why it is worth it.

What benefits does the landlord get from working with an agent?

It might seem that renting out a flat is a relatively simple task. Well, that is not always the case. To find a tenant, you need to prepare the property properly, then create an attractive listing and wait for a response from the other side. When viewers start getting in touch, we also have to devote time to them, answer hundreds of questions and make the hardest decision of all: who deserves to be entrusted with our property. As you can see, this is not the easiest challenge, which is why it is sometimes worth using the help of a professional. What are the advantages?

We save time

This is the undisputed advantage of using an agent. They will be responsible for creating the listing, present the flat and communicate with potential tenants. In the meantime we can get on with our lives and need not worry about any of the above.

We can count on professional analysis

An experienced agent will assess whether the rent we want to charge a tenant is realistic. In addition, the agent will write the listing for us, setting out the flat's key assets, take attractive photos that encourage viewings and, if we wish, carry out home staging in the property, i.e. a light refresh of the space before it is presented.

The estate agent will also take care of drawing up the agreement and any dealings with a notary. These administrative matters keep many people awake at night, which is why it is worth entrusting them to professionals.

A guarantee of security

What landlords fear most is entrusting their property to an irresponsible person who will damage the furnishings or not pay the rent. An agent's support can protect us from renting the flat to the wrong person. The estate agent will also safeguard our interests with a precisely drafted agreement, whose provisions will guarantee us the highest possible level of rental security.

What does the tenant gain from working with an agent?

It is not only the landlord who gains from working with an agent; the tenant too will feel the benefits of this solution.

Matching the flat to expectations

Working with an agent allows us to state our expectations regarding the rent, the size of the flat, its furnishings and its location. The agent will take all our needs into account and present us with listings that both appeal to us and fit our financial means.

Support in negotiations

It may happen that the rent on our dream flat is slightly too high. In such a situation the estate agent should help us negotiate an amount that satisfies us.

Only checked properties

When working with an agent to choose a flat to rent, we can be sure that we are offered only checked properties. In addition, the agent will make sure the agreement is worded in our favour and contains no prohibited clauses.