Moving to Edinburgh/letting agents

[Ilovebakedgoods77]

Hi,
I've just had a horrendous year with a letting agent down South, and am now looking to relocate to Edinburgh - I just need suggestions on letting agents. Who to avoid especially would be very helpful, thank you

We went directly through gumtree to get a flat advertised by a landlord who lets it themselves. When are you thinking of moving? It's so competitive here for two person flats, but I think bigger flats/houses may be easier as long as you don't need an HMO license.

Hi Travelling,

It's me who would be looking to rent rather than having a flat to let if that makes sense - looking for recommended letting agents who treat tenants well - or nice landlords!

I think they are all much of a muchness if I'm honest. It's hard to find a flat as there is massive demand compared to supply so sticking to a specific agency will massively limit your options. Basically though it won't be anything like being in London as you'll be minus all the agency fees. They all have basic standards you have to adhere to. The more upmarket agencies may be slightly better but they will likely have less rental properties!

as Gyder says, if you avoid specific agencies you'll be restricting your options a lot. I haven't heard of anyone avoiding flats from a specific agency before so that probably does mean they are pretty much equivalent

id avoid Braemore & Grant Management/ Property

id opt for smaller, independent branches
with a more personal feel & approach. have heard good things about Albany Lettings. also DJ Alexander and Rettie seem get good reviews despite not being as small

I'm with Grant and they are fine.. I'd certainly not turn down an ideal property due to them being the agent. All safety tests are done properly and on time etc. Anything that goes wrong like boiler etc someone is usually out the same day. They aren't very quick with non urgent repairs but probably because I don't hassle them enough! No other complaints really.

I'm afraid beggars can't be chosers - if you find the ideal flat, you just have to take the letting agent and hope that it doesn't cause any problems.

We're with Braemore which I was a bit nervous about initially, having heard all sorts but they've improved a lot in the 3 years we've been with them. A lot of it is done to individuals that you come into contact with. We have a great letting manager at Braemore and he makes the difference. All the contracted staff (electricians, plumbers etc) they use have been great too.

Albany lettings are very good. I'd also avoid braemar, grant management and Charles white

Yes the grants contractors are all brilliant too and always do little extras! I was also unsure as id read bad reviews but the house was perfect and in the school catchment I wanted! I think even with agency properties a lot of issues are down to the individual landlords dragging their feet so it's still pot luck!

www.athomeinedinburgh.co.uk/ are worth a look

I'd avoid Grant Management too. We had a nightmare time with them, and when we raised problems they were very combative. Have heard issues with Ryden too.

Braemore was fine for us, but that might be because the owner of the flat was directly involved instead of leaving it all to Braemore.

I've heard good things about Albany, DJ Alexander and Rettie too.