Can anyone recommend decent rental agencies in London?

[FayeGovan]

Moving soon from north of Scotland and dont know London well. Got a job offer. Ive looked for accommodation on sparerooms and its overwhelming but helpful. Ive been told by friends here to make sure i use a decent agency or decent landlord, but without any prior experience or people down there to help me i dont know the decent ones from the bad ones so was just wondering if anyone on mumsnet could recommend an agency they know or have used and they were good? Ive been told new ones spring up all the time so hopefully someone will have used one recently that they could recommend. Im working in centre of London so am open to areas that i can commute from. Budget isnt high, looking for up to an hours commute hopefully less.
Thanks

Haven't much experience in all this but am hoping to get a decent place to stay. Ive a good credit history and have always paid rent on time.

Honestly kinda pot luck in London. Safest bet is to go with k e of the big chains - def don’t deal directly with a private landlord

whsts your budget?

It all very much depends which branch and which individual agent you get, so it's probably better to identify red flags rather than ask for specific recommendations.

I've never been in a houseshare vs renting a whole place, so hopefully people with specific knowledge will come along. But I'd say:

Definitely ask about fees - some charge outrageous amounts. My experience was several years ago but it ranged from £120 - 700.

They should vet you properly including asking for references, about your job, etc. It can feel intrusive but if they don't care about who they put into their houses, they're not going to be a great landlord.

As you're sharing, make sure you meet all the other housemates first.

Personally I would avoid being a lodger as opposed to a tenant, because lodgers have very few rights.

Good luck!

Thanks. What fees do i pay, i didnt realise i paid agency fees..i thought id just need rent and the deposit and bills money....

Can anyone tell me who some of the big agencies are? When i google lists and lists come up.

Hi,
did you have any luck? I’m in a similar position to you and it’s very overwhelming.