renting direct from landlord
Dec 8th 2009, 3:23 pm
#17
Token Scandinavian Bloke
Joined: Jun 2009
Location: Dubai
Posts: 2,820
Re: renting direct from landlord
Nope.
If you go to a real estate agent in the rest of the world to find a place to rent, it is usually you, who has to pay the fee. And why not. A good agent will not only show you several places, but can also give you advice about neighborhood, schools etc.pp. A good agent will make a proper rental agreement in your interest, he will do the handover and help you with subscription for water,electricity, telephone aso.
So, why should a landlord pay for these services???
If you go to a real estate agent in the rest of the world to find a place to rent, it is usually you, who has to pay the fee. And why not. A good agent will not only show you several places, but can also give you advice about neighborhood, schools etc.pp. A good agent will make a proper rental agreement in your interest, he will do the handover and help you with subscription for water,electricity, telephone aso.
So, why should a landlord pay for these services???
Oh and very few agents will act as just an introducer, ie find someone to rent your place for a nominal fee and then step away. The ongoing cut of the monthly rental is after all how they make their money....
It does vary from country to country though, in Norway for example, it is very unusual for an agent to be involved in a rental agreement at all. Most people will advertise and do the deal directly.
Dec 8th 2009, 4:12 pm
#18
Is not impressed...
Joined: Aug 2008
Location: Dubai
Posts: 258
Re: renting direct from landlord
Quick related question... has anyone used Better Homes? Seems a very professional organization but one never can tell around here.
Dec 8th 2009, 5:17 pm
#19
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2009
Location: Manama
Posts: 277
Re: renting direct from landlord
In Germany f.x. it depends on in which area you're looking for a place to rent. In some parts the landlord is paying, because he is happy when he finds someone eligible. But in other parts the tenant has to pay the agent up to 2,5 monthly rents+VAT, because the demand is high and it is difficult to find anything without an agent.
And again, if someone is spending days with you driving from A-B to show you several possibilities, gives you advice on what to do or not to do and helps you with the general set-up (water, el, TV, Internet, Telephone), why should someone else pay for it?
I wouldn't dare to ask for a service I am not willing to pay.
Dec 8th 2009, 6:13 pm
#20
MODERATOR
Joined: Dec 2004
Location: Dubai
Posts: 6,370
Re: renting direct from landlord
They are generally good...but they are let down by landlords more than anything else.
N.
Dec 8th 2009, 6:43 pm
#21
MODERATOR
Joined: Dec 2004
Location: Dubai
Posts: 6,370
Re: renting direct from landlord
And hard working people deserve to be rewarded. I tip good waiters, I give extra to decent cabbies and I would happily pay an agent to sort my housing out if they did it well.
I know some excellent agents who will even check back after a few months to see how things are going. Some who help with setting up utilities, even advising on schools and where to get decent furniture...
N.
