rudd

We are moving back to the UK on the last week of February. Our plan to to rent a place while we are still in the US. The main reason I would like to get a place ahead of our arrival is that we will be bringing back out cat. A couple of questions.

Are agencies/landlords will to let without meeting the potential tenant?
Will there be issues with a security deposit?

We have been out of the UK almost 4 years. WE did keep our property and have been renting it and keeping up mortgage payments so we have some credit history. We do not plan to move back into the flat we own as we currently have tenants in it and our family has grown in the last few years.

All thought and suggestions appreciated.

holly_1948

I strongly suspect it is the kind of thing that varies greatly from region to region. So if you say the place(s) you have in mind you are less likely to get comments that don't really apply.

As a general comment, the further you are going to be from London the easier it will be. But you knew that!

rudd

I do I will be looking in south east London.

Garbatellamike

Hi Rudd,

I currently rent my place in UK through an agency. How does it work? The agent finds someone interested and then emails me a bit about them to confirm I am OK with the people/persons and agree a rental rate, the agent then produces the lease agreement for 12 months, which is signed and the tenant pays the first month rent and the security deposit (which is deposited with an independent holding organisation so that I never see it nor do the Agent and that any disputes are independently arbitrated).

If you want to do it from abroad you may need to consider something likke a short-term/holiday let initially, whilst you establish yourself in the UK for a longer term rental as the procedure the agency and I use will not work for you remotely.

This is just one current example but offer it for your consideration.
ciao GM

rudd

Thanks all. Given the risk of finding a place unseen and then the possible issues with credit checks I am now considering leaving my flat empty for three month and then move back in there and use it as a base.

fulwood

Rudd I think idea of using your own flat is a great idea..

Garbatellamike

+1