Is it better to rent through an agent or directly?

Both routes find houses. They fail in different ways, which is the useful thing to understand.

Through an agent

Good agents have current, street-level knowledge no database holds, and can often open a gate the same afternoon. That is genuinely valuable when you are in a hurry.

The costs: commission, often a month's rent. And the risk — most fraud stories we hear begin with somebody presenting themselves as an agent. An agent who cannot show you a mandate from the owner is a person you know nothing about.

Directly with the landlord

No commission, and you deal with the person who can actually decide. Slower, because you do the searching yourself, and you need to verify that they own the property.

What to ask an agent, always

• Are you the owner's appointed agent, and can you show me that in writing?
• What is your commission, and when is it payable?
• Will you introduce me to the owner or the caretaker directly?
• Can we meet at the property itself?

An agent who declines the last two is not an agent worth using.