What to Look Out for with a Letting Agent (First-Time Student Renters)
- charlieb1105
- Dec 7, 2025
- 2 min read
Starting university often means renting your first home, and the letting agent you choose can make or break the experience.
This can be particularly tricky if you are looking on aggregator sites like unihomes where you can’t identify the agent from the listing. Our advice is to enquire on the property and then check out the agent before a viewing to ensure they have a good reputation.
Here’s what to keep in mind when navigating agents and landlords:
✅ Accreditation & Independence
Unipol Accredited Landlords: Check if the agent works with Unipol-accredited landlords. Accreditation means they’ve signed up to a code of practice for fair treatment and safe housing.
Independent Landlords: Sometimes smaller, independent landlords are more responsive and flexible than large agencies. Ask if the agent represents them.
🗣️ Ask Current Tenants
If possible, speak to students already renting through the agent. Ask about:
Responsiveness to repairs
How easy it is to contact staff
Whether deposits were returned fairly and on time
If not possible and there’s not many reviews online – Reddit or university forums/groups can be a good place to ask too.
🧑💼 Get a Feel for the Staff
Pay attention to how approachable and professional the staff are.
Ask the agent directly about the landlord: Do they respond quickly to issues? Are they fair with deposits?
💡 Practical Questions
Opening Hours: Make sure the agent’s office hours fit around your schedule.
Repairs: Ask how long repairs typically take and whether there’s an emergency contact.
Deposits: Confirm how deposits are protected and returned.
🌐 Online Research
Look for reviews on Google, Trustpilot, or student forums.
Check the agent’s own website for testimonials — but balance these with independent reviews.
Bottom line: A good letting agent should feel transparent, approachable, and student-friendly. If they dodge questions or seem dismissive, that’s a red flag.
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