A professional approach with the personal touch

SALES • LETTINGS • NEW HOMES • COMMERCIAL • FINANCE • P R I VAT E S A L E S • D I R E C T O RY

LATEST repor ts from Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud repor ting centre, show rental fraud is up by a third compared with 2015. This rise coincides with the decreasing availability of suitable homes, as competition for rental proper ties star ts to ramp up.

Prospective tenants are becoming limited in the choice of proper ties to rent, but these increasing repor ts of fraud show just how impor tant it is to navigate the rental market with caution and good decision-making.

In many cases, scammers are using Gumtree or local proper ty sites to adver tise sometimes real proper ties for rent, and victims are taken in, often at substantial financial cost, not to mention the major inconvenience and stress caused by such an experience.

It is possible for anyone to be caught out in this manner ; repor ts have come from vulnerable people dependent on benefits through to graduate students. There are steps that anyone looking to rent should take to avoid being victims of fraudsters.

Most impor tantly, money should never be handed over before viewing a proper ty. A written contract should be checked over and in place before any funds change hands, and a landlord should verify their identity, and if possible provide safety cer tificates for gas and electricity. A legitimate landlord must use a tenancy deposit scheme, so ask which scheme they are registered with. Many reputable landlords will also belong to a professional body such as the National Landlords Association. If possible, a deposit is best given using a credit card for greater protection.

Another option is to use a reputable independent letting agent. A good agent will be a member of the National Approved Letting Scheme, ensuring that proper ties are properly presented, and the agent will have had extensive interaction with the landlord, greatly decreasing the likelihood of fraud.

Do take care if you use the less protected methods such as those private landlords who adver tise on Gumtree; whilst there are undoubtedly legitimate individuals who do this, there are also criminals who use these methods. If you’re looking to rent with an exper t letting team, come in and see us for a chat, we’ll be happy to help.

SEARCHING for a new property can be stressful. The constant looking through various websites, newspapers and in some cases visiting your local estate agents to try and find your perfect property can take its toll.

The Arron James team ensure that from the very start you are looked after and listened to.

“We take note of the finer details as well as the important requirements making your property search hassle free and a perfect match for you. Testimonials help us show prospective clients that we really do mean what we say,” said Arron James’ senior property manager Keith Shaw. “Still not sure? Have a read of a testimonial from a client we recently received praising our services.”

BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY:

Alanna Moore, based in Arron James’ HIllingdon office, was highly praised for the exceptional service she provided for a client who successfully bought a home in the area.

For advice on selling, buying, letting or renting a property, call Arron James on 01895 235599 or email us on info@arronjames.com.

Arron James, 103 Hillingdon Hill, Hillingdon, UB10 0JQ