Background information: I've just graduated and is looking for a place to rent when my student hall contract expires in late August. My price range is maximum 350 per week (not including utilities/council tax) and is hoping to stay within Zone 1.
I've been looking around for almost a week now and still has no luck finding a place that I like. I've found a few places that seemed decent, but whenever I call up they tell me that it has already been let. I also have had trouble arranging viewings, where the letting agent would take down my details and tell me that they will arrange a viewing with the tenant and get back to me, but does not call back at all.
I've only had one viewing session so far on two properties, but they were no good. The letting agent was trying so hard to persuade me into signing a 2-3 years lease on a moldy Victorian 1 bed apartment. She gave me the good old "I know the landlord so I can get it from 350 to 300 a week". Then she also took me to see an overpriced studio apartment going for 360 per week all the way in Shadewell as a "comparison" even though I said I wanted to be near Aldgate East.
So do you guys have any advice on renting privately as well as what other letting agent tricks should I look out for? Honestly, I feel like they are charging too much "admin fee" for doing **** all.