Estate (US: real estate) agents are private companies that deal in renting or selling property. Estate agents often have the most attractive accommodation, as many landlords do not wish to spend time looking for and contracting tenants. In many cases, you never see the landlord as the agent handles all administrative tasks.
Sometimes, the estate agent is paid by the landlord and so as the tenant you do not have to pay an agency fee. However, these costs are usually sustained by the tenants, who are asked to pay 1 month to the estate agency, on top of the other expenses - i.e. first rent and deposit.
To find an agent or a list of estate agents in your chosen area in the UK you should contact:
The National Association of Estate Agents
Arbon House
21 Jury Street,
Warwick
CV34 4EH
Tel. +44 (0) 1926 496800
Email:
www.naea.co.uk