Just answered someone on Twitter who said they have a flat to rent in SW1 – potentially an ideal home for renter no 1. He is not a letting agent but he seems trustworthy. If this is a great flat, perfect for my friend – I should be able to forward the offer to her:-)

I’ll give it some thought.

I did once write an article on the dangers of Agents as part of the series of articles I’ve been writing about renting scams – I had one particular scam conducted on one of my tenants by one of the largest agents in London in mind when I wrote it, so it’s a little single minded, but I still think there is sound advice in it. http://pimlico-flats.co.uk/blog/renting-studios-flats-in-london/renting-scam-4-men-in-suits/

I know you are looking for a quick fix filter that says “if they don’t have this badge move on”. From my personal experience the filter you have chosen doesn’t work, and also it only filters the agent not the landlord – even the best agents market properties for rogue landlords. The nearest thing there is to landlord accreditation is that Licensed HMO’s have to be run by a Local Authority approved “fit and proper person” (yes I am one!) but TBH I don’t think it’s administered tightly enough to give a guarantee, and Licensed HMOs are a small fraction of rented property available.

My advice? – Read my 7 articles on scams http://pimlico-flats.co.uk/blog/tag/scam/ and then go to the classifieds!

We used to hunt for bargains on classifieds sites but quit after growing tired of receiving so many obvious scam offers. The worst crooks don’t bother or can’t join ARLA (or drop out fast), so we can be sure that there is some quality to the service we recommend.

Would you recommend members of Guild of Professional Estate Agents?

P.S. Looking forward to your tutorial on how to find a flat;)