Before I elaborate this topic I would like to mention that today (5th of September) it's been three years since I've been living in Ireland. Time flies and that was (and still is) very productive period in my life, so let's rise pint of Guinness for that.
Now, back to the main topic.
Moved house
Readers that visit my blog (according to analytics there are some) might be aware of that I moved house while ago. At the end of February, I moved in to Booterstown (from Sutton). I really liked the location and the apartment that I used to lived in. Very quiet area, near to DART line and shops. I was looking forward to stay there but I wasn't the one who triggered the series of events. My flat mate decided to move out and live on her own, and then, owners came up with the idea of selling the apartment. There is nothing left to say in that matter - I respect both decisions.
Before I started looking for new place, I decided that it is good opportunity to start living on my own - just rent place for myself and be independent. I knew that independence comes with the price but I got tired of sharing. If I knew that I will be living there only for six months I wouldn't have moved there; I don't like the relocations and probably no-one does.
This is the price you pay
Everyone living in Dublin is aware of the property market there. This is not the cheapest place to live even nowadays, despite the fact that prices dropped thanks to the property bubble. Everyone who is renting the place (or wants to rent) knows that looking for new place might be tricky. There are loads of offers, but not everything is suitable in terms of location and commuting. Some offers just look good online but viewing verifies the first impression. I realized that finding a decent place in a good location (also in terms of commuting) that costs less than EUR800 is difficult or maybe impossible. Of course, there are decent places to rent that cost less than that, but the are in the middle of nowhere. You have to pay for the commuting (public transport or car) and God only knows how long will it take.
Property Management Companies
Some of the offers are advertised by property management companies and dealing with them is not a good experience. They are Satan's little helpers and all I know that I should stay away from them. There were few properties that I was interested in, but majority of my enquires was ignored. There were cases that there was no response whatsoever despite the fact I rang few times, left voice messages and sent e-mails. If some owners struggle with finding new tenants, maybe they should handle the whole process on their own. I think it will make a difference.
Show me the money
When someone is going to rent a place some references are required - from your current landlord and workplace which is normal. What really surprised me, was the fact that the bank statement was also requested. When I asked the agent during one viewing about that bank statement, I heard back "we want to know that there is some money in your bank account". This is something that I can't accept and in my opinion this violation of privacy.
In my case I was also asked for the bank statement but I was told to "censor" it. It was all about the fact of having the bank account instead of showing the current balance of it.
You might be chosen or might be not
There is another problem when you deal with the agents that even if you are interested in the place and want to rent, it is possible that it will not happen. When I asked, what the whole process looks like I heard "we will pick someone". Thank you very much. The advantage of dealing with the owners personally is that they are really involved and first person interested in, usually gets the place.
The bottom line
It all sounds like a ranting but I thought that would be nice to share my experience. I think that property management companies are more interested in selling and managing properties rather than renting. They do this just because it is necessary evil.
In my case there was an agent involved but not associated with any of those companies (freelancer or owners' friend). The atmosphere was very friendly and professional. I've just moved in to Monkstown :)