If you’ve been a letting agent in East London for longer than five minutes, you’ll know, tenants don’t hold back with questions. And fair enough. Renting a flat is a big deal. For many people, it’s their home, their safe space, the place where they’ll start a new job, raise a baby, or simply try to avoid being taken advantage of.
So yes, they’ve got questions. Sometimes loads of them.
Some make total sense.
Others are… interesting.
And if you’re the one showing them around a flat in Bethnal Green or replying to their messages at 8 pm, it helps to be ready with answers that actually make sense, and don’t sound like you’re reading from a legal manual.
Here’s a rundown of the top stuff tenants ask, and how you can handle those chats without sounding robotic.
“Will the landlord fix stuff properly or just patch it up?”
Tenants have all been burned before. Leaky taps that never get sorted, dodgy ovens that sort of work, until they don’t. So this question isn’t just about repairs. It’s about whether they’re going to be treated like a person or just another rent payment.
How to answer:
Don’t overpromise. Say something like: “We’ve got trusted tradespeople we use regularly, none of that bodge job nonsense. If anything breaks, we’ll sort it. Just let us know as soon as it happens.” Keep it casual, but reassuring. If you have a system that logs repairs or a maintenance team on speed dial, be sure to mention that as well.
“Are there any extra fees I should know about?”
Everyone’s had the surprise admin fee moment at some point. It’s annoying, and people don’t forget it. So when tenants ask this, they’re just trying to avoid hidden nonsense.
Best approach:
Lay it all out. Application fees are now banned (and rightly so), but tenants may not be aware of this. Just explain the basics: holding deposit, security deposit, and rent in advance. If the landlord charges for keys or check-out cleaning, mention it. No one likes feeling tricked. This is your chance to be the good guy.
“How long is the tenancy for?”
They’re not trying to trip you up. They just want to know what they’re signing up for. A six-month stay while they look for something better? Or somewhere they can actually settle?
Keep it simple:
Let them know if it’s a standard 6- or 12-month term, or longer. If there’s a rolling contract after that, explain how it works. And if the landlord is hoping for a long-term tenant, say so, it helps people plan. Everyone likes a bit of stability, especially in London.
“Can I view the property again before moving in?”
Some tenants want a second look, bring their partner, check window sizes for curtains, and see where their sofa might go. It’s not weird.
Say yes (if you can):
A quick second viewing can actually help avoid problems down the line. They might spot something they missed or just feel more settled before move-in day. If you’re happy to arrange it, it tells them you’re easy to deal with, not the sort of agent that ghosts once the contract’s signed.
“Can I speak to the current tenant?”
This one throws some agents off, but it’s not unreasonable. Especially if they want the lowdown on noisy neighbours or what the heating’s like in winter.
What to say:
Totally fair to explain that not all current tenants are happy to chat, but when they are, it can be a nice touch. If the vibe’s right and the outgoing tenant is up for it, you’ve got nothing to lose. Even a quick email intro can put minds at ease.
Final Word
Let’s be real, tenants these days are switched on. They Google everything. They’ve read the horror stories. So when they ask a question, they usually already know the answer. What they’re looking for is how you answer it.
Do you sound like someone who’s got their best interests at heart? Or just another suit trying to fill a quota?
That’s where the good letting agents stand out. Especially in East London, where demand’s high and competition’s fierce, it’s not about the flat. It’s about how people feel when they deal with you.
Be real. Be honest. Be helpful. That’s what they’ll remember.
And yeah, it’s what gets you more referrals too.
