This makes them more able to fleece you. Private landlords are also less likely to stick to health and safety, fire or gas regulations, so you should be extra vigilant when you check over the property before moving in. Private landlords will not charge you an administration fee for arranging the tenancy. This can already save you hundreds of pounds. Nor do they usually charge you a fee for referencing, which saves you 10 or 15 pounds.
Private landlords are generally more flexible.
You may be able to negotiate to keep a pet, live with smokers or to pay reduced summer rent if you are a student. You are more likely to be able to build a rapport with your landlord if you deal with him or her directly rather than through an agent. In return, they will probably be even more accommodating if you prove yourself to be a good tenant. If you have enough time and enough money, there are enough places to look for property to keep you occupied full time. Searching online is one of the easier ways to do it, but you are generally spoilt for choice if you don't have much joy with that route.