I have an idea of what you are going through as we had to rent when we moved back up here. Luckily we found a decent agent and a decent house. One day whilst paying over my rent I got into a conversation with him about other tenants, one lot had trashed the flat they were in not paid rent for 3 months so he was going up there to issue their notice, but he was waiting for a PC as they had threatened him if he even set foot near there.
On the other hand I also know of businesses in London and Brighton who are buying property without even viewing it and renting out with no vetting. It's just swings and roundabouts I'm afraid. I'm just glad I bought last year and don't have the hassle of landlords and agents inspections every 6 months.
