Renting a property? Our Top Tips are here to help you.
One of the biggest things you’ll ever do is start looking for your first property. It signifies independence, responsibility and most of all that you are ready for the big, wide world!
However, it can be a daunting process. Even if you have done it a million times before, do you always remember what to look out for?
With our essential guide of top tips and questions to ask when renting a property, we can help make sure that you are certain about signing that contract and picking up those keys.
Renting a property top tips Tenants
[featured_box]
Cleanliness
Most rental properties will come ‘sold as seen’ (for lack of a better term) meaning the property will be in the exact same state on the day you view as it will be on the day you move in. If you have concerns about the cleanliness of the property, do not be afraid to ask if the landlord would consider having it professionally cleaned before you move in. Just bear in mind that whatever state it is in when you move in, it should be handed back in the same way.
[row] [col span=”7″ span__sm=”12″]
Check fixtures and fittings
As you are walking around the property, make sure you check all of the fixtures and fittings are working and are not damaged including:
Taps, window handles, toilet flush, extractor fan, oven, smoke detector, radiators/heaters, hot water and any appliances that may be included such as fridge freezer and washing machine.
If you think something needs attention, now is the time to bring it up before you sign that contract.
[/col] [col span=”5″ span__sm=”12″] [ux_image id=”1706″ image_size=”medium” height=”100%”] [/col] [/row] [/featured_box] [featured_box img=”1709″ img_width=”207″ pos=”left”]Storage options
A lot of rental properties, especially flats or apartments, lack storage space. So, every little cupboard helps! Think about where you are going to keep those awkward household items such as your hoover, ironing board, clothes airer etc.
Also, check all the cupboards to make sure they are empty. Often, previous tenants have left objects behind that are taking up valuable space. Ask the agent or landlord for these to be removed prior to you moving in.
Renting a property top tips
[/featured_box] [gap] [featured_box img=”1710″ img_width=”521″ pos=”right”]Security
Often your first rental property will be in a block of flats or an apartment building. These buildings have communal entrances accessed by all residents. In large blocks of properties, this means that a huge number of people are accessing your building every day.
When you arrive at the building make sure that the lock to the communal door is working properly and that the agent/landlord completing the viewing has to use the key to gain access. Also check that the intercom system is working and that the button to the flat is functioning, so that you are able to assess who wants to get into the building.
[/featured_box] [gap] [featured_box img=”1705″ img_width=”236″ pos=”left”]Decorating you rental property
Not a lot of people know that in most cases, you need the permission of your landlord to be able to decorate your rental property. He is under no obligation to allow you to do so and your lease will almost likely state that the property should be returned in the same condition. Meaning that when you choose to leave the property, you will have to re-paint the property in the same colour as the day you picked up the keys.
Renting a property top tips
[/featured_box] [gap] [featured_box img=”1707″ img_width=”344″ pos=”center”]Questions to ask…
- Who will be managing the property and who do I call should there be a problem? – It will either be the managing agent on behalf of your landlord or the landlord himself. You will be provided with numbers to call should there be a problem.
- Do you protect my deposit in a government recognised scheme? – Your deposit must be registered with a government approved deposit scheme. Failure to do so can may result in compensation at the end of your tenancy.
- When will I be given the gas safety certificate, EPC and how to rent guide? – All required documentation if applicable should be provided to you either prior to or on the day of you tenancy start date.
- What is the duration of the contract? – This can be negotiated but usually the terms are 6 months or 12 months.
- Do I need insurance? Does the landlord have insurance? – Some contracts require you to purchase contents insurance. This is advised as the cost of any damage to your own belongings would not always be covered should there be an accident. Your landlord should have buildings insurance as standard.
- How much deposit is required? – This will be set out by your agent/landlord, but there are strict rules in place with a maximum of 5 weeks rent being held as the deposit for tenancies with a value of up to £50,000 per annum.
- When can I move in? – If you are confident that you want to proceed with the property, you can agree a move in date. This way you can start planning your move.
There is always help on hand…
It can be confusing and nobody gets it right first time, however there is so much help out there to assist you. Here are some of our favourite sites that are always available to help.
https://www.gov.uk/tenancy-deposit-protection/if-your-landlord-doesnt-protect-your-deposit
Alternatively, if you are looking for a property to rent please check out our tenant page…..https://novumpropertyservices.co.uk/tenants-looking-for-your-next-rental-property/
[/featured_box]