Although
renting a property is exciting, particularly if it is your first time moving
away from your parent’s house, it should not be a process you rush. Here are
some important questions to ask letting agents when looking to rent a property.
How long is the tenancy agreement?
Some
letting agents will offer short term rental contracts, whereas others may offer
longer ones. It is common for letting agents to initially offer a six month
contract, after which if both parties are happy, it becomes a rolling contract
until either party decides to end the tenancy agreement. The notice periods should be outlined in the
tenancy agreement that you will have to sign prior to moving into a rented
property.
Unfurnished properties will
usually be cheaper to rent, however you will have to invest in your own
furniture.
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Is it furnished, part
furnished or unfurnished?
It is likely that you will have a preference when it comes
to furnished or unfurnished properties, so this something you will need to
check with the letting agent when viewing a rented property. Part furnished
properties usually contain white goods only.
Which deposit protection scheme do you use?
Which deposit protection scheme do you use?
By law, landlords and letting agents in the UK are required
to place tenants’ deposits into a government-approved deposit protection
scheme. They are also required by law to provide information about the deposit
protection scheme they use. The reason deposit protection schemes are used is
to provide a resolution service if there is a dispute over the deposit at the
end of a tenancy.
Can I see electrical, boiler and gas installation reports?
Can I see electrical, boiler and gas installation reports?
It is important to make sure a property is safe prior to
agreeing to rent it. Make sure that the landlord or letting agent can provide
you with the relevant reports and certifications. They should also be able to
provide you with information about energy performance, so you can get a better
idea of how efficient the property is.
Who is responsible for maintaining the garden?
Who is responsible for maintaining the garden?
Usually the landlord will be responsible for maintaining the
building and garden. However it is worth clearing this up with the letting
agent when viewing the property and ensuring it is covered in your tenancy
agreement.
Who lives next door
or upstairs?
If you will be living in a semi-detached house, a terraced
house or a house that has been converted into a number of flats, you will be
living in close proximity of your neighbours. It is important to find out who
they are, so you can get a better idea of their lifestyle. For example, if you
are a couple with a baby, it is unlikely you will want to live next door to a
house full of students and visa versa.
How long were the previous tenants living there?
How long were the previous tenants living there?
Finding out this information should give you a better idea
of whether or not the previous tenants were happy living in the property. If
they were only there for a short period of time and the letting agent gives no
reason, it may suggest that there was something wrong with the property.
Is a parking space included?
Is a parking space included?
If there is not a drive way or a garage with the rented
property, it is worth enquiring about parking space. Sometimes rented flats and
houses will come with their own parking spaces. Find out if you will need a
parking permit.
What is the council tax band?
What is the council tax band?
When you rent a property it is likely that you will be
responsible for paying council tax, as well as the cost of rent and utility
bills. Find out what council tax band the property falls under. Some bands are
more expensive than others. You can find out more about council tax costs by
visiting your local council’s website.
Conclusion
Conclusion
When it comes to renting a property it can be easy to get
carried away with the excitement of it all. We advise to search the internet
for local accommodation, e.g. type “student accommodation London” and then look through our practical suggestions
above.
Asking these questions to the landlord when viewing a property will ensure you make a wise and well informed decision about whether to rent it or not.
Asking these questions to the landlord when viewing a property will ensure you make a wise and well informed decision about whether to rent it or not.
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