10 Things to consider when renting a property We understand that renting an apartment or house for the first time can seem daunting, which is why we have put together some helpful guidelines to help you make the right choice. 1. Location, location, location! The most important factor that has to be taken into serious consideration is where you want to move to, where do you see yourself living? – In a bustling city centre, a country village, something that is close to shops and public transport. People think sacrificing the location for a property that has the most beautiful kitchen or luxury bathroom is the right choice, but location is everything. If you don’t drive and need public transport every day to get to work, there is no point in renting an apartment a 45 minute walk away from public transport or the local shops. Never underestimate the convenience of the little corner shop for those essentials! 2. Is it affordable? Whether it’s your first or tenth time renting a property, you always must review your budget before viewing any properties. You can not enjoy your lovely new apartment if you fall short of money every month. To do this, make a list of all your monthly outgoings including bills, rent, utilities, food shopping etc. You need to plan your budget realistically and not think “we only need half the food we usually get”, this is not the way to do it, base your budget on outgoings in the last 12 months. 3. Size matters! As the same with planning your budget, you need to look at a property realistically in terms of will you and your family fit in it comfortably without sacrificing comfort? Do you have children that need a bedroom each? Do you need a study if you work from home? All these are things you need to think about. 4. Presentation Presentation is key when it comes to getting your attention, that is why real estate websites contain as many photos and descriptions to help you get the full idea of a property before you book a viewing. The vast majority of people book viewings when the property has been professionally cleaned and has neutral colors throughout. 5. When do you need to move? It may sound like an obvious question, but because of many things than need to be done when moving into a new rented apartment, people tend to overlook when they actually need to move. We recommend that you start looking for an apartment or house to rent 2 months before your ideal moving date, this way you will know the date you wish to move prior to viewing properties. You need to know your moving date as you can not commit to an application until you know this date. 6. Do you have pets? The majority of landlords prefer that their tenants do not have any pets. That said however, a lot of the population have pets, most of who are responsible and will keep the rented properties clean and tidy. Make sure that you ask whether pets are allowed in the rented apartment or house prior to viewing, this way you can avoid any disappointment. 7. Who manages the property? This is another important factor to take into account and one that should be asked when viewing the property, is the property managed by the agent or landlord? There are many good landlords out there but many tenants prefer to deal with the managing agent. If you do ever experience a serious issue, then you make a complaint with the Property Ombudsman. 8. References Once you have found a property that is in the right location, is affordable and is the right size, you apply to rent. Once this application has been done, the agent/landlord will seek references from you in order to check your circumstances. These details will usually include, employment references, landlord references if you have previously rented, credit searches, photo ID’s and proof of address etc - Property Property Property
Posted on: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 05:18:58 +0000
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