Renting a property is not as easy as it seems, here a few tips from us: -
Chose the area you’d like to live?
It’s very important to research which specific areas you'd like to rent in. Make a list of the things which are important to you, such as transport links, schools, restaurants, and convenience stores. All of these amenities which you would like within walking distance, mention them to the local estate agents so they can start finding the perfect home for you.
Dealing with the estate agents
Identify which local agents in the area you choose are marketing the type of property you like. Make sure to contact the estate agents who are marketing the property. It’s always best to visit them at the office. Don’t turn up looking dishevelled, you want to create a good impression. Being clean, well dressed and polite will leave a good impression with the agents and when speaking to the Landlords they will remember you over another applicant with equal references but NOT so well turned out who wants the same home as you.
Treat visiting agents a bit like a job interview. Be sure to provide all the information the agent asks for so they can register you on their system. Finding a place to rent can prove a little stressful, properties go in an instant, so being registered on the agents’ system allows you to receive first-hand information if any new property is put on the market.
It is very important to let the agent know a suitable date you need to be moved in by, especially if it’s urgent.
Viewing a property
When booking a viewing for a property, try to be as flexible as possible. The lettings business is extremely fast moving and when an ideal property comes to the market there is always a rush to book viewings, and in most cases, offers are made straight after the viewing.
Do not be put off about certain features about a property i.e. the colour of the wall is not nice, there isn’t a fridge in the kitchen etc. make note of these and mention them to the agent and they will give the feedback to the landlord. We encourage our landlords to be flexible and to try to accommodate tenants’ requirements whenever possible.
If there are any areas in the property that need improvement works, be sure to mention it whilst putting in your offer. Landlords are more likely to make the improvements to make sure he can get the best tenants.
Dotting the I’s and crossing the T’s
Once you have made a reasonable offer and it has been accepted, you will need to pay a deposit, this can vary from 6 weeks rent to 8 weeks rent. The agent will then pass the deposit to a protection agency who will protect your deposit, the details will be passed on to you. Be sure you keep hold of these details as they are important.
All estate agents are required to do checks on the tenants before they move in. This constitutes checks as in a credit search, a previous Landlords reference and work reference with payslips and bank statements.
To make sure these go smoothly you should provide your current address and your place of work, we will then need to refer to your HR department.
Fees & Charges
When you have agreed to rent a property, you will have to pay a security deposit and the first month's rent. There will be other fees that you will be liable for such as administration fees, tenancy agreement fees, inventory check in fee.
At the end of your tenancy if you wish to renew there will be a small fee and if you decide to leave there will a checking out inventory fee.
Please ask the agents first how much these fees are before signing the agreement so you have a complete understanding of how much the tenancy is going to cost you.
Once you are in
It is important to know who is managing your property, if it is the landlord or the estate agents and make sure you have all their contact details, at some point in the future you may need to contact them in case of any issues that may arise.
Main thing to remember is to look after the property as if it was your own. Please remember that any damages to the property done by yourself, will be deducted from your deposit. Home insurance is a must; the landlord is not liable for fixtures or fittings.
Time to move out
You must leave the property in the same condition as when you first signed your tenancy, a checking out inventory fee will apply, you will need to get the property professionally cleaned and must provide a receipt as proof that it was done by a reputable company.
If you fail to leave the property in the state it was when you first entered, the landlord can use the deposit money to cover the costs of any repairs needed.
