 | | | Renting property : part 1With ever increasing prices, renting property is a situation many more of us will be forced into rather than buy. Although the size, condition, location etc. of your rented home will be influenced by how much you can afford to pay, it is still worth deciding in advance what you would and would not accept.
This article will guide you through the whole process of renting a property, including the initial search, moving in and moving out.
As soon as you decide to start searching for a rented home, you should make a list of all the things that are important to you. If you are planning to share a house or flat with a friend, make sure that you are in agreement about what you are looking for. Your list of considerations could include :
- Close proximity to work, schools, public transport, shops etc
- Location
- Number of rooms
- Local parking arrangements
- Cost
Most people find rented accommodation through newspapers or estate agents. Although estate agents may charge for their services, they will do a lot of the legwork for you. If you are considering renting from a private landlord, check if they belong to any trade organisation and ask the landlord for references.
Before you view a property gather as much information as you can. This will stop you wasting time on property that does not meet your needs or is too expensive. Always take someone with you when you view a property, which will help you to stay safe.
Try to arrange your first visit for daylight hours, as this will make it easier to spot any problems with the property. You can also get a good idea of how much natural light the building gets and you can see the view from each window. If you are genuinely interested in a property, it's a good idea to return to it in the evening to see what the area is like after dark.
Part two - Do's & Don'ts || Part Three - Landlord rights | | | |
Landlord rights
Estate agents
