Are you searching for a new place to call home? Whether you’re renting a property alone, with friends or with family, it’s important to think carefully about where you plan to live and ensure that it’s right for you. In this blog, we’re letting you know questions to ask when viewing a rental property.
Starting the search
Many letting agents use websites such as Rightmove to advertise vacant properties. It’s crucial that you look carefully at these adverts to find information, such as monthly rent costs, deposits, council tax information and more. Occasionally, this information will be available upon request, rather than on the advert.
When viewing properties, it can be a good idea to prepare a list of your most important questions. Having a list can help to ensure that all bases are covered and that no information is missed.
What to ask the letting agent during a viewing
What is the monthly rental cost?
Have a good look at what the current rates are for similar properties on the market. Make sure you are happy to pay the agreed price. A letting agent should perform financial checks to ensure suitability.
How much deposit am I required to pay?
This varies depending on the landlord’s preference and also the monthly rent cost. Whether or not the deposit is returned in full depends on how well you look after the home.
Is there a holding deposit?
Holding deposits are required to secure a property before you move in. They are capped at one week’s rent.
How does my tenancy agreement work?
There are upcoming changes regarding tenancies, and you can read more about the Renters’ Rights Act here.
How is my deposit protected?
All tenant deposits must be protected by a suitable deposit protection scheme. Read more about tenancy deposit schemes here.
Am I allowed pets in the property?
The Renters’ Rights Act means that tenants are able to request a pet and landlords cannot unreasonably refuse. Tenants must seek the landlord’s permission.
How do I report maintenance issues and repairs?
Your landlord is required to ensure that the home is safe for you to live in, but you must report maintenance issues so that they can be rectified correctly. Most letting agents use online systems so that tenants can easily report issues.
Who is responsible for garden maintenance?
In many cases, the tenants are responsible for maintaining the garden and keeping it in good condition. However, other landlords may tend to the garden themselves or hire external support.
Key questions to ask when viewing a rental property
- Are any bills included in the rent? For example, WiFi, electricity etc.
- What council tax band is the property in?
- What is the property’s EPC rating? The energy performance certificate allows you to see how energy efficient the property is.
- Do I need to pay any maintenance fees or ground rent?
- Is the home going to be professionally cleaned before the agreed move in date?
- Does the property have an allocated parking space?
- Is the property furnished or unfurnished?
- Can I switch energy suppliers?
- Is there a carbon monoxide detector and working smoke alarm?
- Does the home have an up to date gas safety certificate?
- What local amenities are nearby?
- Are there transport links nearby?
- What is the phone signal like in the area? Does it have good internet speeds?
- What are the noise levels like?
- What is the notice period to leave the home?
If you’re looking for your next rental home, then why not get in touch with our friendly team? We have a wide range of properties available across England and we have many years of experience in the private rented sector.
