Checklist for renting a property.
September 29, 2014
When you decide to rent a property, a considerable amount of time and money is spent in selecting something that suits your respective needs and unique preferences. Moreover, the property that you rent could be your home, office, storage area or workshop for the foreseeable future.
Therefore, it always helps to ensure that you are as organized as possible so that you can not only save a great deal of time and money, but also get something that specifically caters to your needs and wants.
Whenever you rent a property, some emotional reactions and attachments are bound to crop up from time to time. Emotional attachments are fine as long as they don’t hinder your judgements and prevent you from selecting something that offers a perfect balance between what you need and what you desire.
Here is a check list of some of the questions that you should be asking yourself and a list of all the things that you should always be on the lookout for when it comes to a rental property.
Check list for renting
Questions about the exterior condition of the property that need to be answered
- Does the property seem to be in a decent condition?
- Does the property have a garden?
- Who shall be in charge of maintaining the garden?
- Do you need a garden? Properties with gardens could be more expensive.
- How do you rate the security offered by the property?
- Does the property have any alarm and entry phone system?
- Does the property have secure locks and bolts?
- Is there any history of burglary or theft for the property?
- How secure are the external doors?
- Will you have proper access to public transportation systems?
- How do you rate the area?
- Do you see any potential threats/ nuisances to your peaceful occupation of the property?
Questions about the interior condition of the property that need to be answered
- Is the property in a decent condition?
- Did you find any traces of damp, infestations or flaking paint?
- Does the property have central heating systems?
- Are the radiators functioning properly?
- Did you find any broken or damaged furniture or appliances?
- Do you see any signs of loose wires or faulty plugs?
- Is the property insulated properly?
- Does it have double glazing?
- Will the property offer you with enough storage space for all your belongings?
- Does the kitchen offer a decent work area and adequate cupboards?
- Does the kitchen offer with any equipment and utensils? If yes, are they in a usable condition?
- Does the bedroom have curtains or blinds?
- Do you find the bathroom(s) shower(s) to be satisfactory?
- Will you be allowed to change/ alter the interiors or the decorations?
- Does the property offer WiFi or Broadband connectivity?
- Does the property have adequate electrical points?
- Some council’s such as Newham, London require landlords to have a landlord license. This license ensure landlords comply with guidelines and gives tenants better protection from rogue landlords.
Safety checks to be conducted
- Verify whether safety checks have been conducted for all appliances. Ask whether the proper papers are available for verification.
- Ensure that the windows on the ground floor have proper locks.
- Verify if there is a burglar alarm installed in the premises.
- Does the kitchen have a fire extinguisher and a safety blanket?
- Do the furnishings comply with the fire safety regulations?
- Does the property have carbon monoxide detectors?
- Does the property allow easy escape in case of a fire?
- Does the property have adequate smoke alarms?
- Is the Landlord’s Gas Safety Record available for verification?
Things to be considered from a financial point of view
- What is the rent that the landlord is asking for?
- Is the property worth the price?
- What bills are included in the rent and what expenses are you liable to pay for?
- What is the amount of security deposit?
- What are the terms for return and deductions from the security deposit?
- What are the approximate running costs that you would have to bear on a monthly basis?
- Can you afford the rent and the other costs associated with the property without altering your lifestyle drastically?
Things to remember
- Make sure that you get written permission from the landlord before conducting repairs in the premises.
- Perform a thorough check of the inventory before you move in.
- Contact previous tenants and enquire about their experiences in the property and with the landlord.
- Make sure that you have a signed copy of the tenancy agreement.
- Make sure that you understand all the terms and clauses mentioned in the agreement. Get legal help if you’re not sure.
- Verify the meter readings on the day you move in.
You May Also Enjoy
Rightmove 2024 forecast: prices to drop by 1% as competition increases among sellers
Rightmove predicts that average new seller asking prices will be 1% lower nationally by the end of 2024, as the market continues its transition to more normal levels of activity following the frenetic post-pandemic period. Motivated sellers are likely to have to price more competitively to secure a buyer in 2024, and agents will work…
Read More 
Pflugerville, TX: Emerging Trends in New Home Construction
The Rise of Sustainable Living in Pflugerville Nestled in the heart of Texas, Pflugerville is witnessing a significant shift towards sustainable living in new home construction. Builders and developers are increasingly focusing on eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient designs. This trend is not just a nod to environmental consciousness but also a response to the growing…
Read More 
How to Choose the Best Shower Cabin For Your Budget
If you are looking for the best shower cabin to fit your budget, then allow us to be a guide on this shopping adventure! Whether you’re looking to invest in something luxurious and timeless or something more affordable and modern, it can be daunting knowing where even to start. Fortunately, we have all the key…
Read More 
Breaking Property News – 01/12/2023
Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X. Full material Information Guidance B & C published by NTSELAT all you need to know New guidance for sales and letting agents covers all three phases of programme Aim is to help agents to meet their existing legal requirements under the CPRs Material information guides…
Read More 
A Practical Guide To Smart Decision-Making While Investing
Investing is a financial concept that involves an intricate balance of grasping basics, strategy, and foresight, which takes place within the vast and ever-evolving financial environment. A wise investor must navigate their way through various choices. The following is a guide that gives basic and practical approaches to wise decision-making in investment. With this understanding,…
Read More 
Navigating a Move with Your Baby: 7 Sanity-Saving Tips
Moving to a new home can be exciting and stressful, and adding a baby to the mix becomes a whole new adventure. Babies require extra attention and care during a move, but with some thoughtful planning and a few sanity-saving tips, you can make the transition smoother for you and your little one. In this…
Read More