Witlet

10 Things You Need to Know Before Renting a Property

Moving out is always daunting. Whether it be your first time or fiftieth time, it’s always a stress. With renting, there should always be a list of questions to ask your potential landlord to ensure where you’re looking to move will suit your needs. Witlet have put together a list of the top 10 things you need to know before renting a property.

  1. Research the Area

This is pretty self-explanatory. However, if you’re unfamiliar with the area, take some time out to do your research. Consider transport links, schools, shops and other leisure activities, make sure the area will comfortably suit your lifestyle.

  1. Talk About Pets

No one wants to find the property of their dreams to then be told that their furry friends aren’t allowed. Make sure to bring up pets in early stages of negotiation, if you don’t ask and proceed to have a pet anyway, you will breach tenancy agreements which could result in eviction.

  1. Check the Utilities

If you’re moving into a fully furnished property, make sure to check the utilities such as the washing machine, microwave, fridge etc. and report any faults that you notice straight away.

  1. Look at the Clause

A break clause means that a fixed-term tenancy can end at 6 months.
A release clause is similar to a break clause but you may have to pay a fee to release yourself from the agreement.

  1. Find Out How Much Money Needs to be Paid in Advance

As a general rule, landlords will often ask for the first month’s rent in advance although be careful, it may be more.

  1. Find Out Where Your Deposit Will be Held

By law, landlords are required to protect tenants’ deposits in a deposit protection scheme. The landlord has 30 days to place the deposit in a government-approved scheme. If they fail to do this, you as the tenant could potentially take legal action.

  1. Know Your Rights

If the landlord has not protected the deposit within 30 days, legally, they cannot serve a notice to end the tenancy until:
-They return the full deposit to the tenant.
-They return a lower amount of the deposit with the agreement of you, the tenant.
-A compensation claim brought by the tenant for non-compliance has been either awarded or dismissed by the court, withdrawn from the tenant, or, settled between the tenant and landlord.

  1. Familiarise Yourself with Rent Increases

If your tenancy is fixed-term, lawfully, the rent cannot be increased without the agreement of the tenant.

  1. Ask for Everything in Writing

Legally, there is no requirement for your landlord to provide you with a written inventory, survey or tenancy agreement. So, it’s vital to request these things if they’re not provided.

  1. Read the Tenancy Agreement

Always check the tenancy agreement. Check for things such as the name of both the landlord and tenant being correct, the date the tenancy begins and the length of notice etc.

If you would like more information about renting a property, don’t hesitate to get in touch on 01376 502500.

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