For whatever the reason you have made the decision that you wish to rent a property; you just need to know how to find the most suitable house or flat to rent……… read on……
This is a really quite simple assignment providing you approach the task with a systematical approach. We have tried to make this relatively simple to achieve by following the steps below:
Timing
Although in some cases the time it takes to find and view a suitable property can be relatively quick but the process of negotiating and agreeing the best terms for both you and the landlord can be time consuming and full of frustrations.
The more lead time you can offer, often enables you to find a better and more suitable property to rent that suits your needs.
There are plenty of property portals on the internet but registering with a select number of property lettings companies in the area you wish to rent is often the best route. The world of property rentals is often fast moving and decisions need to be made swiftly for the right property. View it, agree the terms, put down a deposit and the property is withdrawn and off the market!
What size of accommodation do you need?
You ideally need to know the overall size of the property you are looking to rent and whether you are seeking an unfurnished property to accommodate your own furniture or a part or fully furnished property. How many bedrooms, reception rooms, bathrooms and overall space you require. Other aspects include parking or garaging, a study and even outdoor space like a garden while others put good internet connection as a must!
Location of the property
Knowing where and why you want to live in a particular area is vital to the decision making process and may well impact on the price you pay as well as choosing the right area to live. If you are new and unfamiliar to the area then it’s a good idea to pick the brains of your local agent, since they can guide you on transport, education/schools, shopping and even crime. People such as letting agents know these things.
Understand and know your budget
When viewing suitable properties on-line remember to factor in the cost of the rent as well as the utility bill costs. Also when looking to rent in London and other main cities, the prices quoted are often advertised per week (pcw), unlike outside of the cities prices are normally quoted in per calendar month (pcm).
From the outset, calculate what you can comfortably afford and budget including all your living costs involved. Maybe draw-up a monthly out goings and income sheet off all your costs so as not to overstretch yourself.
Bear in mind renting is never a cheap option, so if you ensure that your accommodation ‘brief’ is right, where you wish to live is right and your budget is both realistic and affordable you will not be wasting any valuable time
Making a viewing
So you have carried out your research, you know what you are looking for, you know where you want to live and you know your budget. You maybe been in contact with a letting agent who is advertising a suitable property and you ask to view the property(s). Remember property rental is a dynamic, fast-moving business and time is key! You call the agent and arrange a viewing; they will arrange a time to suit you and the tenant or landlord and hopefully show you the property. They might even drive you around several suitable short-listed properties that are not yet being listed for rent.
Make an offer to rent a property
If you like what you are viewing and you have satisfied yourself that this is a suitable property don’t hesitate to make an offer there and then because good rentals are literally hot properties and they are quickly snapped up. Avoid disappointment and make a decision early.
You will probably be asked to complete an application for tenancy form this will also include requests for suitable references you may have and the agent will do a standard credit and ID check.
Once the letting agent and landlord is satisfied, you will be required to sign a lease agreement for a set period of time. Terms of leases vary but this is usually a minimum of 6 months but commonly a twelve month term or longer. At this point you will be required to pay one month’s rent plus a deposit.
What are your responsibilities when renting a property?
This is frequently overlooked and not always considered when taking on and starting a tenancy agreement on a property.
All rented properties should have an inventory that has been professionally drawn up by an independent person; this inventory document should contain an accurate record with photographic evidence of the overall condition of the property both inside and outside from the outset.
You as the tenant and the landlord will be asked to sign this inventory to agree that this is an accurate record. Unless the property is handed back after the rental period in the same condition monies maybe deducted from the security deposit to help pay towards the damage or wear and tear that has been caused.
Some properties are what are called ‘Managed’ properties; this in essence means that a team of people, property maintenance experts that look after the property particularly if something goes wrong or requires fixing.
Your tenancy agreement will detail what your responsibilities are such as maintaining the garden and if you are allowed to decorate any of the rooms as an example.
On the tenancy commencement date – What happens?
Normally you make the necessary arrangements to be at the property on the first day. The letting agent will usually be involved will be present at the property and will take you through the various workings in the house – heating, water, electricity, security and all the foibles and quirks of the property.
You will be left with a copy of the inventory and asked to sign and return the document to the letting agent within seven days or so. You will then be able to move your furniture and personal possessions into the property or if furnished start unpacking.
One last important thing to remember is don’t forget to take possession of the keys.
For more information about any Relocation requirements contact the experts Premier Corporate Relocation,
Please contact Barbara on + 44 (0) 1962 793100, / +44 (0) 7770 815325 or via email.