What questions should I ask when viewing a rental property?
Searching for a new rental property doesn’t really get much easier, whether you’ve been renting for years or you’re looking for your first rental property. It can be a bit of a labyrinth to navigate, and if you’re not sure what to look for it’s pretty easy to get lost.
It’s good to have at least a bit of an idea of what you’re looking for in terms of location and size, but no matter what your dream house looks like in your head, here are some failsafe questions to ask to help you get a really good idea of a place when you go to visit.
What safety precautions are in place?
Whilst your landlord will have insurance, and you can take out insurance for your own belongings, it’s still important to ensure the house you’ll be living in as safe as possible. Check for carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms, and ensure that you have at least two ways to get out of the house in the event of a fire. It’s also worth asking about when any appliances were last safety tested, and asking if the furnishings (if there are any) comply with the necessary regulations, as per the furniture and furnishings fire safety rules.
What comes with the house?
You can find rental properties that come unfurnished, part furnished and fully furnished. Some properties come with white goods (appliances like your fridge and washing machine) and some don’t. If you’ve got a full house of furniture that you want to bring with you into your new rented home, it’s worth making sure you’re only visiting unfurnished properties.
If you want a home with furniture included, make sure you ask the landlord or estate agent upon your visit what will be there for you to use when you move in, so you’re not buying unnecessary appliances or having to panic-buy half of IKEA when you move in.
Who is responsible for looking after what, and who do I contact when things aren’t working?
If you’re lucky enough to be searching for rental properties with gardens, it’s vital to know whether you, your landlord, or an external party is responsible for every inch of it, from the upkeep of the fences to the mowing of the grass.
Before you consider moving in, it’s also important to know who your point of contact is should you have any problems. Some landlords work through an estate agent or property manager, whilst some are more hands on and will be the one you need to call. It’s also a good idea to check thoroughly for any existing damage when you view the property so you don’t have to fight about it when you’re moving on to a new place.
How can I decorate?
Some landlords won’t object to you giving the place a lick of paint in a non-offensive colour, or putting up shelving, but others won’t even want you hanging pictures on the walls or replacing curtains. Make sure you know what the limits are before you move in so you don’t waste energy on big dreams for how you can make a place your own.
Can I check the water pressure?
This is something that there isn’t a quick or cheap fix for so make sure you run the taps and shower when you visit to ensure that the pressure is decent and the hot water works. At the same time, check that everything drains well, nothing leaks and that the seal around the bath and the sinks is unbroken and clean. If this isn’t the case, make sure you ask if these things will be repaired or restored before your tenancy begins.
What are the neighbours like?
Having noisy or rude neighbours can make an area feel pretty unpleasant, as can living right next to a busy road, nightclub or pub. Make sure you’ve considered these possibilities when you view a property, so you know what you’re in for. If the rent seems too good to be true, it might be that the location isn’t ideal, and it’s important to consider if restless nights or rude neighbours are worth it.
If you’re a first time renter, try and make yourself a list of non-negotiable things you need in a home, and be as picky as you can afford to be. If you’ve been renting for years, make sure you learn from the good and bad things about your previous properties when searching for somewhere new. Happy renting!
*This is a collaborative post*
