what to expect when renting?

bootalishus

Hi
exchange on our house next week (after 5 long mths but thats another story). Going to rent for a while until the masses realise house prices are not going to recover in the next few months. Went to see two today and was so disappointed. The first a 4 bed detached - only one through lounge and kitch downstairs (landlord had left 2 massive sideboards and a dining table) and 4 bedrooms (2 single and 1 fully furnished) up for £1750mth. It was clean but it was advertised as unfurnished but it was very old fashioned last decorated 18 years ago. The second a 4 bed bungalow, at £1300mth - greated by 3 pairs of old shoes as estate agent opened the door. Still had loads of stuff in it (he said it would be emptied) very dirty, walls full of nails and dirty marks and had a brown rag growing in the oven. When I asked if it would be cleaned and said well they will wipe over the surfaces. Also the garden was full of broken wood and broken outside furniture. Am I expecting too much, is this what renting is all about, I was at least hoping for clean and empty. Am feeling very depressed abiut the whole thing.

socrates

For that kind of money in the current market you should get loads for your money - what area if you don't mind me asking?

bootalishus

north kent - bexley, dartford, hextable, wilmington, joydens wood -prices pretty standard

socrates

Shame its not Maidstone a friend of mine has a beautiful detached house to rent

paintpot

You really need to fish a little deeper perhaps. The properties you have seen may not be how the landlord intends to let them but maybe not. I have in the past put properties to let that are not in the condition in which I would EVER let them!

One recently, the tenants lived in a mess and it wasn't clean so viewings were not presenting the property as I would present it but unfortunately, I cannot dictate how tenants live. I can only deduct from deposits if they haven't sorted it out by the end of the tenancy. Surprisingly, these tenants left it very clean indeed and whilst I will be doing some tarting up, it really is now in good shape for viewings.

Another, the agent booked a viewing the day the tenants left and good grief, I am not surprised they didn't take it. It was nothing major but is wasn't clean and the decor was badly marked despite a recent full decoration job. I spent time cleaning and recorating and it was let very quickly. Some people cannot see beyond the first impression and I wasn't there to explain.

I have let some properties that have been building sites. I think in that case tenants often realise that everything is going to be new and I have taken the time to explain and show them the fixtures, fittings, new central heating, new bathroom, new kitchen etc.

So my advice would be to look beyond the decor and cleanliness and establish the facts i.e what the landlord is going to do to bring the place up to the standard you require, obtain that IN WRITING and view the property prior to signing up to ensure that has been carried out if they have agreed to works. Never go on verbal statements

Obviously, the landlord may say "you take as you find" in which case you walk away if it isn't up to your standard. I had tenants who did just that recently having had a bad experience and I had no problems at all as all the minor snags had been sorted and they are as happy as larry.

I generally do my own viewings as much as possible so will explain clearly what is going to be done. Generally, I let whilst old tenants are in situe but it doesn't always happen.

I don't know your area or the market value but HTH

gemini24

If it only the fact that furniture has been left in a property that is advertised as unfurnished, ask for it to be taken out. If they refuse, they should be advertising it as part furnished. Having been a landlord for many years, I will do what it takes to secure a good tenant but, unfortunately, there are many who will not. If decor is the sticking point, see if the landlord is prepared for you to redecorate in neutral colours and take a nomimal reduction in the rent. Most landlords would snatch your hand off.

bootalishus

hi
we have spoke to the owners of the first house which was clean but very old fashioned, they think the rent is cheap!!! and it is in good order (perfect for my 70 year old mum and dad) and even though they dont want the stuff they have left their (as downsized ) it is too good to let it go!

the second one is a house that has not been let - being moved out of by owners (who obviously feel it is athorn in their side as couldnt sell) and as the estate agent said they "would wipe over the surfaces" i think it is take it or leave it. Fingers crossed for the one we are seeing tomorrow although she has already said 2 other viewers have said the carpets are very dirty - so maybe not and i can only assume the landlord isnt going to clean them.

paintpot

I refer you back to my previous post. Also negotiate with the LL if it's the house you want. However, a landlord who won't dip their hands in their pockets to clean some carpets or bring a property up to a decent standard is likely to be a landlord to be avoided as they will be tardy and penny pinching in respect of essential repairs which is to be avoided.

Like others have said though, a bit of unwanted furniture can soon be sorted.

bobothebear

We are looking move to another rental and finding the exact things you mention. Just keep looking as eventually you find the good places.
We're just undecided now which one is going to be right for us.

What is most amusing is that when the agent is taking us round,the 2 of us are just lying most of the time as they genuinely think these dumps are in good order and acceptable.
We saw one on wednesday and it was in a state of disrepair. She told us a figure and later that day it appeared on rightmove for £100 more!!. There was things in the toilet I do not want to think about.

I think we have been spoilt as we are in a lovely 3 year old property in a quiet cul-de-sac but need to move towns to be nearer our sons Nursery. Think we are being too snobby and need to accept not quite perfect but its hard.

paintpot

bobothebear wrote: »

There was things in the toilet I do not want to think about.

I really don't understand that. Someone, somewhere is not doing their job i.e. the agent if they are managing, or the landlord is useless in which case best avoided. Albeit, take on board what I have said in that you need to understand sometimes the point in which you are viewing i.e how long has it been on the market, when did the tenant vacate etc and what is to going to be done before you discount it.

However, the letting agents should know what is to be done and be telling you.

gemini24

Unfortunately you are in an area that has a fairly high demand for rental properties so it is a bit more difficult for you. Time soon passes and once you have your own belongings in the property, decor becomes less of an issue particularly as you know you will not be there for too long. Just be careful though taking on a property that has furniture you may relegate to the garage/storage. Damp and mice feature heavily in that one and unrealistic landlords are notorious for having memories that can only remember that the rubbish they left are in fact family heirlooms in perfect condition and worth your deposit + some!