About to start renting...need some advice!

Readytomove

Hi all, this is my first post so i apologise if this information is already on the forum but i have searched and can't seem to find the answers to my questions!! Me and my fiance are currently looking to rent a one bedroom house but as this is our first property together we are unsure what we should be aware of and what questions we will need to ask. We are going to a viewing this thursday, being shown around by the tenant. What should we be looking out for? It is a one bedroom end of terrace in Hertfordshire and is available unfurnished. We are complete novices and would therefore be grateful for any advice as i'm afraid that we will become blinkered to obvious flaws due to our desire to FINALLY live together! Please help!!!

Thanks

silvercar

Check out the area at different times of the day/ night. Try and see what the neighbours are like. I'm guessing a 1 bed terrace is quite modern, so walls are often thin and sound travels.

Check rent for comparable properties. You may find a 2 bed flat gives you more room than a 1 bed house for your money.

Parts of Herts are exensive due to their location// transport into London/ green belt. Check you can't get more value for money in a different location nearby.

Readytomove

Thanks for the advice, we are viewing the property in the evening on thurs but are already planning on going there during the day to see the area and what we think about neighbours etc! We have looked into other types of property including flats and apartments but think that it is pretty good value for money. What sort of questions should we ask the tenant when going for a viewing? And what tends to be the procedure after deciding we would like to rent?

Ta

Geenie

Take your blinkers off OP. Don't commit until you have spent time surveying the neighbourhood and finding out as much a spossible about what goes on there. Check local press for news stories of the area, to see if there have been raids, troublesome neighbours. Most papers have archives now, so you can view several weeks back.;)

Be very thorough when you view the property. Look in all the nooks for evidence of hasty repairs or damage you could be held liable for when moving in. Ask for details of running costs, and any extras that may come up from renting there. Ask to see the central heating going. I always have it running when showing tenants around. Check every tap, shower appliance. And make sure they are going to provide a good inventory if you decide to let, with photos.

Readytomove

Thanks, i will be sure to not let my heart rule my head! I need it to be the other way round! Good advice about checking for damage, guess its better to be picky and do a thorough search than to find out problems later!

Geenie

Readytomove wrote: »

Thanks, i will be sure to not let my heart rule my head! I need it to be the other way round! Good advice about checking for damage, guess its better to be picky and do a thorough search than to find out problems later!

Deffinitely. There are some right horror stories on here where tenants have ended up in misery after viewing and being blinded by the decor, to find neighbours, services are a wreck. I wish you luck OP and hope all turns out well. Keep us posted.

poppysarah

google the street name too. and then the next door street.

princeofpounds

off the top of my head...

- Try the plumbing & heating
- Gas or elec? Thermostat/Timer?
- Transport links and parking
- Council tax band.
- Rubbish collections
- Traffic
- Look at neighbours
- Consider soundproofing to adjoining properties
- Try windows and cupboards.
- Evaluate state of white goods
- Furniture - what would you want added or removed. Now is the time to negotiate this.
- look behind furniture for hidden damp.
- Ask current tenants about the place if possible, very frankly, away from agent.
- Don't believe the agent if he says there is another viewing or people offering asking price. It may be true but usually is not.
- If you are not pressed for timescale, you can afford to negotiate a slghtly lower rent and look around.
- Sometimes the agent will show you a couple of poor places so you jump at the first one that looks good in comparison.
- Agent's fees can be negotiated.

GET ANY PROMISES AND AGREEMENTS IN WRITING, especially from those lovely letting agents

gordano_2

Check the property out when neighbours are at home ... sometimes you get the neighbour who is a little 'noisy'.

Also check on the type of heating ... electric tends to be more expensive.

Ask about the previous tenant and how long they were there ... whilst it is not bad that the tenant was there only 3-6 months, a tenant that was there 12 months + suggests they liked the place.

Re deposit, make sure it goes into a deposit protection scheme ... not in the Landlord's account.

Make sure you get a detailed inventory list .. not just contents, but the condition of the property ... this protects you against unnecessary damage claims from the landlord.

Above all, be cordial, remember if you rent it is in both landlord and tenant interest to maintain a good working relationship.

Readytomove

Thanks for all the advice i will be sure to keep it all in mind when i view the property!! Cheers

silvercar

I'm in South Herts. if you want a view on the location.