1st timer hoping to rent

2652147

Hiya Guys

Im off to view a rental tomorrow and this is all new to me so have a few questions.

Have been told the house is very tired inside and needs a total redecoration to which the agents are awaiting a quote from their contractor and then the go ahead from LL..

They said its not anything bad , just a case of paper hanging off walls in places and they want it painted magnola throughout to give it a nice new fresh canvas.

What Im wondering is .. Would it be cheeky to ask if the 1st months rent or deposit is negotiable if I was to do the repainting myself ?

Is it even something LL's would consider .

I enjoy DIY and love painting ( yes call me mad ) so from my point it wouldnt be a bad thing .

Also do the locks get changed with each new tenant ? Im paranoid people hang on to old keys

Do I need to ask about anything in particular ? Like I said this is all new to me and I have not rented anything before .

Ta in advance

Nicki

BitterAndTwisted

I wouldn't move in until the redecoration has been done and I certainly wouldn't offer to do it myself for a reduction in rent, this could cause all sorts of disagreements about the quality of the workmanship at the end of the tenancy imo.

bristol_pilot

What you see is what you rent. Don't believe anything a landlord or agent says about what will be improved before or after you have moved in.

Geenie

I wouldn't move in until the place is done also. No matter what the LA says, until the LL coughs up it is not certain the work will be done.

I am not sure where this paranoia about keys stems from. I have bought houses, rented and never had previous tenants or owners turning up and letting themselves in after moving out. Or if they have, nothing has been taken! Never changed the locks and never felt unsafe for not doing so. More likely to have someone come in through an open or smashed window, then let themselves in with keys I would think.

BitterAndTwisted

I'd always change the barrel of the lock/s on principle and just replace the original/s when I move out. This prevents the LA or LL "just popping in" when you're not there. And they do.

2652147

Thanks everyone

It wont be available untll all the decorating has been done , the agents have estimated availabiy date from the 1st of oct . They have just pre warned me of the condition its in at the mo .

I woudlnt be signing anything etc untill its all done . And yes I understand about dissagreements over the quality etc if i was to do it myself . Best left go I think , was just a thought .

2652147

BitterAndTwisted wrote: »

I'd always change the barrel of the lock/s on principle and just replace the original/s when I move out. This prevents the LA or LL "just popping in" when you're not there. And they do.

Is it legal to do this Bitter ? I would like to if so . I dont know why Im so paranoid over the whole key thing

NEH

I've been in two rented properties and niether did I change the lock...Donn't think I ever felt unsafe, the chain did go on at nights in the one I had on my own but I didn't really think about people walking in...Don't think they would have got way with a good deal if they did....:rotfl:

I would do one viewing now and one when works are complete before signing a contract and agreeing to it as you don't know what will happen in the interim whilst the works are being carried out...

BitterAndTwisted

2652147 wrote: »

Is it legal to do this Bitter ? I would like to if so . I don't know why I'm so paranoid over the whole key thing

Yes, it is perfectly legal but some LAs and LLs do not want you to do it because they need to feel that they can enter the property whenever they like and sometimes without notice and that's NOT legal. I share your paranoia about all and sundry maybe having keys to my home: I wouldn't dream of moving into a property and not changing the barrels on the locks

GrammarGirl

I've lived in 4 rented properties and have never changed the locks nor had a problem. If it makes you feel more comfortable, however, go for it. I think as long as you keep the original barrels and replace when you leave, it shouldn't be a problem.

However, I would inform your LA that you've done this and provide them with a key in case of emergencies when you are away. Gas leaks, burst pipes, fire, etc. We have a very good LA and we're happy to let them give our key to workmen who can access our property (with our consent) when we're at work if needed.

Fire_Fox

2652147 wrote: »

Is it legal to do this Bitter ? I would like to if so . I dont know why Im so paranoid over the whole key thing

To maintain a positive rapport it would be wise to mention to the letting agent that you have temporarily changed the locks for personal safety reasons. Otherwise they may start imagining you have a cannabis farm or illegal immigrant brothel.