What can I actually expect to happen after a viewing?

Big_Poppa_2

Ok so I've got a Room viewing tomorrow. I'm 26 never rented before never been on a viewing before so I'm going entirely by multiple hours of internet research and advice from friends and family.

Obviously I view the place decide if I like it or not. Get all prices and Fees confirmed explain my situation, ask about what would be expected of me in terms of deposit, number of months rent upfront (i won't hold up to a credit check, even though i am debt free now with savings in the bank), references/guarantor (mum i suppose) if necessary.

So what happens then in general? I guess the agent then rings the Landlord, and puts it to the Landlord for a decision. I think she said on the phone something about it being totally up to the Landlord at the end of the day. Do you strike a verbal agreement with the Agency/Landlord and book some sort of appointment to go into the actual place so you can pay fees for Holding and References? Then come back at a later date when references are back and then pay deposit & the agreed upfront, collect keys the same day?

Basically i've never done this before, what should i be expecting tomorrow and afterwards should I want to rent the place?

BitterAndTwisted

Big_Poppa wrote: »

Do you strike a verbal agreement with the Agency/Landlord and book some sort of appointment to go into the actual place so you can pay fees for Holding and References? Then come back at a later date when references are back and then pay deposit & the agreed upfront, collect keys the same day?

Yep, I think that's pretty much it except usually I would expect the agency to have carried out the references and been paid for doing them before showing you any properties and you will probably need to wait until the LA has cleared funds before handing over the keys.

Have you read the guidance notes about renting at the top of this forum?

Big_Poppa_2

BitterAndTwisted wrote: »

Yep, I think that's pretty much it except usually I would expect the agency to have carried out the references and been paid for doing them before showing you any properties and you will probably need to wait until the LA has cleared funds before handing over the keys.

Have you read the guidance notes about renting at the top of this forum?

References before a viewing!? I wouldn't pay for anything until I'd seen the place and agreed the basic terms of the let with Landlord/agency. Luckily got offered 2 viewings last week for the 2 places i rang up for, I've rejected the other one cos didn't look that good, but going to this one.

Read the notes at the top of the forum yeah. Alot of stuff for me to look for n that. Suppose it'll be good Experience either way. I just keep telling myself renting a room can't be that complicated, hope the Landlord is sound and not too picky. I'm here with money in my hand so hopefully they just go with what I offer & let me rent the thing.

BitterAndTwisted

If the landlord is picky about your credit-history they will probably be wanting a fair bit of rent in advance.

It's not unusual in any way for the agents to expect you to pay in advance for taking up references. Look at it this way, if you fail them and the landlord doesn't want to take the risk and rejects you, who do you think should pick up that expense?

When you're viewing please remember remember to pay attention the the outside of the property rather than just the inside. Look for leaking guttering and any water/damp on the exterior. Inspect the insides of any cupboards and wardrobes, especially those on exterior walls. Move any furniture to ensure they're not hiding anything. Ask about the Council tax band. Check what form of heating there is and switch it on if it isn't already to ensure it's all working properly. Be cautious about any utility pre-pay meters and that's the most expensive form of purchasing it.

Big_Poppa_2

Yeah i know it's pay in advance for References, but you said pay for references before they'll show me a property. Just seemed strange, as who would do that? All the places I'm seeing say ring to book a viewing. Also yeah, I'm willing to pay the deposit and 2-3 months upfront. The woman on the phone said I would probably need a couple of months upfront, but I'm anticipating 3 to be on the safe side. Which would be pushing the 2k mark all in all inc the deposit, I've got some more but will probably walk away if they ask for more as I don't feel comfortable paying more than that amount upfront. I also need some money for things like a small TV set and travel costs in London, and the price of having some of my stuff posted down to me like my computer. and don't want to eat into that budget.

Cheers for the advice btw.