Renting but need a place quick!

nick_paddock653

I am currently living in London but moving to Newcastle in September. My girlfriend starts work on the 5th September and we are travelling to Newcastle this weekend for several viewings, desperately hoping we find a property we like!

Now come Saturday, that will leave just under 4 weeks for us to complete the process and move in! Fingers crossed there wont be any complications because we will be in trouble if we cant secure a home by the 5th September!

My question is - is this viable to view, process and move in, in less than 4 weeks?

Any guidance appreciated.

Ms_Chocaholic

Would you not be better renting as, unless you or your girlfriend are from the area, it will give you a better idea of the area in which you want to live if you rent there first.

nick_paddock653

Ms_Chocaholic wrote: »

Would you not be better renting as, unless you or your girlfriend are from the area, it will give you a better idea of the area in which you want to live if you rent there first.

*see thread title! Yes we are looking to rent.

Werdnal

Ms_Chocaholic wrote: »

Would you not be better renting as, unless you or your girlfriend are from the area, it will give you a better idea of the area in which you want to live if you rent there first.

From OP's title I think he means to rent, rather than buy!

OP, yes in theory you can move into a rental that quickly. LL/LA can get credit refs etc done in a matter of days on the net now. But there are some variables that you may not have control over, such as previous tenants still in residence, repairs that need to be done etc. Don't be tempted to view and dive in unless you are 100% sure that the property and the terms it is being offered on will suit you. Signing a binding agreement to pay rent for a minimum of 6 months on a property you visit in the flesh for about 20 minutes is very risky.

Try to remain rational, check the property thoroughly and point out any problems, damage, repairs required BEFORE you agree to take it or sign anything. If you do agree to take it, request confirmation in writing that ALL the necessary repairs will be done before you move in - verbal agreements can be conveniently forgotten or ignored. If you decide to leave a holding deposit, check the terms on which this is taken and get a receipt - if you change your mind, will you get it back, similarly if you shoudl fail your credit check or LL pulls out, would they refund it.

I would also ask the agent/LL for a draft copy of the tenancy agreement in advance, so you can bring it home and read through to ensure you can comply with all the terms and conditions. It is very difficult to read and take in all the clauses in a TA whilst someone is hovering over you with a pen pressuring you to sign it!

nick_paddock653

I dont really have any choice but to go for a property i will view this weekend. Time simply isnt on my side!

Thanks for that advice - in theory, should everything go according to plan, all checks approved, references approved, tenancy agreed etc. - what sort of timescale from Saturday can I accept completion and the keys to be mine? I know its a vague question as everyones circumstances are different.

Many thanks.

nick_paddock653

Werdnel - just seen your updated post. Very, very helpful thank you. So is it reasonable to ask to see the tenancy agreement before even paying a holding fee? Will the landlord have a copy available at the viewing or is this unreasonable.

Another question is, are rental prices negotiable. Reason I ask is that we have been monitoring a property that was 575pcm and has been on the market for approx a month with only 2 viewings that were both unsuccesful. On Monday, I noticed the price of the property reduced to 550pcm. Does this leave me in a strong position to try and negotiate the price down to 500 or 525pcm as its obvious the LL is struggling to find a tenant and has reduced the price?

Any guidance appreciated again!

Werdnal

I take a copy of the tenancy agreement with me on viewings, and offer it to tenant if they want to take the property, or send them a draft copy when they ring to confirm they will take it. Ask if the LL/LA has a copy available, explain your circumstances, and they may even be able to email a copy to you as you need to save time.

I would read the sticky topic "A Tenant's Guide to Renting" at top of the forum. Although you may not have luxury of time on your side, some very helpful info in that thread.

You can negotiate on rent - LL can only say no! But as you are probably going to push the LL to get his side of the deal (credit checks etc), done quickly, it may come across as a bit of a cheek!

flappy_mcwarbucks

"My question is - is this viable to view, process and move in, in less than 4 weeks?" << O/P

Yes. I done it in two days. Basically, i found the property i liked on Gumtree, and went to view it. I then spoke with the landlord and was very forthcoming. (i only deal with landlords, i never, ever deal with letting agents. they're all thieving scum).

I offered to pay 3 months up front with a deposit. She said yes. I logged onto online banking (being a computer nerd, my computer follows me everywhere) and transferred the money into her account that day. The next day she turned up with a tenancy agreement that i signed, and then got the keys.

In this game, money talks.

flappy_mcwarbucks

nick_paddock653 wrote: »

Does this leave me in a strong position to try and negotiate the price down to 500 or 525pcm as its obvious the LL is struggling to find a tenant and has reduced the price?

I would ask myself "Why has the rent been dropped". It may not be obvious, and the flat may seam clean. It's when you see the terms on the tenancy agreement that it might all become abundantly clear.

nick_paddock653

thanks for all the advice. I am building a bigger picture in my head as to things to be aware of. Thank you.

swimsink

I started looking, viewed properties, met my landlord 4 times and had my keys to my apartment all within 2 weeks. Oddly i found my apartment on Gumtree of all places, however he is very professional and was all done via a solicitor with legal contracts etc and six months since he has been nothing but great. So yes it is viable!