Tips for viewing rental properties?

Dummie_2

Hello All

We're due to view 6 properties in Farnham this coming Monday and Tuesday. It's our first time renting so we're quite nervous.

Can any seasonal renters out there offer any advice as to what to look out for when viewing the property please? Do I need to turn on the taps and flush the toilets etc. What questions should I put to the LA?

It's not likely that we'll get to carry out a 2nd viewing as we live 3hrs away so everything that should/must be considered needs to be taken into account during this one important viewing.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Dummie

Doozergirl

If the tenants are still there, they're pretty honest about what it's like to live there.

I found when we looked that it was more about things being to my taste and the property appearing neat and tidy.

Most looked neglected in some way, so there wasn't much of a choice!

rizla01

do make sure that you know what you are liable for, on leaving.

Some landlords will charge you if you make drawing pinholes in the ceiling (Hanging Xmas decorations) and charge you if you change the decor in ANY way.

Be clear about what is 'Up front' and what is a 'Deposit'.

If there is furniture in the property you may have to leave it in place (or hide it while you use your own and then re-place it when you leave) so ask if they would remove it should it not suit.

Also, just as if you were purchasing, look for any faults, draughts, leaks Etc and ensure that these are rectified BEFORE you move in.

There's a few starters. Hopefully, others will add to them.

Good luck!

Dummie_2

rizla01 wrote:

Some landlords will charge you if you make drawing pinholes in the ceiling (Hanging Xmas decorations) and charge you if you change the decor in ANY way.

Also, just as if you were purchasing, look for any faults, draughts, leaks Etc and ensure that these are rectified BEFORE you move in.

So if I was to put stair gates in what should I do with the holes when it comes to leaving time? Surely they don't expect me to replaster the wall or something? Should I ask the landlord for written consent to put the gates in?

I always thought faults etc were the responsibility of the landlord. Please correct me if I'm wrong. If so, why would it make a difference if faults were found before or after we moved in?

Nenen

Hi Dummie
you might be interested in a thread I started a couple of weeks ago:

'advice please for first time renters '

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=342813

as lots of kind MSEers posted some really valuable advice for me! I'm not sure if this link will work as never tried this before but, if not, then search the forum for the title!
Hope this helps

Guy_Montag

Dummie wrote:

So if I was to put stair gates in what should I do with the holes when it comes to leaving time? Surely they don't expect me to replaster the wall or something? Should I ask the landlord for written consent to put the gates in?

I always thought faults etc were the responsibility of the landlord. Please correct me if I'm wrong. If so, why would it make a difference if faults were found before or after we moved in?

I thought stair gates could be installed without drilling, but basically if you damage the property when you put them in you have to fix it. Some polyfilla & magnolia paint might be enough.

Faults are only the responsibilty of the LL if they are not caused by the tenant.

Personally I prefer to rent directly from a LL rather than a LA. I have only had one experience of a LA, & they were awful.

Ask to see the gas safety certificate, that's the most important thing. Check there's a smoke alarm.

rizla01

Dummie wrote:

I always thought faults etc were the responsibility of the landlord. Please correct me if I'm wrong. If so, why would it make a difference if faults were found before or after we moved in?

You are correct. You do have a lot to learn.:)

There is a huge difference between what the LL is supposed to do and what the LL will actually do.

Dummie_2

rizla01 wrote:

You are correct. You do have a lot to learn.:)

There is a huge difference between what the LL is supposed to do and what the LL will actually do.

I see what you mean.

So, if for example, something went wrong and we asked the landlord to fix it is it totally up to the landlord as to whether he/she does anything about it? Is there anyone or any governing body we can go to for help? Can we withhold our rent until the matter is sorted? Can we get someone to fix it and then send the landlord the bill? Surely, as tenants, we must have some kind of protection re things like this?

devils_advocate

Some landlords will charge you if you make drawing pinholes in the ceiling (Hanging Xmas decorations) and charge you if you change the decor in ANY way.

White toothpaste is wonderful (providing its a light coloured wall) for covering up drawing pin or picture hook holes. If the wallpaper shows the hole by standing out from the wall where the nail has been removed, tap it gently with a hammer to flatten it against the wall and then its not so obvious.

rosysparkle

Dummie wrote:

I see what you mean.

So, if for example, something went wrong and we asked the landlord to fix it is it totally up to the landlord as to whether he/she does anything about it? Is there anyone or any governing body we can go to for help? Can we withhold our rent until the matter is sorted? Can we get someone to fix it and then send the landlord the bill? Surely, as tenants, we must have some kind of protection re things like this?

Landlords have to do repairs if it is their responsibility. Making good damage from a tenant's stairgate is a tenant's responsibility. Changing light bulbs and replacing smoke alarm batteries are a tenant's responsibility. As I tried to explain to a tenant only today, cleaning out a dirty soap draw on a washing machine (that was provided brand new four months ago) is a tenant's responsibility.

Many things are a landlord's responsibility. A leaking roof or a malfunctioning boiler is a landlord's responsibility to repair. If your landlord won't carry out repairs, then (generally) you may not withhold your rent. You can seek help from your local council's Housing Aid service or environmental health department.

Most landlords will carry out repairs although they don't always have tradesmen available instantly!

Sybarite

rosysparkle wrote:

Changing light bulbs and replacing smoke alarm batteries are a tenant's responsibility.

Most landlords will carry out repairs although they don't always have tradesmen available instantly!

I've an interesting one in this area. My smoke detector is linked to my burglar alarm in the property. The LL has recently decided that he will not repair burglar alarms any more. My new contract states it's now the tenant's responsibility to maintain a smoke detector, batteries etc where fitted. As it's an integrated system I can't do this. I've repeated asked for confirmation that I will not be liable for any repairs should the system develop a fault ie to 'maintain it' - the LA has refused to answer this q & have simply restated the position that the LL has decided he will no longer maintain the system & I've been advised not to use the burglar alarm any more as 'then it will not fail' - bit shocked by this.

My Q - which I'm hoping rosysparkle may be able to answer is this; can a LL opt out of maintaining an integral fire/security system such as this - is there a legal/health & safety requirement that where fire systems are obviously a fitted system, these must be are maintained by the LL?

This may seem odd, but lots of the other flats have faulty systems, these fail, set the alarms off & then the power cable is cut to the alarm box by the maintenance guy = no fire alarm in the property.