questions to ask when viewing rental flat

melb

my daughter is going to view a flat later today. It will be her first foray into renting (she is only 18) and as I have never rented myself I would appreciate any tips for questions she should ask.

she is viewing this place because it is the only one she can afford (basement flat for £325 a month which is very cheap for Leeds) and is desperate to leave home (I'm trying not to take it too personally).

Questions I can think of are:-

is the gas/electric by meter
is there wifi
is there a tv aerial
who is responsible for insurance?
can she decorate/attach anything to the walls
which fixtures come with the flat (it is shown with basics, settee and bed but described as unfurnished)
Who else lives in the other flats (none of her business probably)

Anything else?

ftb_deena

I remember asking things like how long is the lease, how much is the deposit, will the landlord be contactable at all times (in the case of an emergency)

Only speaking from experience but I don't imagine content insurance or Wifi will be included.

Good luck to her

walwyn1978

Who is responsible for day to day management of the flat especially if anything goes wrong (landlord? Letting company?)

Wifi and insurance I'm pretty sure are down to her, not the LL

Edit; Beaten to it by FTB_Deena :-)

Amanda_Cm

Any additional fees to the rent?
How much is the council tax (if applicable)?
How far in advance do I need to give notice before moving out?
How long will the lease be? Are they renewal fee?

Arabanna

Is there a fire alarm?
Is there a carbon monoxide alarm? (get these if not).
Who holds the deposit?
Is there an inventory?
She should take photos of any damage/ scratches/ issues on the day she moves in to keep a record of damage already done (so it isn't taken off her deposit when she leaves).
Who should she ring if there are issues/ emergencies/ repairs? (24hr number).

Smodlet

Is there no way you or someone else appropriate could go with her to view this place?

You really need G_M's guide to renting (I'm sure I didn't dream that) but this is what I have found in the meantime:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/61798655#Comment_61798655

and http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.php?p=67759913&postcount=4

There needs to be a gas safety certificate in place. Don't understand your query regarding the meters; your DD can just ask to be shown where they are. I would recommend finding out where the stopcock is while she is at it.

You will not have to look far to find anything and everything you need to know about renting on this board. Whether you have several days to read it all is another question. HTH.

Lokolo

"Is there WiFi?" doesn't make any sense. Internet is purchased from an internet provider and is down to the resident.

She could ask "Is internet provided with the rental?". It's unlikely at that rate.

However she can look this up in advance - https://www.productsandservices.bt.com/broadband/deals/ and click on "Check availability".

Be aware that a lot of internet and TV packages are for 18 months, if her rental is for 12 months and then choose to leave, she would need to pay the provider for the rest of the minimum term.

melb

wow thanks so much for all the replies. A lot of questions that are the important ones (rather than internet which is important to her for phone and Netflix)

Her dad is going with her to the viewing

CurlySue2017

You mention that it is a basement flat and one thing that I neglected to check when viewing one was the mobile signal.

I didn't even give it a thought at the time.....too excited about moving! But after moving in I very quickly realised that it was virtually non-existant and was a massive PITA!! It is incredibly annoying when you can't get a signal indoors.

But also, being a single, female, first time renter, I have to say that it made me feel very isolated when I was basically cut off from the outside world once inside my flat.

Just something that would have never crossed my mind before, but always does now after that experience.

Smodlet

Don't know if this might be of any help. There are loads of other checkers available.

https://www.mobilephonechecker.co.uk/guides/coverage/

Smodlet

The perils of renting, even when you have been an exemplary tenant.

Parental Guidance (not my finest hour; I was angry on behalf of the tenants; yes, I do know I don't know them from a bar of soap; it's the principle)

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5802354