Viewing an appartment to rent: Questions to ask?

subjecttocontract

DGJsaver wrote: »

What about if the landlord does not have a mortgage on it anymore ?

How would that affect a tenant ?

3plus1

subjecttocontract wrote: »

Doesn't anyone want to do any checks on the landlord ?

I'm viewing a place on Friday with a view to signing for it if it checks out like it's meant to, and I had the same query.

If I take this place, I will be renting from a private landlord - is there anything I need to watch out for here? I mean, I won't have the security of dealing with a well known estate agency - he's just some man! Apparently all landlords in Scotland have to be registered as such - so I suppose I could ask for details? Apart from that, I'm not really sure what I should be asking for. I have his home address and phone number already.

Advice?

sooz

How long did the last tenants stay here? Why did they move?
How long has the flat been empty?
Does the LL live locally?
How many other properties do they let?
Are they a member of any landlord associations or local landlord accreditation schemes?
Will s/he be managing the place, or is it being managed by an agent?
Who would you contact, and how, out of hours in an emergency?
What fees will you have to pay - other than rent & deposit - eg credit check, inventory check in/check out, renewal fees etc?
Where will the deposit be held?
What is the council tax band?
Is there a water meter?
Are the gas and electricity on meters, or pre-pay key things?
Are any bills included in the rent?
Particularly as it's a new build - is there a working phone line? Is there a TV aerial? (developers don't bother putting these in)
Is there resident's parking? If so, how much is it, and how much are visitors permits?
Is there a repair contract for the boiler?

3plus1

Don't know the answer to the following, so thanks for that. Will be sure to find out!

sooz wrote: »

Are they a member of any landlord associations or local landlord accreditation schemes?
Will s/he be managing the place, or is it being managed by an agent?
Who would you contact, and how, out of hours in an emergency?
What fees will you have to pay - other than rent & deposit - eg credit check, inventory check in/check out, renewal fees etc?
Where will the deposit be held?
Is there a water meter?
Are the gas and electricity on meters, or pre-pay key things?
Particularly as it's a new build - is there a working phone line? Is there a TV aerial? (developers don't bother putting these in)
Is there a repair contract for the boiler?

carmenrose

Is the ground rent /maintenance charge included in the rent. Also you will need details of the management company if the flat is leasehold in case of any emergencies.


Check also the building insurance cover. Better safe than sorry.

speedtwin

Ask to see a copy of the contract and T & C's before you sign to read throught in you own time (ARLA recommend this) if not leave yourself plenty of time to read through at time of signing.

Is there a charge for renewal of contract?

Who is reponsable for repairs? landlord or Agent

jodavid_2

pink shoes and sooze, thats exactly what i look for and ive moved over 30 times! the good thing is that tenants have alot more rights nowadays, and you should go to the viewing armed with the questions confidantly so that he/she knows ur not a walkover, because as nice as they all seem, they all want one thing...ur dosh! so just make sure ur gettin ur moneys worth, good luck!

Trollfever

And

Any problems with the neighbours.

Any problems with the neighbours.

Any problems with the neighbours.

Any problems with the neighbours.

Any problems with the neighbours.

Any problems with the neighbours.

mrsnow101

Wow - lots of replies!!

As it goes, our viewing was cancelled tonight as the estate agent could not get hold of the current tennent (or so my gf was told) - we're viewing it on Friday now - armed with all your questions!!

Thanks for your time all.

CYBERCIDERSAVER

Oohh current tenant. If they are at the propety when you do view you can ask them what the landlord is like.

On a side note, I think there needs to be a different word. This is 2008. Nobody is my LORD, land or otherwise.

How about BTLmuppet (seems appropriate in todays climate)
or house hogger
property parasite?