I'm ready to rent. What now?

tbs624

Contact the local Landlords' Association - online or via yellow pages - to find LLs who let direct. They will usually be signed up to the LL Assoc's code of conduct.

jak

I would def. suggest unfurnished accom. This way you save on the rent on a monthly basis and prob. be able to get all your furniture second hand for the a month you'd save in the first few months. Or freecycle! By the way, look at the small ads in the paper for a private landlord. LA cost a fortune and don't guarantee a 'better' level of service!
I rent privatly now and my landlord is brill! When I went though a letting agency, a window got broken while I was away and they refused to mend it! It was winter and after a month of trying I had to move out in the end! Despite constant phone calls etc! Was a nightmare!!!!
Be very careful when you move in about deposits too. It there is any mark anywhere- make a list of said marks and date and sign. Take a picture also. AND ASK LANDLORD TO SIGN IT TOO TO VERIFY IT WAS THERE WHEN YOU MOVED IN!!!!Sorry to shout but stuff like carpets being a bit scruffy/slight marks on walls, that type of thing is a very common reason to keep the tenants deposit- it is also very difficult to prove it was already there IF you don't take this precaution.
JX

RichardDJ

the first post saying that LA are the spawn of the devil is what you need to bear in mind most. Every tenent whose dealt with them has been left with a bitter taste of some sort.

Do try and rent privately and if you get a chance to speak to the current or past tenants make sure you do. Be suspicious if the landlord is not willing to put you in touch with them!! Other than that just make sure it's crystal clear what is covered on maintenance and what is not.

Be prepared to only get 50% of your deposit back at best, at the end of the day with the best will in the world..!!!!!! happens

southernscouser

Would anyone consider renting a property that's also up for sale? :undecided

barnaby-bear

southernscouser wrote: »

Would anyone consider renting a property that's also up for sale? :undecided

In a word - NO

Suggests LL has financial problems, repairs will not happen, may not be declared to mortgage co. in event of repossession your AST notice may not be honoured.

Viewers: the LL will want you to allow them, thieving scum use viewings to nick post and identity clone (common trick) or case the joint on rental properties, potential conflict with LL/LA over viewings, strangers traipsing round property, random change of LL? (will want to up rent), have to move at end of AST move furniture sell it off....

southernscouser

If I ask a letting agent.landlord whether the property is up for sale are they 'allowed' to lie to me? :think:

barnaby-bear

southernscouser wrote: »

If I ask a letting agent.landlord whether the property is up for sale are they 'allowed' to lie to me? :think:

Are they willing to put it in writing that it's not?;)

southernscouser

OK, so I've got a couple of viewings lined up next week! :T

Anyone know roughly how long the average viewing takes? :think:

I've got a bit of a gap between 2 and want to try and arrange another 1 or maybe 2!

Also what sort of questions should I be asking? One is with a letting agent, the other with a current tenant! :undecided

guyrulius

10-15 mins. There's only so much you can do with, "This is the bedroom, that's the airing cupboard and isn't the view of the oil refinery brilliant?".

Take as long as you want. Don't be rushed. It's your time to decide.

Sometimes, you walk in and just know.

If you need to wipe your feet on the way out then it's probably not the place you want to be living in.