Is  moving to your next home to rent on the agenda ? Do you need to do it fast? 

Even if you need to make a decision in a timely manner it’s important to ask your  agent the right questions when you search for a property to rent. Competition in the real estate sector became quite fierce over time , so it is essential to have first of all your finances in order and able to make a quick move on renting your new place. It is beneficial to have a good idea of what you need, for example number of bedrooms, areas you are interested in , transportation , etc.

 

Some top tips worth thinking about before viewing a  property and key questions to ask the agent :

1. It is important to agree on the monthly rental cost obviously, and be aware of what is included , for example any bills. Another fact to keep in mind is that agents would run referencing on landlords behalf and income checks .

2. You need to understand how much deposit the landlord would take  and which deposit protection scheme they use. Landlords need to safeguard their tenants’ deposits with one of the government backed protection schemes.

3. Does your contract hold any restrictive clauses ? Such as the fact that you are not allowed to redecorate , keep a pet or sub-let ?

4. What type of heating system does the property have? How efficient is the thermal insulation ? Landlords are required to provide a EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) . It is also advisable that you are informed on what the monthly gas and electricity bills would be like, especially during the winter.

5. Is the property properly secured ? Are the locks on the doors and windows working properly? It might affect how much it will cost you for contents insurance to cover your possessions.

6 . Is the property being managed by the landlord or or a property management company?

7. Does the property have enough storage space for your  demands ?

8. Are you responsible for maintaining the garden if the property has one ,especially if it is a shared one ?

You will most likely get the answers you need to help you make the right decision for the estate agent . The key is to ask the questions and visit the property and the surroundings , making sure that the area is safe to live in. As with all potential moves, it pays to do your research thoroughly and to take advantage of the expertise of professional  agents.