How to choose a rental property

While renting isn’t as big a financial decision as buying, it’s still important to get it right. After all, it will be your home, maybe just for 6 months, or if you’re happy there, maybe for years.

So it’s worth being prepared and knowing what to look for and what to ask. A few things to look out for include the following:

• Make a note of issues – if you spot any leaks, cracks, or pests (such as mice), then make a note of these and see if the landlord is aware of them and is planning to rectify them before you move in
• Check taps and light switches work – it might seem like a small point but if you move in and there’s very low water pressure, or only lukewarm water, and no working light in the bedroom, it will be very frustrating
• Review the property’s security and safety measures – check door and window locks, look for smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, and ask the agent if the property has gas and electrical safety inspection certificates, and an Energy Performance Certificate – all of which are required by law
• Check what white goods are included with the property so you know what you might need to budget for. Also check if there is, or will be, an inventory so you’re clear on what fixtures and fittings will be supplied

If you’re not getting the answers you need, or the paperwork you have requested, including a tenancy agreement, then consider finding an alternative property. It’s important to rent a house from a responsible landlord, and a knowledgeable and professional letting agent, otherwise you might encounter a wide range of issues once you have moved in.

Good letting agents will know the legal requirements regarding paperwork, inventories, deposits, fees, and gas and electrical safety, and should be able to answer any questions you may have either at the viewing or shortly afterwards.

Here’s just one customer review out of over 1000 smarthomes have received on independent property review website Allagents.co.uk. 

“This is the second time we as a family have used smarthomes in Dickens Heath. Both times they’ve gone above and beyond to help me and my family; especially Senka. We cannot

thank her enough for all her hard work and effort she put in even out of working hours to help me and answer all my questions.”

Sandy. March 2021.

If you’d like help finding a rental property, or are a landlord looking for a new tenant, then please get in touch with smarthomes on 0121 744 4144, option 4. To find out more about what services the smarthomes letting team can offer you please click here:

https://www.smart-homes.co.uk/services/letting-agent-solihull

Article source:
https://www.which.co.uk/money/mortgages-and-property/renting-a-home/rental-property-checklist-anc9x8p9hgrg