Before you agree to take on a tenancy, you need to be sure that the property suits your needs and the needs of your household. Remember, you’ll probably stay in this home for at least 12 months. Once you sign a tenancy agreement, it can be very difficult to leave, even if you decide that the property is no longer suitable.
Location and space
Think about how you will get to work, school or any regular appointments you may have. Is the property serviced by public transport, and, if so, how frequently do services run? Check how late bus or rail services run if you’ll be relying on these to get you home at night. If you have children, how will they get to school or nursery from this location?
If you have your own transport, find out if any parking has been allocated with the property. If there is only on-street parking available, you may have difficulty getting a space during the day. You may be able to negotiate parking arrangements with your neighbours, but you should check this out before you agree to rent the property. This checklist can help remind you of the important questions to ask when viewing a property.
Your household’s needs
It’s important that your new home is appropriate for your whole household. This is particularly important if anyone in your household has specific needs relating to a disability or mobility impairments. If you have children, you may want to make sure there is adequate storage room for prams or buggies, as well as their toys. Check if the washing and bathroom facilities are going to be adequate for your household’s size.
Noise issues
In flats and apartments, you’ll often be able to hear your neighbours coming and going. If the property you’re living in is a popular area among students or young people, you should expect some noise in the evenings and night times. Keep your eye out for any open areas of ground where people are likely to congregate, particularly during summer evenings.
There are other things you should think about when considering how noisy a property is likely to be. Is the property near a train line or airport? Is there a fire station, hospital or police station nearby? Sirens from these may sound throughout the night and keep you awake.
Energy and heating costs
Find out what kind of heating is used in the property. Some types of heating are much more expensive than others. Consider whether a “pay as you use” meter system or a monthly or quarterly bill would suit your income best.
If your tenancy started after 30 December 2008, your landlord or estate agent must show you an Energy Performance Certificate. Ask to see this before agreeing to take on a tenancy. It should let you know how energy efficient the property is. Remember that homes without double glazing or insulation will be more costly to heat.
Condition
All properties available for renting should meet the Fitness Standards. It should also be free from serious disrepair. Have a good look around when you’re viewing the property to see if you can identify any possible issues. Check for poor drainage, mould and peeling paint.
If you agree to take on the property on the condition that the landlord carries out certain repairs, make sure you get this commitment in writing before paying over any money.
Don’t let the agent or landlord distract you when you’re viewing a property. Make sure you check everything carefully.
Furniture and appliances
Make sure you know what is being provided with the tenancy and what will be replaced during the tenancy if it gets damaged. Appliances of furniture that you saw during a viewing may belong to the current tenant. Ask for a list of included items and check what the tenancy agreement says about damaged appliances.
Make sure you get an inventory at the beginning of a tenancy. This should list all items that have been provided by the landlord, and their condition. Make sure the inventory is an accurate record of the condition and cleanliness of everything listed. Make a note of anything you disagree with or of any additional issues you want to raise and send a copy of your revised inventory back to the landlord, asking that it stand as the true record
Your completed inventory will be really important if there is a dispute at the end of tenancy in relation to the return of your deposit or paying for repairs.
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