Whilst renting a property is certainly less stressful (and more straightforward) than attempting to purchase - especially in today's home-buying climate for first-time buyers - it is still by no means simple. Mansons recommend keeping the following issues in mind when you're on the road to becomming a tenant:

1. Research your area thoroughly
Here at Mansons Property Consultants we can demonstrate an exceptional knowledge of the areas in Newcastle upon Tyne that we cover. We specialise in particular parts of the region, such as Jesmond rentals, Sandyford, Heaton, Gosforth and the City Centre and can advise on the benefits and amenities that each area can offer to potential tenants.

Try to ensure that when you are looking to rent you have established which areas you would like to target and that the chosen areas can fulfil your requirements.

2. Spend time viewing properties
It is important to ensure that you view any potential properties thoroughly before putting down a holding deposit. We have a dedicated accompanied viewer at Mansons who will take you around any suitable rental properties.

This viewer will also be able to answer any questions you may have before you decide to take the property.

3. Ask about fees and costs
Make sure you ask about fees and any other additional costs when you sign for a property. Mansons will always provide you with an in depth tenant account form when you decide to rent a property through us. This outlines our fees plus any other costs and helps to ensure that you are fully aware of the costs and obligations of renting a property and hopefully stops you being hit with any unexpected bills before moving into your new home.

4. Think about who you would like to live with
Although Mansons doesn't offer a flat share facility, it is important to ensure that you think carefully about who you want to live with before renting a property. Most disputes between tenants arise from money issues or living habits.

When renting we recommend ensuring you work to a budget that incorporates bills, rent and other payments that may be necessary that all members of the household are comfortable with.

5. Organise your money
Paying your initial fees and rent promptly will not only ensure that you can move into the property, it will also help to establish a good relationship with your landlord or letting agent from the offset. Mansons provides all its potential tenants with standing order details when moving into a property, to help make paying your rent each month stress and hassle free.

6. Ensure you are provided with a Full Inventory
Moving into your new home is an exciting time and often tenants concentrate on moving things in as soon as possible without checking through an Inventory thoroughly - in order to protect yourself against any possible problems.

Here at Mansons we will provide you with a comprehensive inventory, which will either have been done by ourselves or the Landlord. It is your responsibility as Tenants to ensure you agree with the contents of this Inventory - so as to avoid any disputes when you vacate the property at the end of your tenancy.

If there is something in the Inventory you do not agree with this is then highlighted at the start of your Contract, so your Landlord cannot use this against you when you come to move out. Also try to highlight the issue in writing as well as by phone and retain a copy of the letter as proof you reported it.

7. Report Maintenance as soon as possible
One of the benefits of being a tenant is that you are not responsible for many of the maintenance issues that may arise during the period of your tenancy.

Mansons is not simply an Estate Angets, we have a dedicated Property Management department who look after our portfolio of Fully Managed Properties, ensuring that we have relevant contractors available to solve any potential problems as quickly and efficiently as possible, to keep your inconvenience to a minimum.

If you are dealing direct with your Landlord, reporting any problems you notice as soon as possible will give the landlord the best opportunity to sort the issue and will keep both parties happy.