What to ask when viewing a rental property
Finding your perfect place to rent can be tricky, especially if you don’t have all the information you need before committing to your chosen property. We’ve compiled this handy guide so that you can make the right choice for you, knowing you’ve got answers to all the essential questions.
1. How long is the contract length?
The duration of a tenancy varies and to commit to a house, you need to be sure you can stay for as long as is required. The difference between a six-month minimum tenancy and a two-year minimum can be a dealbreaker. However, it’s always worth asking if the stated time is negotiable if you love the property but not the contract length.
2. Are bills extra?
You’ll want to know from the beginning how much extra you’ll be paying per month on top of rent to make sure you can afford the property. Some landlords include gas and electricity, but many expect you to manage and pay your bills directly to the provider.
If you’re paying for your energy yourself, get an idea of how much your bill will be by asking what the property’s EPC rating is. The closer to A on the scale the less you’ll pay as that’s the more efficient end. Other bills include council tax (the closer to band A you are, the more you’ll pay), wifi, and water.
It’s also worth asking at this stage whether you can switch energy suppliers if you desire and if the property is fitted with a water meter. Being on a water meter with a big family, or paying more for your energy than you would with a competitor brand could equate to hundreds of pounds in bills each year.
3. Who’s responsible for what?
If you’re in a shared flat, certain things might be communal, so it’s worth finding out how the responsibilities are divided. If you’re looking to rent a property with a garden, you should ask who’s responsible for maintaining it.
4. Safety and certificates
Safety first! Properties are legally required to have a smoke alarm on each storey, and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room that contains a fuel-burning appliance. While checking these, it’s also worth asking to see the gas and electricity safety documents for the property. The letting agent or landlord should be able to email them to you if they’re not present at the viewing.
5. What’s included?
Confirming whether the property is furnished or unfurnished and whether it comes with white goods before signing the contract is good practice. This will affect whether you need to spend more on kitting out the house, as well as if you need to ask the landlord if you can swap their furniture for yours. Make sure to measure beforehand if you’re moving in large items!
6. How reliable is the internet connection?
An important modern consideration when renting is how good the wifi is. If you work from home or stream a lot of internet TV, you’ll want to make sure the connection is strong. The same goes for mobile phone signal – especially if you’re someone that makes a lot of calls for your job. The best people to ask for this are the current tenants if possible. There are also now websites that will let you check a property’s broadband availability simply by entering the postcode.
7. Parking and transport links
If you drive, finding out that the closest you can park to your house is a 15-minute walk away is something you want to find out before you sign the contract. Ask what the parking situation is, whether you need a permit and whether the road has any specific restrictions that could impact visitors.
If you don’t drive (or for evening trips to the pub), be sure to check out public transport options. Google Maps is great for this.
8. To what extent can I decorate?
Decide how important personalising your space is and factor that into which property you choose. Some landlords are happy for tenants to have a lot of freedom with the decor, and some aren’t.
You should also consider other personal factors that may affect your decision, such as how much light the property gets, or how big the bedroom versus your living space is.
9. Heating and water
Test the taps and ask when the boiler was last replaced or serviced – the letting agent should be able to provide you with proof. You don’t want to find out that the hot water is temperamental after you’re all moved in.
Be aware of the difference that double glazing and insulation make – especially important to ask about if you’re someone that runs cold, or are keeping an eye on utilities.
10. Who’s the main point of contact?
Even if by now you’ve decided the property is perfect, it’s rare to complete a tenancy without any hiccups. You’ll want to know who you should contact in case something breaks, you get locked out, or there’s an emergency. Make sure to note down their details.
11. Pets
If you’re looking at renting a property with pets you’ve probably already got this at the top of your list, but just in case: one of the first things you need to do is get the all-clear from your landlord regarding your furry friends. Then be sure to check out our comprehensive how-to guide!
12. Anything else you think I should know?
It’s always good to do a final check at the end in case there’s something unique about the property, landlord, neighbours or contract that could impact your final decision on whether to rent.
For more information on how to rent a property see our guide, and for properties to rent in Newcastle, browse our listings.
