March, 2017
Looking to rent a home but don’t know where to start, what to look for or what to avoid? We’ve put together a quick guide on the process to help you find your perfect property and hopefully help you avoid any pitfalls.
Hunting for the Right Property
Your first dip in the pool of properties will probably make you feel as though you’re drowning in homes so where do you begin? Luckily the internet has made it so easy to find properties in your area so why not take a look through our website? Also, register your details with us today to benefit from being the first to view some fantastic properties. Either call your local branch or register online.
Book a viewing
If you see a property that suits your needs then it’s wise to book a viewing as soon as possible. There is a very strong chance that you won’t be the only one eyeing up the property so make an appointment and try to ensure that all decision makers will be present so you don’t have to book a 2nd viewing if you like the place. Once you’ve found your property, it’s time to make an offer.
Reserving a property
Once you’ve chosen your property you will need to make a formal offer to the landlord through the estate agent. This offer will detail such things as the occupancy date and duration of letting. It's best to make sure that your offer is respectable, if your offer is too low then you could risk offending the landlord and the deal could fall through as a result.
Contracts & Vital Information
Once all parties are satisfied, you’ll receive a contract and a tenancy agreement. We know you’ve been waiting a long time for this, but don’t be tempted to just sign them both and ask “when can I move in?” take the time to read them thoroughly. Don’t be afraid to ask about anything that was unexpected or if you need something clarifying. It is vital that both parties have a crystal clear understanding of all terms and conditions along with knowing exactly what to do and who to contact if an area of the property needs repairing in the future.
Walkthrough
You’ve dotted the I’s and crossed the T’s, we’ve given you the keys, and it’s almost time for you to move in. There’s just a few more important things to do. Firstly, do a walk-through of the house and create an inventory of any faults or discrepancies that you find. This may seem tedious, but it will go a long way in reducing the risk of any disputes at the end of the tenancy. Once this is done, make some copies before everything is signed and dated.
Time to move in
It’s finally time to move in. Make sure you’ve got the contact details of your estate agent and the landlord in case you have any further questions about the property. Once all of that is taken care of, it’s time to put your feet up and get settled.
