Renting Property - The First Steps

Renting Property - The First Steps

By:


Renting can offer flexibility and the opportunity to try out an area without the hassle of buying a property that needs to be sold in the near future. However if you're thinking of renting, make sure you take the following steps before entering into a lease. 



1. View the property on more than one occasion

Before handing over your deposit, it is always important to consider whether or not the property is right for you.


2. Always view the property at different times of the day

You should always view properties during daylight hours to see any flaws or defects. However, it would also be useful to view the property later in the evening to ascertain whether the road is busy at certain times or to see if there is a lack of street parking in the evening. It will also allow you to check out the noise levels and to see how much light enters the rooms.

3. Always examine the exterior and interior structure

Check the visible appearance of the building's exterior. If the exterior is in disrepair then it is likely that the interior will also be in poor condition and there could be problems in the future. You should keep an eye out for such things as:

* Visible cracks, leaning walls, damaged windows, guttering and the drains

* If there is a shared garden, who is responsible for its upkeep?

When checking the interior you should be looking to see:

* If there are any signs of dampness.

* If there is central heating.

* Whether the radiators work.    

* If there is double glazing and roof insulation.  

* If the taps work.   

* Whether the lights are working

* Whether there are smoke detectors in working order

In general you should ask yourself whether the property looks as though it is in good condition and if it is really worth the rent being asked for.

If you dislike the décor the landlord may agree to it being changed although it is likely that this will be at your own expense.

4. Make sure you have a complete inventory

It will serve you well to make a full inventory of what is in the property. It should include a full list of everything within the property including furniture, kitchen equipment and other items.

If the Landlord is to draw up the list you should try to be present so that you can agree with what is written on the list. A thorough inspection should be carried out even if it involves looking under beds, kneeling down to examine carpet, lifting up bed sheets to look at the bed etc.

If you cannot be present during the inventory, you should go through the list with someone else and check it against everything in the property. If something is missing or damaged you should notify the landlord immediately in writing. Before you move in, take photos of any damage you find and make sure to date them.

If your landlord fails to provide you with an inventory then you should make one yourself, give a copy to the landlord together with any photographs of defects.

About the Author:
Bonallack and Bishop are Landlord and Tenant Solicitors with particular specialist experience in advising on Lease Extension cases (http://www.enfranchisementsolicitors.co.uk ). Tim Bishop is Senior Partner at the firm, which he has grown by 1000% in the last 12 years. He is responsible for all major strategic decisions and sees himself as a businessman who owns a law firm.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


Tags: , , , , , ,

|

Loading...
Related....
Videos...

Recent Legal Articles

Comments

Still can't find what you are looking for? Search for it!

Loading

Site Navigation:

Copyright 2005-2011 ArticleSnatch, LLC - All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service.