Here at Hills Estate we want to provide as much advice as possible to people on both sides of the property rental market. In addition to helping property owners with all of their concerns relating to letting agencies and property management, the team also aims to provide advice to new tenants relating to the issues that they need to keep in mind when renting a property. All of the below are important considerations.
Read The Tenancy Agreement Properly
Your tenancy agreement will essentially determine the things that you can and can’t do in the property, such as redecorating or keeping pets, in addition to detailing the ways that you will be able to communicate with your letting agency or landlord. You need to make sure that you read the agreement properly before signing it, as it is a legally-binding contract that you will be expected to abide by. Raise any issues that you have before signing, as many landlords are flexible enough to make alterations as long as the changes are fairly minor.
Check Everything
When you go to view the property for the first time, you should make it a point to check everything. Examine the electrical sockets to make sure there are no signs of damage. You may even wish to bring a device, such as a phone charger, that you can use to confirm that they are all in working order. You should also test any taps, toilets and showers in the property, as you have the right to expect that these will be in working order unless you have been specifically told otherwise.
Ask About Deposit Protection
You will usually be asked to place a security deposit on the property, often in addition to paying your first month’s rent in advance. These deposit is taken for the landlord’s protection, so that they can repair any damages that result from your tenure in the property that cannot be put down to general wear and tear. However, it is also important that you remember that this deposit will be returned to you upon leaving the property, assuming that no damage is recorded. As such, it is a good idea to check with your landlord or letting agency to find out where the deposit is being kept. You should also familiarise yourself with the dispute resolution service that each organization – the Deposit Protection Service, Tenancy Deposit Program and myDeposits – uses in case you need to make an argument against a landlord.
Confirm The Inventory
You work isn’t done upon moving into the property either. You should be presented with an inventory that details what is in the property and any pre-existing damage, such as cracks in plaster, already exist. You should spend your first day in the home examining the inventory and making note of anything that is missing or any issues that haven’t been highlighted. This will mean you’re protected when you do leave the property.
As always, the team at Hills Estate is here to provide advice and guidance to any new tenant who needs it, so please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
