What to consider before you rent

These are some of the points you may want to carefully consider before you start looking for a place to live and before you sign an agreement.........

Where do you want to live?

a)       Do you want to live near to your place of work or study?

b)       Do you want to live near to the City or Town Centre?

c)       Are there any other considerations regarding location?

d)       Do you have a limit on the rent you can pay?

The amount of rent you can afford will normally affect the area and/or the condition of the property you rent

e)       Do you have your own transport?

Decide on the maximum rent you can comfortably afford to pay before you start

Who are you living with?

You will be jointly and severally liable for most tenancies that you are offered. This means that you are responsible not only for your own actions but also those of your fellow joint tenants. This will mean:

• You are liable for all rent arrears during the tenancy
• You are liable for the rent if one or more tenant leaves
• You are liable for any damage to the property caused by the tenants

Be sure you are happy to share

House Hunting Checklist

There is a lot to remember when looking for a place to live and you may have to act quickly to secure the property you want. This checklist will help you make the right decision without delay....................

N.B. Unless otherwise stated you will be taking the property as seen. The landlord will only need to carry out repairs and maintenance that are required by law.

Inspecting the Property

Gas & Electricity

Is there adequate heating in each room of the house? Does the cooker work? Have you asked to see a copy of a Gas safety certificate for the gas appliances?

Plumbing

Do all of the radiators/heaters work? Have you tried all of the taps? Does the toilet flush? Are there any signs of leaking pipes (damp patches)?

Security

Are the doors and windows secured? Are all the external doors solid? Do all the ground floor windows have window locks? Are smoke detectors fitted?

Furniture

Is the furniture fire retardant? Does the house have sufficient furniture for the occupants? Is there sufficient space in the kitchen to store and prepare foodstuff? Is any of the existing furniture the property of the existing tenants? Is all the furniture in good condition?

Services

What services is the owner providing for you if any? e.g. Window cleaning, gardening, lighting of common parts, dustbin and refuse disposal

Money

What are you paying for in your rent? How does it compare with other rents?

Have you paid a deposit?

Have you a receipt for what you have paid?

Outside the Property

a)      Does the roof look sound?

b)      Do the gutters have plants growing out of them?

c)       Are the drains clear?

d)      Are the communal areas (if any) well maintained?

e)      Is any of the woodwork rotting or unsafe?

f)       If you have transport is there adequate parking available?