In today’s economic climate, most of us will find ourselves renting before we get our foot on the property ladder.
Even if you have already rented properties in the past, there are some things you always need to check out when finding a new rental home.
Careful planning and organisation can help you in the long run. It also provides you with a safety net, ensuring you don’t sign up for something unexpected.
So what do you need to know before signing on the dotted line? Here are our top five tips.
Ask About Fees
It’s one thing being able to afford your monthly rent, but there are a few other one-off costs that come with moving into a new place. And they are often fairly hefty.
You will, more often than not, be required to pay a deposit. This price varies on the estate agents or owner, but sometimes they can be as much as six-weeks worth of rent.
Other fees include admin costs. Before you sign up for a rental house or flat, make sure you are fully aware of all the fees you will need to pay. Otherwise, you could see yourself fall into unnecessary debt.
Find Out About Bills
As a tenant, you will be responsible for all the Fuel and Energy bills. If possible, talk to the previous tenant about the price of their bills. This should give you an idea of how much you should expect to pay.
They might be able to switch their account to your name. This would save you from arranging everything from scratch.
Read The Contract
This might seem like an obvious point, but you’d be surprised at how many people sign without checking the finer details! Read the contract through thoroughly a few times.
If possible, ask a friend or relative to read it again in case they spot something untoward.
Try And Negotiate A Price
Just like with buying a house, the advertised monthly rent isn’t a fixed price. You can try and negotiate a better deal for yourself. Before you make your offer, take a look at the prices for other similar properties in the area.
This observation will give you a good idea of the kind of price you should be asking for. The more research you do, the better chance you have of giving an offer that will be accepted.
Find Out If It Comes Furnished
Some landlords furnish houses and flats for their tenants. The means you won’t have to go to the bother of buying furniture. If your place is unfurnished, there are some cheaper ways to furnish it.
If you’re on a budget, have a chat with friends and family to see if anyone has any items they don’t want anymore. You can search local second-hand stores for cheap deals, or take a look and see if there is anything online on the likes of eBay or Gumtree.
Once you’re all ready to sign for your new place, you’ve just got one final thing to arrange – the movers!
Main Image Source: TurkeyChic
