Before you agree to view a property, be sure to ask the landlord or agent if it meets all your criteria. If you are looking for a one bedroom, you don't want to go on a tour of bedsits or studios. Check out the location on a map before leaving, and try to bring someone else along if you can, just to help keep you focused on your priorities.
What to ask
You can ask anything you want. But, here are some typical questions:
Condition of property:
- What comes with the property? Which appliances and furniture, if any?
- Has this place ever been broken into? What is crime like in this area?
- Are there any problems with the water, heating or electricity that I should be aware of?
- Are there any structural problems I should be aware of?
- Is there any construction work planned on the property or nearby? (ie. "New gutters need to be installed" means you might have leaking problems. "Road works across the street" means a lot of noise.)
- Where are the closest public transport links?
- Where are the local schools?
- How much should I expect council tax and utilities to total every month? In a shared building, ask about service charges.
- Have their ever been any problems reported about the neighbours?
Facts to help you negotiate:
- How many people have viewed the property?
- How long has it been on the market?
- How long does the landlord want to rent it?
- Why is the landlord renting it?
What to look for
Agents and landlords have a way of rushing prospects through a flat or house, making you feel awkward about inspecting it. But, you should inspect it. There are few things worse than moving into the ideal home, only to find that the toilets sing when flushed, the dishwasher dances across the kitchen floor, and the bathroom floods each time the tub is turned on. Take your time, and check out the following:
- Security - does it have an alarm system? What kind of lock? How many people have keys to the place? What about security from the garden and back entrance?
- General condition - Does the place look tired and uncared for? Or is it completely renovated? Are there cracks in the walls? Does the wallpaper date back to the 70s? If the place does not look cared for, then the landlord is probably unwilling to invest anything but the bare minimum to keep it going.
- Appliances - do they work? Don't be afraid to open up the fridge, turn on the microwave, the dishwasher and washing machine, just to check.
- Power Points - are there enough? Can you really make that spare room an office if it only has one socket?
- Heating and Water - Check out the heating units, make sure they are adequate. Ask to use the loo while you are viewing, so you have the chance to flush the toilet and test out the hot water in the sink.
- Storage Space - is there enough for you now and throughout the term of your contract?
- Common Areas - if you looking at flats, check out the common areas. Ask how post delivery, cleaning of common areas, and maintenance of the grounds is arranged.
- Neighbourhood - would you feel "at home" here or not? How does this place look versus the other homes on the block?