Things to check at a rental property viewing

A property viewing is your chance to see a home in person before committing to rent it. Photos and descriptions in a listing can help you shortlist properties, but a viewing lets you check the condition of the property, confirm what’s included, and ask questions about the tenancy.

Rental properties are usually let in their current condition, so it’s important to look carefully and raise any questions during the viewing.

Taking the time to inspect the property properly can help you avoid surprises later and make sure the home is right for you.

5 key questions to ask at a rental viewing:

• Who manages the property and handles repairs?
• What furniture and appliances are included?
• What bills and running costs should I expect?
• Are there any shared spaces or restrictions in the building?
• What is the area and neighbourhood like?

How to prepare for a rental viewing

Preparing in advance can help you make the most of the time you have during the viewing. Lots of the information you need might already be on the property listing – things like whether some bills are included in the monthly rent, or any amenities you’d have access to living there.

Before attending:

• Re-read the property listing
• Check the rent, deposit and move-in date
• Review the photos and floorplan
• Write down any questions you want to ask

It can also be helpful to bring:

• A charged phone in case you want to take notes or photos
• A list of questions
• A tape measure, in case you’ll be moving in any of your own furniture
• Someone else with you for a second opinion

If the property is popular, viewings may be short or scheduled back-to-back with other prospective tenants, so planning ahead helps ensure you don’t forget to check anything important.

What to look for when viewing a rental property

During the viewing, try to focus on the overall condition of the property rather than just the décor. Check things like:

• The condition of walls, floors and ceilings
• Signs of damp or mould
• Whether windows and doors open properly
• Storage space
• Natural light

If you notice anything that concerns you, ask the letting agent or landlord whether repairs will be carried out before you move in.

Remember that most rental properties are let “as seen”, so the condition you see at the viewing is usually the condition you should expect when you move in.

What furniture and appliances are included in the property?

If the property is listed as furnished or part-furnished, it’s important to confirm exactly what will be included in the tenancy.

Some items you see during the viewing may belong to the current tenants rather than the landlord. You might want to ask the agent:

• Which furniture and appliances are included
• Whether anything will be removed before you move in
• Whether any items will be replaced between tenancies

You should also be able to see an inventory, which lists the items included in the property and their condition.

Who takes care of repairs and maintenance?

If you notice issues during the viewing (such as damaged fixtures, worn carpets or broken appliances) ask whether repairs will be completed before you move in. You may want to ask:

• Are any repairs planned before the next tenancy starts?
• If the heating is powered by a gas boiler, when was it last serviced?
• Who should you contact if something breaks?

If particular repairs are important to you, you may want to include them as part of your tenancy offer.

Who manages the property during the tenancy?

Understanding how the property will be managed can make a big difference to your renting experience. Ask the letting agent:

• Who manages the property day-to-day
• Whether there is a dedicated property manager
• Who you should contact for repairs or emergencies

Some properties are fully managed by a letting agent, while others are managed directly by the landlord.

Other questions you could ask during the viewing

Before deciding whether it’s the right place for you, consider asking:

• Is there additional storage, such as cupboards or loft space?
• Is there somewhere secure to store bikes or prams?
• Are there bin storage or recycling arrangements?
• How is the property heated, and how much are the energy bills on average?
• What are the neighbours like in the building or street?
• Is the area generally quiet at night?

Things people often forget to check during a viewing

It’s easy to focus on the main rooms, but there are a few details renters sometimes overlook.

Locked rooms or cupboards

If any rooms or cupboards are locked during the viewing, ask what they are used for and whether you will have access to them.

Sometimes landlords keep certain storage areas locked for personal belongings.

Outdoor space

If the property has a garden, balcony or terrace, ask:

• Whether the space is private or shared
• Who is responsible for maintenance

In some cases, communal outdoor areas are maintained by the building owner or management company.

TV and internet setup

Some buildings restrict certain installations, such as satellite dishes. You might want to ask:

• Which broadband providers are available
• Whether you can install additional cables if needed
• What TV or internet setup the current tenants use

This can help avoid delays when setting up services after you move in.

Check the local area, if you’re not familiar with it

If you really like the property after viewing but it’s in a location that’s new to you, it can be good to revisit the surrounding area. Try to visit at a different time of day so you can get a sense of:

• Noise levels
• Traffic
• Footfall
• Parking availability

This can help you decide whether the location and property suits your lifestyle.

FAQs

• How long does a rental viewing take?

  Most rental viewings last around 10 to 20 minutes, although this can vary depending on how busy the property is and whether multiple people are viewing it at the same time.

• What should I bring to a rental viewing?

  It can be useful to bring:

  • A list of questions
  • A charged phone so you can take photos, videos or notes
  • A tape measure, to make sure any furniture you’re bringing will fit
  • Someone else for a second opinion

• Can you ask the current tenant questions during a viewing?

  Yes, if they’re present and happy to talk. They may be able to share useful insights about living in the property, and how they’ve found dealing with the landlord or letting agent. You might want to ask:
  

  • • What it’s like living in the property
    • How responsive the landlord or agent is
    • Any common issues with the home
    • How long they’ve lived at the property: if a tenant has lived in the property for a long time, it can often be a positive sign that the property is well managed.

• What is an inventory in a rental property?

  An inventory is a document that lists the furniture, appliances and condition of items included in the property at the start of the tenancy. Items and their condition will be checked against the inventory when you come to move out.

• Should I view a rental property more than once?

  If possible, yes. A second viewing can help you check things you may have missed and see the property at a different time of day.

• Can I ask for repairs before moving into a rental property?

  Yes. If you notice issues during the viewing, ask whether repairs will be completed before you move in. In some cases, you may include repair requests as part of your tenancy offer.