Renting a home is a significant step, so make sure the place you’ll be living in is good for you. Bring a list of questions with you to a viewing because it’s easy to forget to ask something important. When you’re caught up in the excitement of seeing a property. There is a slew of important things to ask landlords when considering renting from them, ranging from who to contact in an emergency to details on rent payments and utility bills. To make the process easier on you you can even take the help of letting agents in Knightsbridge who can ensure that the property suits all your requirement and is to your liking. When renting a home, there are a few questions you should ask. Here are some of the most important questions to ask a potential landlord before renting their house.
Who is the primary point of contact for me?
When renting a house, communication is crucial, especially in an emergency. One of the most important questions to ask your potential landlord is who will be your primary point of contact during your tenancy. If the landlord uses a letting agent’s management service, the letting agent will most likely be your principal point of contact. If your landlord manages the property, find out how they want to be contacted, whether it’s via email, phone, or text message, and if there are certain times when you should contact someone else.
What is included in the price of the property?
If the property you’re looking at is marketed as ‘furnished’ or ‘half furnished,’ inquire as to what exactly is included in the tenancy. Existing tenants may still be living in the house when you go for a viewing, making it difficult to tell what belongs to them and what you’ll get if you sign a rental agreement. So that you know what you’ll need to give if you move in, ask the landlord to describe what comes with the property. If you are looking for properties to rent in London, you can check with the local estate agent who can help you with the average rental price in the neighbourhood.
Is the rent inclusive of bills?
The majority of property listings should specify whether or not the primary utility expenses are included in the monthly rent. However, it’s worth enquiring with the landlord about bills for electricity, gas costs, bills for water and sewage, council tax on television licenses. You should also inquire about whether the rent includes WiFi and whether any TV subscription packages, such as Netflix, are available.
Is it okay if I redecorate?
You should never renovate a rental property without first getting permission from your landlord. However, while many landlords are opposed to tenants making cosmetic alterations to their homes, some may be more receptive if you ask first. When you’re out on a viewing, ask the landlord if this is something they’d be willing to consider. If they are, and you accept the tenancy, you should find out if your landlord would cover materials and come to an agreement on a colour scheme.
Is it okay if I have a pet on the premises?
If you want to keep a pet in your apartment, you should talk to your landlord about it before signing a tenancy agreement. Some landlords will list their apartments as pet-friendly, while others will have legitimate reasons for not allowing dogs.
Among the explanations could be:
The house is too small to accommodate a pet.
The property is leased, and the lease stipulates that dogs are not permitted.
There are no rules regarding pets in rental properties, therefore it will be up to your landlord to make the decision. However, the government wants to make it easier for tenants with pets to secure housing, so they’ve changed their standard leasing agreement to include an automatic provision for a pet. This means that landlords who use this agreement must give a valid justification within 28 days if they deny a tenant’s request to maintain a pet.
Am I in charge of the outdoor area?
The responsibility for maintaining the outdoor space that comes with a rental home should be explicitly stated in your leasing agreement. When you’re on a screening, though, you should always ask this question. If you don’t keep your leasing agreement’s gardens and outdoor spaces up to date, your landlord may remove money from your deposit. Furthermore, if the house has a large, high-maintenance yard, this may influence your decision to take on the tenancy if you’ll be responsible for its upkeep.
What is the property’s energy efficiency?
If you opt to rent the property, your landlord is required by law to supply you with a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). In order to lawfully rent out their property, it must have an EPC rating of at least ‘E.’ You should inquire about the property’s energy efficiency during a viewing. What is the expected cost of energy bills, and what actions has the landlord made to make the property more energy efficient?
When was the last time the boiler was serviced?
While your landlord is responsible for things like heating systems, it’s a good idea to inquire about the age and condition of the property’s boiler. Because a boiler breakdown is inconvenient for tenants, knowing that your boiler and heating system have been serviced and well maintained can provide you with peace of mind.
Is there parking on the site, and if so, do I have to pay for it?
A parking space is not always guaranteed when viewing a flat for rent in a metropolis like London. Inquire with your landlord about if the property includes a parking spot off the street or whether you’ll need a resident’s parking permit to park on the street. If this is the case, determine who is liable for the expense. Also, find out if the property has any visitor parking places and how they are assigned.
