Viewing
Always view in daylight hours as then you can spot problems and also can see how much natural light enters the property. When you go to view the property take the following with you.
- A family/ partner or friend: This is for 2 reasons, one is safety and the other is for a second opinion.
- Pen and paper: So you can note anything about the property such as work to be done or any answer to questions that you have asked the vendor.
- Digital camera: As you do not have the cost of film, why not take some pictures so that once you have left you can review what it was like, as you probably will find other things from the photo that you did not realise when you was viewing the property.
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During the viewing you may want to ask the following questions. |
| 1. |
Council rates. Don't forget you can get this from www.upmystreet.com. |
| 2. |
Water and sewage rates. Sometimes this is the same company and therefore included all in 1 bill however can be separate bills. |
| 3. |
How is it heated? |
| 4. |
How much it costs to heat. That is an estimate of gas and electricity bills. |
| 5. |
Can they have cable? |
| 6. |
Are they in range to have ADSL. You can find this by entering the postcode on any good internet service providers' website. |
| 7. |
What are the neighbours like? |
| 8. |
Have they found a property? |
| 9. |
If the property is a flat then other questions you can ask are |
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| 1. |
Do you have share of the Freehold |
| 2. |
Is there a ground rent |
| 3. |
What is the frequency and amount of the maintenance charge? This covers things like cleaning of the common areas such as the entrance |
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| 10. |
What is included in the price such as curtains, carpets, washing machine etc. |
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| If you are in an area that moves fast you may have to make an offer within the next few hours, otherwise you may loose the property if you are sure this is the one. If it is a private sale then talk to the property vendor and give them your offer. |
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| Making an offer to rent |
If you have not already done some research the area then now is the time before you start paying money out. |
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Once you have found a property to rent a good landlord will do the following. |
| 1. |
Go round with the landlord to do a inventory check and for both of you to sign and date it on the day you move in. If more then one person is renting the property make sure that all name and sign. This should be done on the day you move in. |
| 2. |
Make sure all name sign and date the assured shorthold tenancy agreement.< |
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If the above is not done then insist on it as it saves problems when you ask for your deposit back at the end of the agreed term. |
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The landlord also has responsibilities such as |
| 1. |
Gas installations such as your boiler have to be tested by a Corgi registered engineer either once a year and when you re-let to new tenants. A copy should be given to the tenant. |
| 2. |
Comply with fire safety regulations by providing fire exits, smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. This will depend on the type of property that you are letting out so check with the local council. |
| 3. |
Furniture must comply with the 1988 fire and safety regulations. |
| 4. |
If the building was built after 1992 it must have smoke alarms on every floor. |
| 5. |
Water supply and waste removal pipes must be kept in good working order. |
| 6. |
External maintenance is also the responsibility of the landlord who must give you a UK contact address. |
| 7. |
Repairs are the responsibility of the landlord. |
| 8. |
Register with a
deposit protection scheme (new window) for new rentals after 6th April 2007. |
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When you have moved in |
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Just before you move into your new property you will probably want to get all your payments in order. Below is a general list of items that will require you attention. |
| 1. |
Telephone: Change this into your name |
| 2. |
Gas: Change this into your name. |
| 3. |
Electric: Change this into your name. |
| 4. |
Contents insurance |
| 5. |
Water rates |
| 6. |
Sewage rates |
| 7. |
TV Licence |
| 8. |
Council Tax |
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