If you are looking to rent a property for the first time, it is likely to be an exciting period in your life, but you should also look to make the process as simple as possible. Here are some tips for first time renters that should help you settle in quickly and easily.
Know what you can afford
One mistake that many first time renters make is not knowing what they can afford to pay each month. It is one thing being able to pay the rent on a monthly basis but there are many other costs associated with being a tenant. You need to make sure you can afford heating bills, council tax, TV licence, internet connection and any other bills associated with the home. This is before you even think about food, transport costs or socialising, so when you are renting for the first time, work out your budget and know how much you can afford to spend.
Know your rights
As a tenant you have rights and it is important that you are aware of these. This means you should look at your local council website or ask an estate agent what rights you hold. You’ll find that tenants have an increasing number of rights regarding their stay in a property and have a higher degree of protection from landlords kicking them out without good reason.
Know the rights of your landlord
You should also be aware of the rights of your landlord. While a landlord has a right to view the property, they are required to provide you with sufficient notice of their intention to visit the property. Your landlord will also be expected to provide suitable safety provisions, so make sure you know what your landlord should provide you with.
Know the rights of others in the home
Many first time renters end up sharing the flat with other people. It is important to know what you are personally responsible for and what comes under a collective responsibility. Any tenant that holds the energy account in their name will be the person that the company pursues for non-payment, even if the bill is shared at the property.
View a home as though you were looking to buy a property
When you are looking for a home to rent, don’t look at property with the attitude of “it is just a home to rent”. You should be looking for a home that you want to live in and where you can see yourself staying for a period of time.
Ask for an independent inventory list
One of the most important documents for any tenant is the inventory list. This is a list of all of the items in the house at the time of entry and of their condition. Requesting that this list is compiled by an independent adjudicator and then agreed upon by all parties can help minimise problems later on.
Know how to deal with noisy neighbours and disputes
If you are bothered by neighbours or issues in the local area, make sure you know who to report them to and what you can do about it. Engaging with neighbours in an inappropriate manner can escalate issues and it may see you being asked to leave the property.
Save space where you can
Space is a valuable commodity in all properties, including rented properties. You should be looking to create as much space for yourself as you can which means that space saving devices can be brilliant additions to your property.
Treat the home and landlord with respect
One of the most important things for any tenant to bear in mind is that they should treat the property and the landlord with respect. This will greatly impact on their ability to negotiate and without question, their ability to rent further properties in the future.
Now you’re clued up, this would be the perfect time to rent your property! Why not ask the team at Atwel James to assist, we have many properties available in the Northwest and will make sure your tenancy is an easy one.
