Tenants Top Tips
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Contents
Tips for a trouble free time as a tenant
Top Tips When Viewing A Property
When you have decided on properties that you like, you can arrange a viewing of the property. Make the most of this opportunity by:
• Checking how well the property has been maintained - look at gutters, windows, roofs.
• Noting how much storage space there is.
• Checking to see how the place is heated and how well insulated it looks - this will affect your bills.
• Asking to see the gas safety certificate and operating instructions for electrical items. Are there enough sockets for your needs?
• Finding out which furnishings will be in the property when you move in. Does it meet the fire safety regulations?
• Running the taps, bath and shower, and flushing the toilet. Do they all work? Ask to be shown that the heating and hot water works - and that windows open.
• Ask yourself how secure it feels? Is there access from rear gardens and alleys? What are the locks like – many insurers require five lever mortise locks on all entry doors and window locks.
• For flats, asking if you have your own secure post box. How clean are common areas - how often are they cleaned and by whom? How are any common grounds maintained? If there is a vehicle space, what’s parked in it now - if there is a rust heap, ask when it will be cleared.
• Finding out how close the transport links are - is it an easy commute to work or university and how close are other amenities, shops, etc?
• Visiting at different times to establish how safe/quiet the area is
• Asking if road works are planned or new houses are going up nearby - this will add to noise.
• Talking to existing tenants (if they are still there) and neighbours. Ask them what it’s like to live there. Ask tenants what the landlord is like.
• If the landlord will be looking after the management, asking if you can meet him.
• What the schools are like - essential if you have kids
• Do they allow pets?
• Is smoking permitted in the property?
• When is it available from - and for how long?
Tips for a trouble free time as a tenant
• Never enter in to a tenancy unless there is a written tenancy agreement
• Get the phone numbers and email of whoever will be looking after the property so you can contact them if something goes wrong
• Keep a date record and a copy of all correspondence, including phone calls, and keep a copy of the agreement and inventory
• Check the tenancy agreement for any unfair terms, e.g. a clause that allowed the landlord to come in at any time without giving notice would be unfair
• If repairs need doing, be flexible and allow workmen to come in to the property - but confirm how long work will take first
• Don't sign up for a long, fixed-term tenancy agreement unless you really are sure you will stay that long - because if you leave early you'll probably have to pay until the end of the term
• If you have a problem, talk to the landlord or agent - most will be pleased to help and keep good tenants
• Where you are 'jointly and severally liable' with others for the rent, you can be pursued for the whole rent. So pick housemates you trust!
• Pay rent on time - normally one month in advance
• Pay other bills. In most long-term lets, you'll be paying council tax, utilities (including water), TV licence and telephone charges
• Respect neighbours - so no making noise, putting rubbish in the wrong place or obstructing common areas
• Look after the property.
Remember -
The agent's job might be to market the property, arrange signing of agreements and payment of the first month's rent and deposit. After that, you may find you are dealing directly with a landlord who will look after the management. However, most landlords tend to leave the management up to the letting agent.
The good news is that you are not expected to maintain the building - that's the landlord's job. But you should behave in such a way that the building is properly cared for.
Tips for when you move out
• Ensure that the property has been left in a good, clean condition throughout and all of your personal items have been completely removed.
• All items should be returned to exactly the same position as they are listed on the inventory.
• All windows, mirrors and glass items should be cleaned and polished.
• All woodwork, skirting, dado rails, picture rails, frames, shelving, cabinets etc should be cleaned and polished.
• All soft furnishings such as carpets, curtains, rugs and mattresses etc should be laundered/washed free of stain, ironed (where applicable) and left clean.
• All walls and ceilings should be dusted, wiped over (where necessary) and be free of excessive wear.
• All kitchen appliances including cookers, hobs, microwave ovens, toasters, washing machines, dishwashers, tumble dryers etc should be cleaned free of residues, grease and stains.
• All kitchen cupboards should be cleaned and emptied of your food and belongings.
• Fridges and Freezers should be emptied of food, cleaned thoroughly, defrosted, switched off and their doors left open.
• Cooker extractor fans should be cleaned and their filters changed.
• Bathrooms should be cleaned thoroughly and all sealant and grouting should be free of staining or mould.
• All light bulbs should be present and in working order.
• All picture hooks, tacks, screws, nails or other fittings installed by you should be removed and any damage should be made good.
• Gardens should be in a well maintained condition for the time of year, lawns should be cut and all garden implements should be clean and in working order.
• Any missing or damaged items should be replaced to match.
• A mail forwarding service should be set up by you to ensure that your post reaches you at your new address. Inspire Property Management cannot take any responsibility for any loss/missing post.