Over the years, renting has become the preferred choice for many residents across the UK. According to Statista, 4.6 million households were privately rented in 2022. As with purchasing a home, there are several perks to renting a property. However, you may only enjoy these benefits if you take proper steps to ensure you make the right decision. This means you must consider essential factors before signing your contract and depositing. Here are four important questions you should ask before renting property, whether it’s an apartment, home, or townhouse.
- Is the property in an ideal location?
You may be getting an excellent deal on a rental property, which is great for your budget, but the other element you should consider is the location. The location plays a significant role in whether or not the rental property is an investment worth making. When considering location, consider elements such as available mode of transport and its frequency. It would help to consider the distance between the property and other vital areas such as your school, workplace, or hospital. The safety of the location is another aspect you should consider. A good deal on rent is not worth compromising your safety. Check online or ask residents in the area their opinion on how safe it is to gain information to make the right choice.
- Are the utilities up and running?
Imagine paying your rent, moving in, and then noticing that the heater isn’t working or there’s a problem with the electricity. A truly horrible situation! Unfortunately, this happens more often than not, so you need to check if the utilities in the home are up and running before you decide to rent. Take a tour of the property to examine the light switches, light fixtures, and bulbs around the home. Additionally, you should check the home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. Be sure fireplaces are well-ventilated, in good condition, and safe. You can suggest reputable companies such as Planika to the landlord if you need to change the fireplace. This would ensure all the needed changes are made before moving in. Be sure to report your findings to your landlord. If the damage is too significant, renting may not be a good idea.
- Is the plumbing in good condition?
According to Landlord Today, four in ten tenants have left their rental properties due to bad plumbing and leaky faucets. Inadequate plumbing systems are a real problem many UK tenants face. You can avoid falling within this demographic by simply turning on the taps and flushing the toilet during your walk-through of the property. It may not seem like much, but doing this may give you a reason to avoid committing to the property.
- What are the costs involved?
The cost of renting goes beyond the monthly charge you pay your landlord. You may need to incur other costs, such as renters’ and tenants’ insurance, exit, and renewal fees, maintenance fees, and so on. Consider these various charges to avoid making a financial commitment you are unprepared for.