Renting is often thought of as something done by people includingnewlyweds, before climbing the property ladder for the first time,but many homeowners opt to rent for periods of time while waiting tobuy to help them save for a deposit.
Choose the right property and agent, and renting can be a joy -the money might be paying someone else's mortgage, but freedom andthe ability to pass on responsibility is yours. On the other hand,take the wrong route and a tenancy can be six months or longer ofdaily stress and pain.
Here's our top ten tips for renting your first home, to make theletting experience more enjoyable.
Research the right area Always spend plenty of time investigatingthe area you are thinking of moving to, of course, the advantage ofrenting is that you can move when your tenancy is up, but don'tthink too short-term - make sure this is the area you want to livein. If you have children make sure you look into the local schoolsand not just the nearest one - you may not be guaranteed a place.The best way to get a feel for an area is to visit and walk thestreets/area. Your can search www.findaproperty.com for propertiesin the area and local infor mation.
Talk to the professionals Talk to the main professional lettingagencies, like Lovelle Bacons, for advice and properties to let, aswell as the local paper and internet for a full range of homes tolet.
Take your time viewing Looking around rental properties can be abit of a "whistle-stop" tour, but if you find somewhere you likedon't just give it a two minute once over.
Check everything carefully. Ask yourself questions - does it havecentral heating, plumbing for a washing machine and are the windowsin good condition? These can all be forgotten in the heat of themoment. Make a checklist to take with you when viewing propertiesyou really like.
Ask agents about fees Before you make an offer, ask the agentabout fees for references and credit checks and where these fees arerefundable, if you change your mind.
Choose flatmates carefully If you are looking at renting withothers, choose who you live with carefully. Make sure you work outyour budget and how bills will be paid.
Get the best deal Whether you are dealing with an agent or alandlord, it's important to remember you hold the upper hand. Theywant to rent out the property and if it is empty when you view theywill be eager to get someone in as soon as possible. Make an offer.
Set up payments properly Being a tenant who doesn't pay on timeis the best way to ensure your landlord or agent won't go out oftheir way to help you.
Getting all the finances sorted properly and having the deposit,first month's rent and subsequent rent arrive on time will mean thatyou are immediately onside with the people you need to call if theplumbing goes or you want a new oven.
Do a full inventory Don't be tempted to skip through theinventory and move in as soon as you can.
If you don't go through everything with a fine-toothed comb, thenyou are leaving yourself open to cash being taken from your deposit.
It's not just furniture and contents that need checking, note ifcarpets and curtains have been steam-cleaned and check the softfurnishings' condition. In the first few days of moving in, take anote of all the problems you spot and let the agent or landlordknow, preferably in a letter or email then you have a copy shouldthings go wrong.
Speak up over problems Landlords are not psychic. Don't be shy inreporting any difficulties, having fixed at no cost to you is one ofthe privileges of being a tenant. A good landlord will alsoappreciate knowing if something needs doing - after all, its theirinvestment you live in.
Don't let deposit go easily It shouldn't happen but it does. Somelandlords and agents, whether renting out shared digs or a familyhome, try and cash in one departing tenant's deposits. By law theymust prove the exact cost of every deduction.
Do not be fobbed off and do not be fooled by bluster. A depositmust be registered and you must get details of where your deposit isheld.
Local housing allowance THE weekly rates are: Shared room ratePounds 51 1 Bedroom (self-contained) Pounds 75 2 Bedroom Pounds 90 3Bedroom Pounds 95 4 Bedroom Pounds 132 ? Most people under the ageof 25 with no dependants, or people over 25 who choose to live inshared accommodation, are likely to receive the shared-room rate.
The LHA category is based on the number of bedrooms your familyrequires, not the size of property you rent. This is a means-testedbenefit and the rates shown are the maximum entitlements.
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