Going to be renting a house,what questions should i be asking the estate agent who shows me round?

Answer 1

It's advisable to ask the following;

Who's responsibility is the following:
- Boiler
- Plumbing
- Electrical maintenence
- Gas maintenence
- Any fires you may have
- Any central heating you may have
- Any electrical appliance sthat may be fitted
- Any repairs and general maintenece

When is the following sorted out:
- Rubbish collection
- Recycling collection

It is advisable to also ask:
- Who to call if you have problems such as the need for repairs and how long do they usually take
- When is the rent due and how is it collected/paid
- Why the previous tenant left as there may have been an issue with neighbours or a lack of local ammenities
- If you have a car you may want to ask about parking and traffic flow in the area, espcially when you are leavig for work and returning home

It is also a must to ask to see
- Any tenanacy agreement
- Any details pertaining to the want of you to end your lease, or their rights to asking you to leave, such as period of notice
- Any details to if they have rules about animals, sub-leases etc
- Any details on if you are responsible for the outwardly maintenace of the property such as cleaning windows, garden etc
- Any details pertaining to their desire for you to clean the property in a certain manner prior to you leaving

Answer 2

You've received some very good advice here from other people. Beyond what they've written, I'd suggest that you ask to see a valid Corgi gas certificate on the boiler, central heating and any gas appliances. By law, it must be held with the letting agent, and it must be valid for the duration of your tenancy. Ask if you should carry buildings insurance, plus contents insurance, and if damage to walls or windows, etc., is covered by the landlord's policy. Ask how long the previous tenant lived at the property; this will give you an idea if the neighbourhood is unfriendly or unsafe. If the previous tenancy was for less than 6-months, ask why. Ask who pays the council tax; many landlords prefer to pay this themselves so that they county doesn't file a lien against the property for non-payment. If it's included, ask how much it is so you get a true picture of the actual monthly rate. Ask that walls and window dressings be freshened at the landlord's expense; it's tax deductible for the landlord so it's not a big ask. Find out where the nearest A&E is located and where the nearest NHS Walk-in Centre is located. Same goes for the post office, local surgery, schools and train stations.

Happy house hunting!

Answer 3

Do you really think they will be truthful. Check the legal terms, then drink some water (take a glass), look for mold or dark spots, check the ceiling in the closets and look for water leaks, check the plumbing, turning on faucets and flushing toilets. Go there at night and check out the neighborhood in the night time hours. Go on line and check out everything you can about the area. Ask who pays to change the furnace filters (should be changed monthly or every three months)........does it have central air? Are the utilities included in the rent. Ask some neighbors on a trip by yourself how they like living there and if the place is well maintained. If it is old, ask when the duct work was last or ever cleaned. Not only are you going there to live, but you want to live healthy. If you have children and it has vinyl blinds, find out their age. They no longer make (or not supposed to) the ones with lead in them. Think. Think. Think. Every question they answer for you, think what else you can ask. If they point out great points, assess that yourself and see if you can find a negative being hidden with a positive word. Hope you find a great place to live that is healthy also. Most people are not bad, but it's up to us to take care of ourselves.

Answer 4

Try and get a deal on the rent. There is a glut of rented property on the market, and some of the rat holes I viewed were not worth the rent. Be bold, you have nothing to lose. Let the agent think you have something else to view in a better area at a slightly less rent. Worked for me. I got £75.00 a month off.

Answer 5

Firstly go with the agent through the place you want to rent, and make notes of everything that is broken or do not work . Let the agent sign these notes. This is very important .

Answer 6

You need to know:
The terms of tenancy, ie, 6 months, 12 months etc
How much notice to do you and the landlord have to give?
Who is responsible for upkeep of garden?
Who is responsible for any maintenance in the house? This includes routine (such as decorating) and emergency (such as a burst water pipe).
How much rent/deposit/security and how much notice will you be given of increases.
Method of payment (ie direct debit, standing order etc).
Are you allowed to put up pictures, install SKY, install a phone line etc.
Is the property furnished, part-furnished? If so, will it suit your needs/taste? If not, can you store it (remember this will cost)?
Who will be responsible for house and/or contents insurance?
Who will inspect the house and how often during your tenancy?
What happens if you fall on hard times, ie, lose your job, have to go into hospital etc?

Good luck.

Answer 7

ask them everything and anything and make sure that whatever they say you get in writing!!! i rented a furnished flat that had too much furniture in it so i asked the agent if we could have it removed, he said that was fine and 6 months later i've still got two massive sofa chairs taking up space because the landlord refuses to move. esate agents are sneaky and they will lie about everything so make sure any agreements or answers to important questions are written down. good luck.

Answer 8

What is included in the rent? How will repairs be handled and in what time frame? Will your deposit be held in a special account that pays interest to you after one year (required by law)? Can walls be painted? If you make your own repairs will you be reimbursed the cost of the repairs?

Answer 9

How long's the contract?
What's included in the rent?
How much on average are the utility bills?
What band is the council tas?
How much is the bond/rent?
Could you decorate, if so do you have to paint it back to the original colours that are there at the time of rental?
Pets, if you have one?

Answer 10

Ask to see the History of the property.

They are duty bound to give you a portfolio documenting the properties history. This should contain info. regarding anti-social behaviour reports and other similar data.

No point taking oover a lease if you're moving next door to unruly neighbours.