Uptown Real Estate Group: rent

Illustration: Brock Davis

Whenever you are thinking or looking at a property to rent, it is always advised to be prepared, organized and ready. Our team came up with a list of questions or things every prospective renter should take into account before choosing the perfect place to rent.

It doesn’t matter if you’re considering a house, a condo, a townhouse or an apartment; this will be your home in the near and foreseeable future, which is why although you will have an instant emotional reaction to the property, we recommend to always take into consideration a rational assessment of this potential future home. Take into consideration the inside and the outside, the local areas, the amenities, parking and general conditions along with the complete cost that will come with living in it.

Let’s talk about the inside:

Is the inside of the property in good condition?

Check for signs of damp, flaking paint or any kind of infestations.

Are any repairs needed?

Are there any broken items or furniture?

What type of heating is available in the property?

Does the heating/cooling system work properly?

What’s the state of the insulation?

Does the property have enough storage space for your personal belongings?

What’s the state of the electrical system?

Do all the appliances work?

Is the kitchen equipment in good condition? Is the kitchen comfortable enough?

What’s the state of the bathrooms? Does the shower work?

Are the sealants around the bath and shower intact?

Can you alter the property decoration?

Are there enough telephone and electrical points in the property? Are they in useful places to you?

Does it have Internet connection? What kind?

On the outside:

Is the outside of the property in good condition?

Are external doors secured?

Does the property have an alarm system?

Is there a surveillance system installed?

Is there a garden?

Who is responsible for the maintenance of the garden?

What is the area like?

Are there available and desirable amenities within easy reach?

What are the neighbors like?

What’s the neighborhood like?

Has the property ever been burgled or damaged?

Important safety checks:

Have all the appliances had safety checks? Is the paperwork available to view?

Do the downstairs windows (if any) have locks?

Is there an alarm in place?

Are there fire extinguishers and smoke detectors in the property?

Is there a landlord’s gas safety record available to view?

Does the property comply with the latest fire safety regulations?

Let’s talk money:

How much is the rent?

What does the rent include?

What other bills are you liable to pay for?

How much is the deposit?

What are the conditions for the landlord to deduct money from the deposit?

Estimated costs of running the property

Can you afford the rent, deposit and running costs?

Other general considerations:

If anything needs to be repaired, ask the landlord in writing

If the landlord agrees to make repairs on the property, get it in writing

Double-check the property’s inventory before you move in if it applies

Get a copy of the tenancy agreement and make sure you fully understand it

Get and keep your own signed copy of the tenancy agreement

Is it possible to ask previous tenants about their experience with the landlord and the property?

Check and take note of all the meter readings the day you move in

Of course, we will always advice to not do any of these transactions on your own. We are here to help. Give us a call and we will gladly assist you and answer your questions.

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