Before you begin searching for a house to rent, you should determine what you are looking for in a rental property. You must determine where you want to live, the type of property you want, your monthly budget (as well as deposit money), and the amenities that you want to be nearby.
These requirements include:
- Preferred location – amenities nearby, in the city, or in the country
- Type of rental property – house, room, studio, or flat
- Length of expected tenancy
- Unfurnished or furnished rental
- Rooms needed – bedrooms, bathrooms, etc.
- Parking – on-street or off-street parking
- Land – garden or no garden
Setting a Budget
Determine a manageable budget. When you speak to a letting agent, the rental price could be stated as a weekly rate or a monthly rate. Avoid looking at properties that are rented for more than you can comfortably afford because this could tempt you to rent a home for more than you can afford.
In addition to budgeting for your rental costs, you need to make sure other related expenses are also budgeted in. These expenses may include:
- Renters insurance – This insurance covers the contents of your house. Renters insurance should be arranged when you sign a lease and will cover all of your personal belongings located inside the property.
- Council tax – This tax is your responsibility; ask the landlord or agent for an estimated cost of this tax.
- Service charges and utility bills – If your property is a serviced apartment, there may be a charge. Ask the landlord or rental agent if the service charge is included in your monthly rent or if it is an additional charge.
- Deposit – The deposit is typically one month’s rent and is due when you sign a lease.
- Removal costs – This is the charges that a removal company charges.
- Storage costs – using somewhere like Blue Box Storage can be a good way to keep your belongings and furniture safe.
Location
When it comes to deciding on a location, there are several things to consider. You will need to prioritise the amenities that are most important to you. Determining your ideal location before you begin looking for a rental will save you time.
Other Things to Consider
One of the advantages of renting is the numerous options available. Your current life stage and your circumstances should be taken into account. When searching for a property, you should consider the following:
- Sole tenancy – A house or a flat that offers sole tenancy means that you will be the only tenant of the property.
- Share tenancy – The property will be occupied by other tenants. Or, you will share the space with other people and split the rent.
- Lodging – You will rent a room from a property owner who resides in the property.
- Purpose built rental accommodations – This type of rental property has communal areas like onsite gyms and concierge desks.
Rental properties can be offered as either furnished or unfurnished. The landlord may allow you to decide if you want the property furnished or unfurnished.
Letting agents
- When choosing a letting agent, make sure they are a member of the Association of Residential Letting Agents. This association has a code of conduct that must be adhered to.
Contact several letting agents
- Contact several letting agents in the area to ensure you find all available properties that are currently being offered for rent.
Costs
- Once you have found the rental property that you want, your letting agent will charge an administrative fee. This fee will be used to handle all administrative work, including checking references.
- The cost of this can range from £25 to £150. The cost will depend on the location of the property and the agent.
- Additionally, a deposit may be required to hold the property. This deposit can range from £50 to £200. The deposit will be deducted from your first month’s rent.
- Because the charges can vary, ask your letting agent about these charges before you decide to use the letting agent.
Viewing Properties
You can avoid wasting time by ensuring the property that you agent has suggested that you look at meets your requirements. Viewing unsuitable properties not only wastes your time, but it can also cause you to miss out on the perfect property.
