Before you start looking for a house to rent, you need to think about your requirements. You have to be clear about where you want to live, the type of property you are looking for and the amenities that you need to have. The budget will also be important and need to be considered before you start a search. Do your research and look at sites in your area, for example, serviced apartments Basingstoke.
List Your Requirements
You need to list your requirements such as the location and the type of property; The length of the tenancy and whether the property is furnished or not. The number of rooms, as well as the parking situation, will also need to be listed.
Set A Budget
You need to take the time to create a manageable budget and then stick to it. Properties will be listed with either their weekly or monthly rental price. You should avoid the temptation of looking at a property that is beyond what you are able to comfortably afford.
Other than the rental price, you will need to include other related expenses in your budget. These expenses will include your contents insurance which covers all your belongings and the council tax which you will be responsible for paying for. The service charge and utility bills which, need to be clarified with the landlord or agent particularly, if you are looking at a block of flats or serviced apartment.
The deposit will also need to be considered and will generally be a month’s rent. You should also budget for the removal costs.
The Location You Want
There are a lot of factors to consider when you look at the location of the property. You need to take the time to prioritise these factors before you start looking because this saves you from a number of issues in the future.
Other Rental Considerations
When it comes to renting a flat or house, the primary benefit is the number of options that are on the market. The problem is that what you can get will depend on your personal situation. When looking at any property, you need to consider what you actually want to get.
You could get a sole tenancy where you and your family are the only people in the property. You could also get a house or flat share where you rent a room in the property and share the common spaces with other people. The rent for these properties will be split between all the people living in the property.
Lodging is another option where you rent a room from a private person who also lives in the property. Purpose-built rental accommodation can also be considered and this will be a home with communal areas such as a gym or concierge.
There are many properties that are listed as being either furnished or unfurnished. There are also some properties where the landlord is flexible when it comes to which of these options you choose.
Letting Agents
If you are going to work with a lettings agent, you need to ensure that they are a member of the Association of Residential Letting Agents. These agents will have to adhere to a code of practice to remain a member. You should also consider contacting as many letting agents as you can in the location you are looking in. This will improve your chances of finding a property.
The Costs
It is important to note that once you have a rental property, the letting agent will generally charge an administrative fee. These fees can range from £20 to £150 or more depending on the property, location and agent. They might also ask for a holding deposit which will secure the property for you and will often be deducted from the first month’s rent. You need to establish all of these costs before your search.
Viewing The Property
Before you arrange to view a property, you need to clarify with the agent or landlord that it actually meets all of your requirements. This will ensure that you do not waste your time and spend time looking at an unsuitable property and missing the right one.
