Looking to rent a home? Tips for viewing.

Choosing to rent a home is a big decision. Before you agree to anything, you need to think carefully about whether a property is right for your needs, check that you can afford it and if you will feel safe living there.

Use the ten-point check-list to make sure you have asked all the right questions.

1.Can you afford the rent?
How much is your rent per month, and can you afford this? Check if you will have to pay a deposit and any rent in advance. Ask about the monthly bills such as gas, electricity, water and council tax – how much they’re likely to be and what’s included. Check if the landlord accepts housing benefits if this applies to you.

2.Understand the tenancy agreement.
How long is your tenancy agreement for? Is it a fixed-term contract for a set period of time (usually six months to a year)? Ask if there is a break clause and check the procedure for renewing or ending your tenancy.

3.Check the exterior of the property.
Make sure the outside of the property is in good condition. Look for loose roof tiles, leaking pipes and gutters, crumbling brickwork etc. If you see any problems, check if they will be repaired before anyone moves in, and ask how to report repairs when they are needed

4. Inspect the inside.
Are there any signs of dampness or condensation, such as mould on the walls or carpets, in your new home? Also check for signs of pests such as mice, rats and cockroaches. If you see any of these, the property could be a health hazard.


5. Communal areas.
Check if there are any communal areas such as a garden, entrance hall or stairwell. Ask who is responsible for them and if there are any hidden costs – some properties have a service charge for the upkeep of communal areas.

6. Focus on heating.
The biggest part of your energy bill is heating your home and water. Check what sort of heating the property uses and ask the landlord for an example or estimate of the monthly bill.

7. Furniture and appliances.
Check what furniture and appliances are provided (white goods such as fridge, freezer and washing machine) and whether they are in a usable condition. If you have furniture that you need to bring in, make sure the property is big enough for it. Use your inventory to record the state of everything that comes with the property.

8. Check the wiring and appliances are safe.
Your landlord should have electrical appliances checked every 12 months. Usually the electrician will put a sticker on the plug of each appliance saying when they were last checked. Keep your eye out for any fittings that are loose from the wall. Find out more about electrical safety.

9. Ask about gas safety.
All gas appliances such as boilers, cookers and heaters need to be checked every 12 months. Ask the landlord for the record of the safety check. They should be able to show you a certificate of gas safety provided by a Gas Safe Register engineer within the last year.

10. Don't rush into making a decision.
Have you decided that this is really the place for you, and do you think you'll get on with the landlord? If you take on the property you need to feel you can approach the landlord if anything goes wrong or needs repairing. Find out how best to contact them, including in case of emergencies.