Go paper-free
Amend paper-free preferences for your statements and communications.
Questions to ask when viewing a rental property
Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions
There’s a lot to think about to make sure you’re making the right choice when looking to rent a home.
Once you sign on the dotted line, you’ll have to stay there for your minimum agreed term on your contract.
What are the responsibilities of the tenant and the landlord?
When moving into a rental property, it’s important to know who’s responsible for what.
If something goes wrong with the property, you’ll need to know what you and the landlord are responsible for.
- Who is the point of contact if there are any issues or emergencies?
- Is there a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector?
- How strong is the internet connection in the area?
- What will the state of the property be when I move in?
- If someone is living there and they cause any damage, will this be fixed before moving in?
- Will the property be thoroughly cleaned? Useful to take pictures when moving in as evidence.
What are the neighbours like?
When you’re viewing a property, you won’t get to see what it’s like to live there 24 hours a day, so ask the current tenants if possible.
Try to visit at different times of the day to get a better feel for the area and see if noise levels rise in the evening.
- What is the area like? Is it mainly students, families or working professionals?
- Can the street or building be noisy?
- Who lives next door and what do they do?
Can I redecorate or have a pet?
Some landlords might let you decorate, but others won’t and there are often limits on the scale of changes you can make. Ask about this when viewing the property – and make sure you like the décor if you can’t change it.
- Can I paint the walls?
- Will I be able to hang pictures?
Most listings will say whether pets are allowed, but you should check anyway.
Some landlords are willing to negotiate depending on the type of pet. And if you’re willing to cover the cost of any potential damage or cleaning.
What are the local amenities and transport links?
It’s important to know how accessible the area is if you commute to work or enjoy going out at the weekend.
- Where are the local bus stops and train stations?
- How much does it cost to get a taxi to and from the town centre?
Parking spots can be charged separately to the property, and purchased through the council, so be sure to ask about this.
- Is there a parking spot included?
- Can you park on the street if not?
You’ll also want to think about what you can’t live without. Like a supermarket, local shop, restaurant or pub.
What comes with the property?
Most rental listings will state whether the property is furnished or unfurnished, but this can mean different things.
Sometimes, an unfurnished flat might still come with a cooker and fridge while others may not include any white goods.
If you’re viewing a property while the current tenant is still there, make sure you check what will be left when they move out. Always get a written list of what’s included before signing the tenancy agreement.
This can be helpful for budgeting as you’ll know the items you need to buy or save up for before moving in.
What is the heating and water like?
There’s nothing worse than moving into your new place and finding the heating takes hours to heat up or the shower only dribbles lukewarm water.
Always make sure you ask about the heating and check the water pressure.
- How old is the boiler?
- When was the boiler last checked?
- Is the heating instant or do you have to use storage heaters?
How long is the tenancy and what’s the deposit?
Most tenancy agreements have a time limit on them to protect the landlord and the tenant. This might be short-term, over several years or be open-ended with a minimum notice period for both parties.
- How long is the tenancy for?
- How long is the rent fixed at the agreed price?
- How much is the deposit and when will I get it back if I move?
- Is there anything else you think I should know?
You might also like
