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10 Top Questions Tenants Should Ask Before Renting
Tenants should ask certain questions before renting. This is to ensure that there are no unpleasant surprises.
The UK rental market can be fast-paced, therefore tenants should be cautious not to rush into a decision when it comes to finding their next ideal home.
Before signing an agreement, tenants should prepare a list of questions to ask their prospective landlord so that they are not caught off guard.
We’ve curated some key questions tenants should ask before renting:
What is included in the price?
It’s definitely a good idea to inquire about what is and isn’t included in the monthly payment you’re required to make. Ask to be sure about what you’re paying for rather than assuming (and being disappointed) when you don’t get the services you thought you paid for.
This also greatly helps with budgeting.
How will your deposit be protected?
Deposits are required for renting in the UK, and landlords have a legal obligation to protect tenants’ deposits. So it’s not a bad idea to ask how the landlord plans to do so, as there are several options to doing this. This is simply to reassure you that your deposit is secure!
Who is responsible for what?
You must be clear about your responsibilities for the property that you intend to transform into your ideal home. Who will be in charge of general maintenance, repairs, and garden and common area care, for example, so you know who is in charge of what?
It is always a good idea to be aware of these details otherwise your deposit may be held back at the end of your tenancy if you fail to maintain the property!
Who is going to be in charge of the property?
This is vital because you need to know who you can communicate with directly. Is it the landlord or a property management/letting team, for example? This is simply so you know who to contact directly if something goes wrong.
Can I change the decor?
Check whether or not you are permitted to redecorate the new rental property. For some people, it is important to change things up or around to create an ideal home. This can entail a lot of changing things in the apartment. You should be sure about where your landlord stands on this before you spruce things up (especially if it is dramatically). If you don’t want to lose your deposit, we have some suggestions for redecorating here.
What is the landlord’s policy on pet ownership?
You should understand your prospective landlord’s position on allowing pets in the rental property. Despite the fact that many landlords have a ‘No Pets Allowed’ policy, you may be able to negotiate a deal. But you should seek clarification.
Is there parking available?
This is a top question, particularly among car owners. Ask if there will be designated parking for everyone. You can also ask if parking will be on the street or on a first-come, first-served basis.
Even those who do not own a car can request the same when they have visitors or delivery services. This is actually one of the top questions tenants should ask before renting
Is the property safe and in a safe neighbourhood?
You will have to do this research yourself at some point. It never hurts to inquire about the security measures in place for the property. Inquire if any criminal activity has been reported in the area. If the property has ever been broken into for instance. (Also, start by looking into the area’s crime rate) for your overall safety.
Who are your next-door neighbours?
Even you can do this research on your own. It doesn’t hurt to ask your prospective landlord who your neighbours will be. Even a general description can help prepare you for your next-door neighbours’ tendencies.
What is it like to commute?
Knowing if your new home is close to a good mode of transportation can be useful, especially if you don’t own a car. You may well not take commuting convenience for granted.
Bonus:
What is the quality of Internet connectivity?
This is an important question to ask, especially in this day and age when many people still work from home. You shouldn’t take internet access for granted. Run a speed test to make sure that you won’t be cut off!
This blog post is not intended to constitute legal or financial advice.
