The Best Questions To Ask Your Estate Agent When Looking For A Home To Rent
As a tenant when looking for a property to rent in Willesden Green your focus can easily be distracted by the price, while other key considerations are forgotten about in the process. Below are ten questions to ask an agent when looking for a home to rent.
Are there additional costs?
When moving into a Willesden Green property it is important to ask if the monthly rental costs are inclusive of additional bills for things such as council tax, heating and electricity. There may also be extra service charges if moving into an apartment block, so enquire about this too.
What are the deposit details?
The deposit will be the largest sum of money you’ll need to find to move into a new property and can sometimes be up to six weeks’ worth of rent. Ensure you know how much this will be and what sort of deposit protection scheme the landlord uses. It is now a legal requirement for landlords to be signed up to one of three government backed protection schemes.
Are there additional service bills?
Always check there is adequate heating as all properties must legally by energy rated E. Get an idea of what monthly, or quarterly electric and gas bills might be, as they can be higher in older properties with less insulation.
What are the contract clauses?
Take time to read the contract to see what restrictions may be in place. Are you able to own a pet, or sub-let the property to someone else in Willesden Green? What sort of freedom do you have to redecorate? Even if the contract says no, there might be room for negotiation before moving in.
Is the property secure?
Properties in Willesden Green, especially those on the ground floor, need to feel secure at all times. Check for good locks on all the windows and the front door. Is the door thick enough with a strong lock that works well? This will all affect the price you pay for additional contents insurance.
What is the condition of the property?
The state of your property in Willesden Green should be recorded by the landlord before you move in so you can both agree on its condition. Make sure everything is covered and that nothing is missing, as if issues are spotted at a later date the tenant is more likely to be held responsible for them.
Who manages the property after I’ve moved in?
Find out who is managing the property in terms of repairs. Sometimes the landlord will employ someone you can contact directly, such as a managing agent. Do they have out-of-hours support in Willesden Green if you need emergency help such as plumbing or heating issues? Is the managing agent part of a professional body that will make them more secure to use. Is the landlord managing the property themselves, if so find this out from the agent.
Is there enough storage space?
Having enough space to store away extras is important in any property. This should be on your list of things to take note of when searching for a property. It can be easily missed, but make sure there is good storage in the kitchen, bedrooms and hallways as a minimum.
Will there be an internet connection already installed?
Not every new property in Willesden Green comes with a fast broadband connection that is ready to use straight away. You may need to have it installed, which can take 2-3 weeks to organise. Ask about the type of internet facilities available before you move in.
Who takes care of external features?
For properties in Willesden Green that feature a back or outdoor garden, enquire who is responsible for maintaining it. This is important for shared gardens and community spaces in front of blocks of flats, as it may be the responsibility of the residents to keep it in good condition.
Looking to for a home to rent in Willesden Green?
If you’re thinking of renting property in Willesden Green or the surrounding North West London area get in contact today and our team will help you through the renting process.