Tips for viewing a rental property

Like any moving process, finding an obtaining a rental property can be a stressful process. The competitiveness of the rental market often combined with a tight time frame in which to find a property can make for a strenuous endeavour. 

We've collected some tips and tricks for viewing rental properties that should hopefully make the process a bit easier for you.
 

Act quickly

The rental market is a lot faster than than buying, and demand for good rental properties is high. So that you don't miss out try to be the first to view and make sure you have the cost of a holding deposit ready in your account. You can set up email alerts from Hawes & Co that match you criteria so you'll always be up-to-date on the latest lettings.
 

Be prepared

Know exactly what is important to you in a property and be willing to compromise on some things. Have a list of questions ready for the agent and, if available during the viewing, the current occupier. It can be really easy to forget during the viewing itself.
 

Don't view alone

Never go alone. Take someone with you or attend the viewing with a letting agent. Safety must come first and you will have another pair of eyes to help.
 

Know the housemates first

If you are renting with others as a house share, make sure you meet all of your potential new housemates before committing. Living with others, especially if you don't know their quirks and peculiarities, can take a lot of patience. Try to get to know a bit about their lifestyle to see if it will fit with yours. There's nothing worse than being halfway through a fixed-term contract and hating your living environment.
 

Know the costs

If you can, request to see the utility and council tax bills so you know what to expect. Ask if anything is included in the rent. If sharing, discuss and agree how the bills are split. Make sure you account for these bills when planning out your budget.
 

Check what's included

If the rental property is advertised as furnished, ask exactly what is included and check the condition of the furnishings. If some of them look a bit worse for wear, ask if the landlord can replace them before you move in.
 

It’s all in the details

Don’t forget to look at the finer details too. It is so easy to miss the little things when you are viewing a property for the first time and are focused on the big things such as a sunny garden or clean kitchen. Check that all of the doors have proper locks and are secure. Check the water is running properly in the kitchen and bathroom. Look to see that smoke alarms are fitted in the correct places, some recommend CO2 detectors too to monitor gas appliances for leaks.