Before you commit to becoming a tenant, it is important to look over a draft contract first. Looking over this draft contract will help you to understand what the landlord expects from you, as well as what your rights and responsibilities are. If anything is unclear or requires clarification, you should then ask the necessary questions to find out the information you need – it’s important that you are fully informed. For example, your contract should clarify your deposit, the cost to rent, any non-refundable fees, the cost of the utilities, the lease duration and other details about the bills you or your landlord have responsibility for. If anything is unclear or you’d like to further your understanding, you must ask.
Again, before committing to renting the property, you should ask any safety-related questions if the relevant information has not already been provided. Some of this information can be provided when viewing the property. For example, you should check that the necessary alarms, such as carbon monoxide alarms, are fitted, that gas safety certificates and boiler service details are provided, that gas and electrical safety is explained, and that an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is available. This information ensures that the property you will be living in is safe and meets all the necessary standards.
You should also ask questions about the insurance your landlord already has, and the insurance you will need to protect your personal property on the premises. Contents insurance will allow you to do this. Your landlord may already have cover, but this will only protect the items that they own, such as appliances and furniture. You should also ask your landlord about the insurance they have, such as accidental damage cover and alternative accommodation cover, in the unfortunate event that the house becomes uninhabitable. Asking questions about the insurance your landlord has is crucial – you’ll know what you’re protected for, and which insurance you should invest in.
We also advise having a copy of the Government’s How to Rent Guide for more information about rules and rights. This will help you to determine the questions you need to ask and the information you need to find out. We understand that asking the right questions and obtaining the right information can be stressful. If you’re looking to rent in Bury, Radcliffe, Ramsbottom or Burnley, the estate agents at JonSimon will help you to find the information that you need so that you can make the right decisions. A rented property is still your home, and you deserve to be safe, secure and happy there.