Renting is a solution that many enjoy and many more people are opting to rent in recent years. It can however still be difficult to find the right property to rent and understand all the costs associated with renting. Luckily, our experts at JonSimon have created a comprehensive guide to renting to help you understand how to rent a house or flat.
Looking to rent in the northwest? Get in touch with us today and explore properties in Burnley, Ramsbottom and Radcliffe.
The first step to renting is to find a property that suits you. To do this you’ll need to determine the area you want to live in, the type of property you want to live in and your space requirements. You might want to live near schools, have access to easy transport routes or be close to your job or family. Whatever your needs, once you identify them you can begin searching for properties that fit the bill.
Browse through a range of available properties to let and narrow your choice down to a few options. Remember to do extensive research on the property market and read up on local amenities. Once you know what you want it’s time to take the next steps.
When you rent privately, the landlord will usually expect you to pay what is known as a security deposit. If the landlord uses an estate agency or a property agent, then they will handle the deposit and the paperwork between you and the landlord.
A deposit covers the cost of any damage you might cause to property and avoids the landlord charging you additional costs to fix the issues. If there is no damage to the property at the end of your tenancy your deposit will be returned in full.
The landlord must protect your deposit in an authorised tenancy deposit protection scheme. The scheme ensures the safety of your money by making landlords hold deposits in accounts separate from their personal bank accounts.
It’s also possible to opt for deposit-free renting if you can’t afford to pay a lump sum. This however gives you less security as a tenant and if any damages occur in the property you will be expected to pay for them. You also won’t be covered by a deposit protection scheme.
There are two main ways to rent a property: directly through a private landlord or via an estate agent.
If you let directly from a private landlord they will take full responsibility for their property and the admin that comes with letting. The UK government recommends looking for landlords that belong to an accreditation scheme as this provides them with all the training and support to fulfil their responsibilities properly.
Your landlord has a range of responsibilities like ensuring the property is safe to inhabit and has gas, electric and fire certificates.
If you’re a landlord looking to rent out your property, we also have a landlords guide to renting to help you on your way to letting.
With an estate agents like JonSimon, you have an extra level of security when renting. An estate agent handles all everything from arranging a viewing to collecting your deposit and handing over the keys to your new property. You won’t have direct communication with the landlord but we have dedicated teams with experts on hand to assist in lettings, sales and property maintenance.
Once you’ve found a property you like, it’s time to arrange a viewing. If you choose to go through an agency, they’ll show you around the property and answer any questions you have.
To help you get the best property for you, we’ve included some key factors to look out for in this tenant guide to renting:
A maintenance checklist is also a handy resource for both landlords and tenants to ensure any issues are noted and can be resolved quickly.
If you’re set in a property it’s time to submit your application and sign your tenancy agreement. This agreement outlines the rules of your tenancy including the period of letting, how many occupants will be living there and the amount of rent due each month. This contract is legally binding for both landlords and tenants.
A move-in date will also be established in your tenancy agreement and once your contract has been signed you’ll need to pay your deposit. Some landlords request that the first month’s rent be paid on moving in but usually, your rent is due one month from the agreed start date.
Congratulations! You’re now officially a new tenant. Now you’re all moved in it’s time to enjoy your new home, but there are still some important things to take care of.
Although your landlord covers maintenance, you’re responsible for setting up household bills including the following:
You’ll also need to make sure you change your address with your bank, and on your IDs so that any post is sent to your new address.
If you have any other questions or queries that might not have been answered in tenants guide to renting we also have a handy renting faqs page full of common questions from fellow renters.
We hope you’ve found our how to rent guide useful and if you’re ready to take the first steps to renting a property, what better way than with JonSimon. Get in touch with our team today for more information about any of our listings or for any queries you might have about renting.
If you live in or around Radcliffe call us on 0161 723 1155, if you’re in the Ramsbottom area ring us on 01706 489 966, finally, if you live in Burnley you can contact us by ringing 01282 427 445.
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