Renting a property in London could be quite a long journey particularly with higher demand every year, it is important for renters to be ready to make their lettings seamless and easy. As an experienced Estate agents in East London, here are some useful tips when
renting a property in London.
Do you really want to move?
Most people forget about the cost involved in changing their tenancies and moving into a new home.
Before making a decision, it is important to know the possible cost involved as below:
- Initial move in monies (one month rent + 5 weeks deposit as usual).
- Removal cost.
- End of tenancy professional cleaning.
- End of tenancy deposit deductions
- Possible rent increase
- Higher transport cost if you are changing zones.
- The time consumed while looking for a new rental property London.
Determine what you are looking for?
Rental properties in London come in different shapes and sizes and equally prices. Try to narrow down your requirements and be clear on what you really want. Ask yourself the below questions:
- How much you want to spend?
- Where do you want to live?
- What are your most important requirements.
- When do you want to move? –  Always look for a property 6-8 weeks before your ideal move in.
- How long do you want to rent for? – Â Minimum contract terms can vary at different times of year
- How’s the property market in London? – Carry out some online searches to have a fair understanding of the market.
What is included in your rent?
Usually, rental prices are exclusive of bills so make sure you have sufficient income and ask the actual tenants or the occupant about the energy consumptions.
You may also look into the below:
- The EPC for a property indicates likely energy costs and how to save money
- Students are exempt from council tax.
Prepare your references
You will be asked to provide tenant references upon securing a rental property London. Gathering all your references together puts you in an advanced position when you find your ideal property especially, when you’re competing with another offer.  Usually, you will need the following:
- Passport copy and proof of address.
- Valid proof of right to rent in the UK (Visa if applicable)
- Proof of income (Usually your income should be 2.5 times your annual rental value)
- Previous landlord reference.
- Character reference from a professional
Arrange some viewings
Where possible, always try to view the property in person. Some estate agents east London edit their photos top look better online. If you can’t view the property in person, at least ask for a video:
- Book viewings in advance – if a property is tenanted, we need to provide at least 24 hours’ notice.
- Try to arrange all your viewings within a short time window as sometimes properties will be let before you start your short list.
- Saturday viewings are popular so plan ahead if viewing at the weekend
- Always chick the kitchen appliances and run the shower!
Don’t be afraid to say no
Be honest and opened with your london estate agents . Remember, the more honest feedback you give, the quicker they will be able to help you. If you don’t like the property, make it clear to them and look for other properties that would suite your requirements.
Always ask what is included in the property
Usually, all rental properties in London come with white goods included. Furnished properties come with the main items of furniture including sofas, beds, dining table and wardrobes:
- Check before you secure a property if specific items are NOT included
- Ask to see the current check – in inventory.
How much will it cost to move in?
Usually, you will be asked to pay one month rent in advance and 5 weeks deposit, unless it was agreed to opt in the zero-deposit scheme where one week rent will be paid as a deposit.
Find out who manages the property
When you rent your property with Barrain property Advisors, some landlords will choose to manage their properties themselves, others will be managed by us. Always ask who will be managing the property during your tenancy.
Make sure to discuss all your requirements at the start.
It is important to discuss all your requirements and needs at the point of making an offer. Most tenants mistakenly assume the below:
- Pets, not all properties neither all landlords accept pets, it is important to ensure that the property is a pet friendly.
- Break clause. a lot of tenants assume that their tenancy will include a break clause. You will only have it if it was agreed and you asked for it. Poor credit history
- Adding or removing extra furniture, it is important to check that your tenancy agreement include any additional requests including furniture.
Arrange your internet connection and other utilities
Most tenants forget to pre arrange their internet connections before moving in. Usually, it takes 2-3 weeks to arrange for the connection. Hence, we advise all tenants to pre book their appointment s to a sooner date so once, they move in, they have their internet installed quicker.
Arrange some insurance
Landlords are responsible for insuring the property. However, it remains the tenant’s responsibility to have their own content insurance for their personal belongings.
For more information about rental properties in East London ,please don’t hesitate to contact Barrain property Advisors.