Seven Super Tips for People Looking to Rent Property in Elmbridge
We speak with many prospective tenants who look for places to rent in Elmbridge and here are seven super tips we give all of them.
It makes their lives easier and means our landlords know that any tenants that come their way are fully aware of the process and obligations involved in renting privately.
- Work out what you can afford
How much can you afford without putting undue pressure on your monthly income? Don’t forget to consider utility bills, living expenses and council tax. In addition, you will need to budget five weeks’ rent as the amount to be put down as security deposit for the length of the tenancy.
- Finding a suitable home to rent
We’ve blogged about this before and as we’re specialists in Elmbridge we genuinely believe it’s a great place to live and work. Make sure the property fits your lifestyle.
We’re here to help and encourage prospective tenants to ask any questions they have as this will help them choose the right property for them.
- Applying for a property you want to rent
Once you’ve found a property you like you’ll be asked for a holding deposit while formalities and checks are carried out. The checks include credit history, immigration status, employment and previous rental history.
If all the checks come through ok a contract to lease the property will be drawn up for you to look at and make sure you’re happy with it.
- The deposit, inventories and monthly payments
Once you have signed the contact you can move onto the next stages of the process.
All properties need deposits put down on them. These can vary in amount but at James Neave we will always make the amount clear from the start of your interest in the property.
Once a deposit is made an inventory can be arranged on the property.
An inventory protects you and the landlord. We use an experienced company to carry these out on our behalf.
At this point it’s a good idea to set up a direct debit or standing order to pay your monthly rent.
- At the end of the tenancy
When the tenancy period is nearing its end, you can ask if the landlord will agree to renew the tenancy (the amount of the rent may change) or you can leave the property. If so, arrange to move out by the agreed time on the agreed day.
Make sure the property is clean and tidy and in at least the same condition as when you moved in. On the moving day, the inventory should be checked at the property by the landlord, their agent or an independent clerk, with you in attendance, and it should be signed off by you as correct before you vacate. Take a note of the meter readings for gas and electricity and apply for final billing. Don’t forget to arrange with Royal Mail to redirect mail to your new address (ensure the redirection is specifically for mail in your name).
- Repaying your deposit
Shortly after you move out, you will receive an account from the landlord or their agent detailing the charges for dilapidations, if any, that you agreed when the inventory was reviewed during the check-out. Providing you agree the amounts, the balance of your deposit should be returned without delay.
As we’ve said before it’s important you go into becoming a private tenant with your eyes wide open and feeling fully informed.
If you have any questions about the lettings process whatsoever please do not hesitate to contact us.
Thanks for reading,
Thanks for reading and if you have any other property related questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us – we’d love to help you.
James Neave the Estate Agents
PS: If you want to let your property quickly, professionally and cost effectively call James Neave and our team on 01932 221 331 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for honest, expert and friendly advice.
