3 Things To Consider Before Renting A Property *

*This is a collaborative post.

If you are looking to move and are considering renting a property, there are some things you need to consider beforehand. It’s important to give yourself enough time before moving in to ensure that you are finding a suitable place to live that works for you, and to avoid moving into a home that will make you unhappy. 

Quite often, people have one viewing of the property where they briefly look around, visualise themselves living there and quickly put down a deposit to avoid losing the property to someone else. However, it’s important not to rush into such a decision as you don’t want to be disappointed further down the line. In this post, we are going to look at three things you need to consider before moving home.

Is the Location Suitable?

One thing you should always consider before viewing a property is how long it will take you to commute. If you work remotely then this won’t be an issue but if you have to go to work each day and it doubles your commute time, it’s probably not worth it in the long run. It’s also worth checking what times public transport runs until as this could cause issues for you. Check if the area is in a safe neighbourhood and if there are good amenities nearby. Don’t be afraid to ask the letting agent questions, as places like The Realest Estate are knowledgable and dedicated to finding you the best property. 

Can you Afford it?

Work out what your budget is for rent and utilities to make sure you can afford a property before moving in. The last thing you want to do is sign a 12-month lease only to discover a month in that you can’t actually afford to live there. Don’t forget to look at how much council tax is, and how much the average bill is for water and electricity. Think about what heating the place has, or if it has double glazing as these are things that will start to add up eventually. 

What Changes can you Make?

When moving into a new place you quickly want to personalise it and put your own stamp on it. But when you rent a property it can be hard to do this as many landlords won’t allow changes to be made, or only slight changes. It’s best to check beforehand if you can paint the walls or hang pictures up, as some landlords can be more lenient than others. You may also want to check if you are allowed a pet. Trying to rent with a pet can be hard, and it’s best to be honest if you do have a dog or cat. It’s unlikely the landlord will change their mind later on during the tenancy.

If you are looking to move and rent a property, always be sure to check that it’s the right place for you. Don’t settle for somewhere that doesn’t make you happy, as the right suitable home could be the next place you view.