What are the 5 essential things to consider when renting your first house?

When it comes to renting your first home it can all feel a bit of a minefield. It helps to have a clear and concise list of what you need to look out for to make sure you are getting a great place that is safe, secure and meets your needs. Here are some tips on the kind of things you need to look out for / consider to ensure your money is well spent and you make a good, solid choice.

 

 

 

5 essential things to consider when renting your first house

Insurance

One thing you absolutely do want in place as a tenant is insurance have a peek at homelet.co.uk/tenants Obviously there all different types of policy you can get but essentially tenants contents insurance is designed to offer protection for people who rent their home; it covers your personal belongings from fire, theft and flood.  So this could include clothes/flood/accidental damage to landlords property and so on. Not only will this bring you peace of mind but it will also, if a problem does occur, make sure you are not seriously out of pocket.

 

Cleanliness

You obviously do not want to be renting a place that is mouldy and filthy but if its just a bit dingy do try and see past it. With a bit of elbow grease, you can easily get it shipshape BUT I would have to be asking why a good landlord would not have made it nice before you looked around? Keep your antenna up and stay on alert for how considerate and helpful your landlord is.

 

Location

It is so important that your rental home matches your location needs. No matter how nice the house you do not want to be miles and miles away from your work or college, nowhere near a bus stop and not a shop in sight especially if you don’t have a car. Do think through the locality too in terms of safety, being well lit, etc. and perhaps visit at different times of day to assess parking/noise etc.

 

Finances

Do be really clear in your dealings with your landlord that you need to know exactly what is covered in your rent in terms of bills. And do check – if you are going to be responsible for utilities ask to see past bills. Hidden costs can cause all sorts of issues.

 

Upkeep

Find out too if you are you responsible for the garden and the driveway, what if a door was to break or a mailbox to rust? What if the washing machine broke down? As well as monthly expenses knowing your responsibilities should things go wrong is really critical upfront so you don’t get any nasty surprises. Visit with, or preferably email a list of questions to your landlord and ask for the responses in writing so there is clear accountability.

 

Well, I hope these tips are helpful to you. When you have rented a few houses it may be automatic to address these issues/sort insurance, etc. but in all the excitement of your first rental, it can be easy to miss these vital points.

I hope it all goes well for you -just remember these essential things to consider when renting your first house and you can’t go far wrong.

 

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