Advice for first time renters
From young singles moving into their own place for the first time to mature couples who are looking to downsize, renting offers lots of flexibility. It’s important not to rush your decision, as it can take time to find the right place for you. Taking the time to understand what’s involved is very important and will help make your first time renting a pleasant, positive experience.
If you’re a first time renter and looking for a new home, you probably have lots of questions. When should I start viewing properties? How do I decide where I want to live? How do I go about negotiating rent?…. Here at Square Space Property, we pride ourselves on great communication and honesty with our tenants from the get go. With this in mind, we’ve pulled together some advice for first time renters to help push you in the right direction and get you prepared for the exciting journey ahead!
top tips and advice for first time renters
Tip 1 – Be sure of the date you need to move in by and who you are moving with.
Tip 2 – When searching narrow down your areas, for the best result you should know the area or at least visit it, otherwise you’ll waste a lot of time doing viewings on properties you won’t end up liking.
Tip 3 – Make sure you use an ARLA approved agency. This is very important as they will be the ones with the most up to date Lettings knowledge, including legislation changes. Many people do go direct to landlords, but that comes with some risks, namely when it comes to property standards & deposit protection. Many landlords are NLA registered and some take additional courses, but that’s not always the case. Do your due diligence.
Tip 4 – Don’t look at too many flats or houses, try and keep it below 7 as it will make choosing your favourite much easier.
Tip 5 – When offering, go in hard and fast. If you don’t think something is priced fairly, make sure you say why. Sometimes landlords won’t negotiate on rental price but might reduce the deposit or provide/remove furniture at your request. Good negotiation covers more than the price.
Tip 6 – Lock in longer contracts. 2 years with a break clause at 1 year is always a safe bet. You’ll sidestep a rent rise in the second year and it saves you having to possibly move.
Searching for your next property?
If you’re searching for your next property then we are here to help.
Click here to get in touch and register your details with us to gain early access to off market properties.
