With the housing market being so competitive, finding somewhere to live that is right for you can be a real struggle. When a property goes on the market, it can often be snatched up very quickly, meaning you must be ready to act fast when the opportunity presents itself. That being said, it is important not to rush into signing a contract to rent a property without taking the time to check some important things. Most importantly, you should prioritize setting up an in-person viewing of the property you are interested in renting to ensure you really know what you’re getting yourself into. Below, we will unpack some of the most important things to check before renting a property.
Floors, Walls, And Ceilings
First of all, when you enter the property, you should take some time to look at the floors, walls, and ceiling to assess their condition. This will give you an idea of how well previous tenants and the landlord have maintained the property. To ensure the property meets at least the legal standard, you can check out what apartment rental agencies out there are offering to get an idea of the current conditions of properties on the market. If you find considerable examples of damages, then this may indicate that the landlord doesn’t take as good care of their property as you would like.
It is crucial to look for things like cracks in the walls and ceilings, as this can be a source of water damage and a place where mold could potentially grow. Another good tip is to see what material the floors are made of. If they are hardwood, they are more vulnerable to water damage than tiled floors. This is important as any accidental damages you may cause in the flat might mean you won’t receive your full deposit back. Again, don’t forget to look at the ceilings in each room to assess if any dampness or cracks may be of concern. These are more of a problem in spaces like the kitchen and the bathroom, so pay extra attention while examining these parts of the property.
Doors And Windows
The next things to examine are the property’s doors and windows to see if any weak points exist that could make them vulnerable to intruders and burglars. To do this effectively, make sure that the doors are in good condition and are lockable and secure. If you find something wrong with the doors or windows, let the landlord know and see how they respond. If they don’t seem to be interested in getting it fixed, then it may indicate to you that you should consider other rentals that are more responsive to issues you have during your tenancy.
It is also important to ensure that the windows and doors are well-insulated and that there are no drafts. This can save you a lot of money, especially in the winter months, as it will cost you more to heat your home if there are gaps for heat to leave through. You can do this by placing your hand next to the windows to feel for a draft and also look to see if they are sealed properly.
HVAC System
The HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system is another thing to assess while viewing a property you want to rent. This is especially important if the property is located somewhere where extreme weather conditions are common — both cold and hot. It is relatively difficult to assess the quality of an HVAC system without using it for an extended period of time, so the best you can do is ask the landlord or realtor whether it is functioning as it should. You can do a quick test by turning it on, listening to the furnace click on, and then feeling the warmth coming out of the vents. You could also ask the landlord if the HVAC system has been repaired recently or is regularly maintained to get an idea of the quality you might expect from it.
Lights And Electricity
Finally, ensuring that the property’s lights and electrical appliances work is crucial. You can do this by switching the lights on and off. If you find some lightbulbs aren’t working, you can let the landlord know and see if they are willing to fix it if you decide to move in. After this, you should check that the power outlets in the property all work. If the outlet has a light, you can ensure it turns on when you flip the switch.
Conclusion
Now, you know some of the most important things to check before signing any tenancy agreements. If you do this carefully, you can save yourself a lot of stress and hassle in the future with things going wrong during your tenancy. This also helps to ensure your safety whilst living in the property and gives you the best chance of having a positive experience when renting from that particular landlord.
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