MYNEXT.SPACE Finding the Right Property for YOU
Now that you have decided you want to rent a new place it is important that you cover all the necessary things to make your move smooth. It is extremely important that you know what type of property and location you require. Knowing this information will help you with your search process and will help your agent find a more suitable place for you to move to.
Our simple step by step guide should help your better prepare for your search and move.
1. Registration
First thing you should do is register with a local estate agent (preferably in the location you want to move too). Many re-lets may not be advertised by estate agents on a portal as they would most likely have tenants that have already registered there interest for a property to move into. Most agents will first contact registered tenants before advertising the property online or in a paper. (In most cases these the property would be re-let before this next stage).
When you register with the local agent give as much information you can in terms of your requirement. You should include things like your budget, when you need to move, where you need to commute to or if you need to be close to a particular school or even a gym. Let your local estate agent know if you have any health issues that can affect your choice of home too.
The more information your agent has the better chances you have of finding a more suitable home.
2. Arranging a Viewing
As you may know demand for rental property is high and over recent years has only got higher. Before arranging a viewing we recommend that you do your research before viewing, ask your agent any questions that you may have prior to the viewing and if they cannot be answered over the phone it will give your agent the time to get the answers to you on the viewing. Be prepared to view at short notice as the next time you search for the property it may be gone.
Remember whether you like the property or not give your agent feedback as this will help your agent further filter your requirements.
3. Making the Offer
Okay you like the place, now make an offer.
Remember that when making an offer that take into consideration that you will need to budget for bills and moving costs. Make sure that you have all the information you need and let your agent know things like when you need to move or if you have any requirements. We cannot stress more, but the more information you give to your agent the smoother the moving process can be but also help the landlord make a quicker decision.
Your agent will ask you to confirm the details of all the people moving into the property and confirm that offer you have placed is correct before asking you to signing.
4. Offer accepted
Great! Your offer has been accepted by your new Landlord. At this time your agent will write back to you confirming this, at this point if you have any further questions make sure you ask them.
5. Referencing
Many estate agents will use a referencing agency who will carry out background checks on all adults moving into the property. The checks will include an employer's reference to confirm your income for affordability, your immigration status to confirm your residency, credit checks, previous Landlords reference and possibly a character reference.
Once the checks are completed a detailed report will be provide confirming suitability. At this point if your report does not meet the requirements you may have the choice of providing a Guarantor subject to the Landlords approval.
6. Signing your tenancy agreement
Your agent is most likely to use a standard AST (Assured Shorthold Tenancy) contract. It is important that you read and understand of the terms and conditions even if you have previously signed an AST as they can and may vary. All the tenants on the contracts will need to sign the AST prior to moving in. Usually the agent will sign the contract on the behalf of the Landlord (If authorised by the Landlord).
7. Moving in day
Your agent would agree a time and date to meet you to hand over keys to the property and take a few details down such as meter readings and make sure that everything is as expected by you. An inventory check would be carried out if requested by you or your landlord, make sure this has been checked before signing it off as this will be used at the end of the tenancy to determine the condition of the property and could have an effect on your deposit and future Landlord reference.
8. After you have moved in
Now that you have moved any issues that you may have will need to be reported to either the Agent of Landlord. (This depends on the type of service your landlord has requested). Any issues that you have should be reported promptly and not delayed as they could get worse. Remember to make your rent payments on time as this will help you with good referencing in the future.
