subject: 10 Questions For House Hunters [print this page] Although your investment in a rental house will be significantly lower than if you were to buy a house, it is going to be your home in near future. While looking at several rental houses, a fresh coat of paint on the bathroom wall, or some plants in the living room might get you all excited. After all, you will be pitching this good looking house against the drab peeling paint of some of the other options. However, do not let the excitement get the better of you because you never know what lurks beneath the fresh white paint. So, here are ten questions that you absolutely must ask when flat hunting in order to avoid expensive misjudgements.
Is it wise to go and look at the flat on my own? It's always best to take a friend along when going to see a rental house. Not only is it safer, but also you will be able to get another person's perspective which will prove invaluable.
How does the exterior of the property look? This is an extremely important consideration as no one wants to put up with a messy leakage and the prospect of mould and aggravated allergies. You need to check if the structure seems strong, and if there are obvious signs of damage to the roof, walls, door or window frames. Make sure that the doors and windows are secure and whether there is any sort of alarm system on the property. Ask about any incidences of burglary in the neighbourhood and about your potential neighbours. This will help you determine any problems that you may be faced with once you come to live in the area.
Does the area have all the civic amenities that you need? Perhaps you enjoy taking walks in the park every evening, or your days starts with a bus or tube ride to work; either way, you need to check if the area that you intend to rent in has all the amenities that you regularly use. Ideally, go for a location that is close to public transport.
What about the interiors of the home? Don't get overly excited about freshly carried out repair or renovation work; this may be an attempt to hide bigger problems underneath. Ask about any work that has been carried out within the last six months and why was the project undertaken. Also inquire about any plumbing, leakage or electrical issues in the house. Check the taps by running them so that you can be sure that you get hot water when needed. Also, spend some time looking at the temperature control system of the flat.
What are the appliances being offered and do the work? You should ask the landlord about the appliances included, such as a washing machine, a dryer or the oven. Make sure that you check all the appliances, as you'll need to ensure that they are all in a working condition. If something is malfunctioning, let the landlord know about it so that it can be noted in the agreement and you don't end up paying for it out of your deposit.
What will be the rent and what does it include? This is the most obvious question, but you will want to have a clear answer. You need to have a good understanding of you monthly rental obligations and what is included in these charges.
What are the utility charges? Ask about the utility charges and look at the monthly bills for at least a few months back so that you get an idea about your living costs. Also, make sure that you check all meters when you move in so that you are only billed for what you have used.
What about the safety features and checks? Talk to the landlord about the appliance safety checks, gas safety record, burglar and fire alarm systems in the premises, and also the availability of fire extinguishers.
What miscellaneous costs will you need to incur? Ask about the deposit - anything more than two months rent should raise alarm bells. If you have enlisted the help of an estate agent to find the flat, inquire about the administration fees as well.
Do you need to get everything in writing? It is always wise to get everything in writing. If something in the house does not work or is damaged, get it on paper so that your deposit is not withheld. Also, ensure that the landlord includes all appliances and damages that he is responsible for repairing in the agreement.
