7 Questions You Should Ask Landlords / Letting Agents

Spread the love

It is obviously very important that landlords vet tenants and know exactly who they are letting into their property. However, tenants should also make sure that they find out about their landlord before committing to living in a property. There is a lot to be said for the tenant / landlord relationship and this means that all parties should be confident about what the other person brings to the agreement. This is why tenants should do some research about the area, property and landlord before they move in and here are some questions you should ask landlords.

Who will I be reporting to or working with?
Just because you rent a property from someone doesn’t mean that you will be dealing with. Many landlords employ the letting agents or they could have friends or family members who help out. It is important that tenants know who they will be dealing with, how to contact them and who will take care of matters, so be sure to ask this question before committing to a rental agreement. If you are renting from a Letting Agency it also might be confusing as sometimes landlord use Letting Agents to find them a tenant only and landlord will deal with all tenancy matters or he might use property management service and then you will be in contact with the agent, so do make sure you are clear on this.

What is the repair and maintenance policy?
This is one of the most important questions a tenant can ask, so get this clear as quickly as possible. The answer to this question should be detailed in the terms and conditions of the agreement but it never hurts to have it clarified. When the tenant and landlord are both clear on who is responsible for what repair and maintenance work, and how it should be reported, things move a lot more smoothly.

Will there be an independent inventory created?
One of the biggest causes of friction or disagreement between landlord and tenant is the condition of the property and furniture within it. These matters can be minimised by having an independent professional undertake an inventory at the point of the tenant moving in. When both parties agree on the state of the property and the items within the property, there is a good starting point for any disputes which may arise in the future.

Is there a policy on pets and children?
Again, this is something that is worthwhile being clear on. While you may not have a pet or a child at the moment, circumstances can change in life. Being aware of what the agreement contains and what you are allowed to bring into the property can make life an awful lot easier between the landlord and the tenant.

What do I receive for my rent?
It is important to know what you will receive for the rent you pay each month, so don’t be afraid to ask. Some properties come furnished, some have a parking space and there may be other features or attributes associated with the property. Knowing what you get for your money and what is available for an extra fee will allow you to make a better judgment on the value for money of a property.

Is it possible to redecorate?
If you would like to change your surroundings, make sure that you ask permission. It may be that a landlord is happy for you to make yourself feel at home but there may be limitations on what you can do or change. This is why you should ask first rather than doing than apologising because you may place your deposit, or even your tenancy, at risk.

Who is responsible for bills?
Also make sure that you are aware of who is responsible for dealing with utility companies and TV/Phone/Broadband suppliers and who is responsible for these bills. If you are responsible for bills, you cannot be forced to use the same providers, you can choose which gas or electricity provider you want. Council tax is always paid to the borough you are in and water in most cases too but other bills you have right to choose yourself.

The answers you receive from these questions should allow you to make an informed decision on what is right for you when looking for new rental accommodation. If you are keen to find the best right rental property for your needs, rely on Brixton Property Blog in association with Kings Accommodation Brixton.

Recommended Articles