Don’t Be Rushed Through Viewings
Whether your budget is modest or huge, don’t feel obliged to rush through any viewing in five minutes. It is a very common problem. Looking at watches, talking about their next appointment – none of this is your problem. You are here to examine the contents and conditions of a very expensive contract. Ignore the pressure to rush.
Always remember that all landlords/agents need tenants as much as you need a place to rent. This is a very competitive market these days
and no one is running a charity here. You don’t need hours to view a place, but don’t allow yourself to be hurried through in a few minutes either. Nor to be prevented from asking some basic questions. You, or your group, will be paying thousands of pounds to rent any property for a single year, plus you will be contractually bound in most cases for at least six months – in other words, stuck with it. Be wary of landlords/agents who can’t give you a bit of time to look round and answer a few basic questions.
Being Businesslike
Obviously the higher your budget, the higher your expectations should be. Don’t be afraid to try asking for, say, a new carpet to seal the deal – and get any agreements in
writing. Landlords operating in areas where gluts of properties clog up the market can be surprisingly co-operative. Empty units are hardly a landlord’s ideal scenario – every empty day costs them money. Besides, remember – this is a
business transaction. Be businesslike! Landlords aren’t always looking for people who haven’t a clue what they’re doing. Believe me, rental virgins can be very hard work.
Finally, never feel pressured to make an instant decision.
Beyond that, you can always go away and think about it for a short while. A quick dose of caffeine can often be all it takes to help you decide yes or no.
Feeling That ‘comfort Factor’
Make sure that you are comfortable enough with your chosen landlord and be sure you ask who to report serious faults or the ubiquitous ‘lost keys’ to – and preferably get a landline phone number. A good question to ask is how long a serious fault would take to be repaired. Landlords who struggle to answer or who seem put out that you’ve asked should be given a wide berth if possible. And that ‘mobile only’ landlord can be hard to track down when the roof leaks.
Similarly with agents – though you can never be their customer – find an agent who is pleasant to deal with, who responds as promised and doesn’t break their word. These things matter in long business relationships. And again, don’t assume anything. Ask how long major repairs usually take and ask who to call on Christmas Day if the roof leaks. Most decent sized agents have a 24-hour emergency service.