What to Check When Viewing a House
If you are attending a viewing for a prospective rental house you need to take advantage this situation, you will be having one on one time with a professional and have the opportunity to clarify details of the property and they can answer any questions you may have. This service is completely free of charge so it is worth understanding the process and your responsibilities before you commit to renting a property.
What you should check when viewing a house:
- If the Property Is Taken as Seen
- If it is Furnished or Unfurnished
- If Items Need to be Replaced
- If the Tenant is Home
- If it Managed or Let Only
- If Repairs are Needed
- To View at a Different Time of Day
- Who’s Responsible
1. If the Property Is Taken as Seen
Properties do not generally change and you should be looking to let the property in an ‘as is’ condition. If there is anything you would like to change, make sure you get this is writing, usually as an addendum which confirms what you have been promised.
2. If it is Furnished or Unfurnished
If the property is occupied and being let furnished you will need to get clarification on what is included with the property and what is not. There will usually be a current inventory in place that will convey this, also this is subject to change.
3. If Items Need to be Replaced
If you or the agent has agreed that items are to be replaced on the changeover of tenancies, you should always clarify the quality and condition of the new items to ensure that the items are like for like.
4. If the Tenant is Home
If the current tenant is at home when you view the property they can give you an insight into what it’s like to live at the property. You could ask them questions such as, How long have you lived there? What’s the landlord/agent like? Etc.
5. If it is Managed or Let Only
When you decide to rent a property, it is also worth finding out who will be managing the property. Will it be the agent or the landlord? If it’s an agent, do they have full management of this property? If it’s a landlord, are they a full time landlord and are they local?
6. If Repairs Are needed
If there are obvious repairs that need to be done, check when the works are scheduled, make sure these are put in writing (addendum) and be realistic with a move in date so that they have enough time to complete any required works.
7. To view at a different Time of day
If you plan to view a property more than once, try and for the second viewing at a different time of day. This will give a better sense of the neighbourhood etc.
8. Who’s Responsible?
If you are viewing a flat in a shared block it might be worth asking who is responsible for the communal areas and green spaces, also are there any permissions required for satellite TV etc.
If you are ready to start your property search and would like to book viewings, please contact us on 02920 456 444 or email us info@james-douglas.co.uk
