Viewing a rental property can be exciting and daunting in equal measure. There might be lots of people waiting to see the house or flat you’re interested in, so you may have to make a quick decision. If you get this right, you could land the perfect pad. On the other hand, if you make a mistake, you may miss out on the ideal home or end up with the wrong property.
It’s important to know your rights as a renter and to have a clear head when you’re viewing homes. This brief guide will help ensure you know what to look for.
Check for maintenance issues
When you’re walking around rental homes in Gorleston, make sure you look for any potential maintenance issues. Pay particular attention to details like bathroom and kitchen fixtures and fittings. It’s also worth having a look at gutters, windows, and roofs to see if there are any obvious problems.
Make sure you run the taps, flush the toilet and test the shower to make sure they all work too, and try opening the windows.
The last thing you want to do is move into a property that’s falling apart. If you see potential problems, don’t be afraid to raise the issue with the owner or letting agent.
See how much storage there is
Of course, you’ll want to make sure that the property suits your style requirements. However, it’s also crucial to focus on practical points. For example, note how much storage there is. You don’t want to sign a lease only to realize you’ll have to ditch half your belongings to squeeze into your new place.
Bear in mind that you can add storage solutions like wardrobes and shelving, but you’ll need enough square footage to fit the items in.
Check heating and insulation
Heating and insulation are other key points to consider. Check to see if the property is double-glazed and ask about the age and condition of the boiler and central heating system. Bear in mind that this could have a major impact on your bills. If your rental property is drafty or suffers from inefficient heating, you could end up spending a fortune throughout the winter.
Make sure you feel secure
Another top tip when viewing properties is to check for any security measures. You’ll no doubt want good quality door locks and well-designed windows.
The surrounding area should feel safe too. Bear in mind that places can seem very different during the day than they do at night. With this in mind, it’s helpful to visit the area after sunset to see whether or not you feel safe there. This will have a big impact on your quality of life, so it’s worth making the extra effort.
This isn’t an exhaustive list of all the issues you need to look out for when you’re viewing rental properties, but it’s a good start. By taking advantage of the property advice available online, you can help ensure you choose the right home for you.
