TENANT TIPS

Thinking about renting a property? Here are a few handy tips from us

Choosing the area you’d like to live in

Do your research and figure out the specific areas you’d like to rent in. Make a list of the things that are really important to you, like transport links, schools, access to shops and use these to focus your search. 

How to find a place to rent

Once you have done the above make a list of your essential search criteria

CG Homes offers a number of ways to find rental property that is available now.

Use our rental search and adjust the filters and advanced features to narrow down the search to find exactly what you want where you want.

Sign up for property alerts to find out about new to market rental properties. This gives you access to the CG Homes part of the website where you can save favorite properties.

BEWARE: Whilst we appreciate it can sometimes be frustrating if you can’t find the property you want to let immediately, please don’t be tempted to try to find one by posting a request for a property to rent on social media. We’ve heard of tenants who’ve become victims of social media scams and have been affected both financially and emotionally as a result.

Viewing properties

Book for an Inspection once you see your desired apartment to Let. Be available and as flexible as possible. The lettings business is incredibly fast moving and when a good property comes to the market there can be a rush to view and offers are often made immediately. You could miss out if you can’t make yourself available within 24 hours of the agent contacting you after booking for an inspection.

Don’t necessarily be put off by details in the property. If you don’t like the wall colour, have a chat with the agent. We encourage our landlords to be flexible and accommodate tenant’s requests whenever possible.

If you want the landlord to undertake any improvement works put in your request as soon as you decide to make an offer. It can be much harder to get these jobs agreed once you have moved in.

Dotting the I’s and crossing the T’s

Make sure you budget for your rent and other charges such as agreement fees, agency fee, caution fees etc. take all of these costs into account when you’re thinking of renting a property. Remember too that it’s important to keep paying your rent, on time and in full.

Write down a projection of all your monthly outgoings (not forgetting money to spend on food, clothes and the leisure activities) so you can see how much money you have left for rent.

All estate agents will need to conduct security checks on behalf of the landlord, so make sure you have details of all your previous addresses to hand. Likewise, let your employer, and any other referees such as your current Landlord, know to expect a request for a reference.

Tenant Application Process

• Read your written tenancy agreement carefully to understand your rights and responsibilities.
• If you have any concerns about the agreement, seek advice before you sign..
• Remember to take meter readings when you move in.This will help make sure you don’t pay for the previous tenant’s bills.
• Make sure that you have the correct contact details for the landlord or agent and you keep them handy. These should be given to you That way, if something goes wrong in the property, you’ll know who to get in touch with.
• Look after the property as if it were your own. This reduces the likelihood of disputes over damage when the tenancy comes to an end.

Tenant Responsibility

Look after the property. Keep it clean, and take care of any furniture and appliances. Don’t attempt any repairs or decorating without first contacting your Landlord or Agent to seek permission and guidance.  If you notice any issues contact your Landlord/Agent to arrange repair. Not reporting minor issues that turn into major problems can be a risk to your deposit.

Last but not least be considerate to the neighbors. Anti-social behavior could get you evicted, so just be considerate of the neighbors.

Your Landlord’s Responsibilities

Your Landlord/Agent has responsibilities to you as a paying tenant:

• Maintain the structure and exterior of the property.
• Insure the building to cover any damage from flood or fire.
• Deal with problems related to water, electricity and gas supply.
• Carry out most repairs. If something is not working, report it to the landlord (or their agent) as soon as you can.
• Give a minimum of 24 hours notice of visits for repairs or maintenance.

Moving Out Of Your Rented Home

Damage costs and unpaid rent are the top reasons why deposit money is withheld when a tenant moves out of a rented property.

So before you move out, make sure you have paid any remaining rent that is due. Keep in mind that if you are paying by cheque it will take a few days for the payment to clear, so pay in plenty of time so that by move out day all monies have cleared and no rent is owed.

Give the property a thorough clean before you leave so it is in ‘move in’ condition for the next tenant. If you have rented a property that is full or part furnished, inspect the furniture and check for any damage.

If you have caused any accidental damage then do get it repaired professionally.

Tips to help avoid problems:

• Check the property against the condition report from when you moved in.
• Compare the property now to any photos taken at the start of the tenancy.
• Take photos when you leave