What do you need to know from real estate agent?
- When you’re viewing a property, take the opportunity to ask the letting agent exactly what you are getting for your money.
- Will any bills be included in the rent, what’s the current local authority tax charge for the property and will the property will be thoroughly cleaned and any repair work completed before you arrive?
- Ask if there are any additional on-going expenses, such as lighting charges, garden maintenance fees or security features.
- Checking the energy efficiency of the property is also save on your utility bills.
- This is also the time to ask what fees you would be expected to pay to the agents themselves.
- Asking if lots of people have already viewed the property and how long has it been on the market.
- You should also check how long your rent will be fixed for and if the landlord has added a clause in the rental contract that means he/she can increase the rent at any time.
Deposit Protection
- Deposits vary from anything between a month to 6 months rent, often depending on your credit worthiness, so make sure you can afford to pay the deposit before you sign a rental agreement.
- You should also check how your prospective landlord will be holding your deposit while you rent the property.
Negotiate
- Although demand for rental property has gone up in recent years with fewer people able to buy, if you are looking to rent you still hold the upper hand.
- There is no reason why you have to accept the asking rental price, instead view this as the maximum you would be expected to pay and see if you can reduce the costs.
- Although it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to get a large discount on your rent, even Rs.5,000 – Rs.10,000 a month will add up over the course of a standard 6 or 12 month tenancy.
- If there proves to be little flexibility where the rent is concerned consider what bills (if any) are included. Some landlords may be willing to cover the costs of some utilities if pushed before you sign.
- Remember once you’ve signed the tenancy you will be tied into the rent and the terms you’ve agreed, so you are only in a position to improve your deal before you commit.