First Time Tenants Guide

Renting provides great flexibility, compared to owning a property. However, it takes time to find the right home to live in with your family. It is essential to research your part before deciding to move into a rental property.

There are plenty of things to consider when you start living in a rental property which can save you from future troubles. The experts at Bricks+Agent have pulled together the best tips to help first time tenants find the right property.

Find the right property

You need to take care of a lot of things while looking for a rental property like the area in which you want to live, how much rent you can afford to pay and how many rooms do you need? Do you need a parking space, are there local amenities nearby such as schools, transportation links and the distance from your workplace. People having pets should also check whether the landlord allows pets or not.

Inspecting a property

Tenants need to inspect the properties they want to consider for living. While visiting a property, check whether the property has been well maintained. Check the condition of both the exterior and interior of the property. Check whether the electrical equipment and sockets work properly. Have a look at the doors and the locks of the house. If you are looking for a furnished property, check what is there and what you need to bring with you. Talk to the existing tenants about their experience.

Talk to the landlord

After you have chosen a property to live in, the next step is to talk to the landlord or property manager about the tenancy details. Talking to the landlord or property manager will help you to clarify any questions you have about the agreement.

This is a good time to ask the landlord about the rent and the amount they will increase annually. Ask them about the repairs and maintenance that you need in the property. Also, ask them about the security and advance rent you need to pay and the refund of your bond.

The tenancy agreement

A tenancy agreement is essential for you to live in a rental property. You need to sign a tenancy agreement before you start living in the property. The tenancy agreement has the basic responsibilities of a tenant, name of the tenant and landlord, the address of the property, the amount of rent, start and end date of the tenancy.

Make sure you are ready to live in the property and have read all the terms and conditions before signing the tenancy agreement. You should obtain a copy of the tenancy agreement as you will need it for showing as local address proof in many situations.

Maintenance and care

As a tenant, it is your responsibility to maintain the property for the time you live there. The landlord or property manager may conduct periodic inspections to ensure that the property is well maintained and cared for. Also, you should not rent the property to other people or keep the pets unless agreed upon and specified in the agreement.

The tips mentioned in this post will serve as a guide for tenants and help them in the process of finding the best home for to live in. Taking care with these tips can help you to enjoy a stress free living experience at your new rental property.

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