What are some things you should always check when renting a property? Even if you have been living in the same area for years, and you think you know all of the rental properties, it is always important to do your research. Things can change quickly in the rental market, so it’s best to be prepared. Here are four things you should always check before signing that lease agreement.
1. The Landlord’s Licence
This will tell you if the landlord is actually a landlord or not. If the landlord has a license, then you are protected under law and can take them to court if they try to evict you illegally. If they have no license, then they can legally evict you but there is no way for you to get your money back or any compensation for that matter.
A landlord’s license gives you peace of mind that your rental property meets basic safety standards. It also means that the landlord has been vetted by the city and is up to date on their obligations. Without a license, you could be at risk of renting an unsafe or unhealthy unit.
In some cities, it’s actually illegal to rent unlicensed property. So not only is checking the landlord’s license the smart thing to do, but it could also be mandatory in your municipality.
So before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you take this important step to protect yourself as a renter. Checking the landlord’s license is easy and could save you a lot of hassle down the road.
2. The Tenancy Agreement
The tenancy agreement should be signed by both parties and should be clearly written so that there is no confusion about what it states. It should also include details like the length of time of the contract, how much rent is due at what times, when bills are due and other important information such as who is responsible for repairs etc.
It should also include a clause that states that if either party fails to keep up their end of the agreement, then they will face legal action by the other party (the tenant). This includes paying all rent on time and keeping the property clean and tidy at all times.
A typical tenancy agreement will also include a clause stating that any damage caused by either party will be paid for by them and not deducted from the deposit at the end of the tenancy unless agreed upon otherwise in writing by both parties.
3. The Deposit And Its Protection Scheme Detail
When you pay your deposit to your landlord/agent, it should be placed into one of three government-approved schemes; TDS (Tenancy Deposit Scheme), DPS (Deposit Protection Service), or NALS (National Landlords Association Scheme).
It must also be registered with one of these three schemes within 30 days of receiving it from your landlord/agent (or within 30 days after moving in if this date falls after 30 days from receiving it).
Also, check whether your deposit has been registered with one of these schemes or not because if it hasn’t been registered correctly or hasn’t been registered at all then again you can claim up to 3 times more than your original deposit amount from your landlord/agent in court!
4. The Property And Its Condition
Before you move in, it is a good idea to check the property thoroughly and take pictures of any damage that you find (such as stains on the walls or carpet, broken windows, etc). You should also check to see if there are any problems with the heating, electricity or water.
It is also a good idea to check if there is a gas safety certificate for the property and make sure that it has been completed by an official gas safe registered engineer. If it hasn’t then this could be a danger to your health and safety.
Renting a property can be a daunting task. There are so many things to check and consider! By following the advice in this article, you will make sure that you are well-prepared for your upcoming rental search. Remember to keep an open mind and don’t rush into anything – take your time to find the perfect place for you and your family. And finally, good luck! We hope that you find the perfect rental property soon.