As rising prices keep many first-time buyers off the property ladder, the popularity of renting continues to grow. Renters are renting for longer too - the average age of a first-time buyer is now around 30.
With a healthy buy-to-let market giving tenants more choice, our renting tips will help you find the perfect rental pad.
1. Location, location, location
Location is key when it comes to renting, and will often dictate the rental price more than the property itself. Expect to pay a premium for inner city locations or areas with good transport links, proximity to town or city centres, good nightlife or low crime rates - check an area's neighbourhood profile for a general guide.
2. Your budget
Factor in all the monthly costs you need to pay, not just your rent. Unless they're included, you will need to pay for gas and electricity, water, broadband, phone, digital TV and council tax on top of your rent. Additional costs for parking or extra travel expenses may also apply. Also bear in mind that some landlords pass maintenance or service charge costs on to tenants.
3. Sharing
Choose your co-habitees carefully. If you're renting a room within a property, try and meet all your housemates before you move in. Students, professionals and couples each offer very different renting experiences, so it's good to get an idea of the overall make-up of the house before moving in.
4. Finding a rental property
There are several ways to search for a property. Sign up with local letting agents to be the first to know when new properties come on the market. You can search for property online - listings usually include images and a detailed description. Also keep an eye on local newspaper classifieds.
5. Viewing properties
Check that the property is in good repair, and look for tell-tale signs of damp or structural damage. If repairs are needed, make it a pre-requisite of your contract that the work is completed before you move in. Also ask which pieces of furniture will be in the property when you move in, who is responsible for communal areas and if there are any extras such as parking, a garden or storage space.
6. Deposits and fees
On top of the first month's rent, you'll also need a deposit to secure the property. This is usually equivalent to up to two months' rent, and repayable when you leave the property. Under new legislation, a landlord is required to place your deposit in a Tenancy Deposit Scheme - ask which one they're signed up to.
You may also be required to pay for a credit check of around £40, an agent's fee and the cost of an independent inventory check and report before you're able to move in.
7. The contract
Check the small print of your contract, including the duration of the tenancy, how much notice either party must give to leave the property and what bills you're responsible for. Ensure that any special requests you've made to the landlord are written into the contract.
8. Inventory
An inventory will set out in detail each item contained in the property. Check the inventory report before you move in and tick off each item in turn, making your landlord aware of any indiscrepancies. If you don't, you'll be held responsible and will lose money from your deposit when you move out.
9. Rights and responsibilities
Ensure that you are aware of your rights and responsibilities. Our guide to landlord rights explains what a landlord can legally do, and our guide to landlord responsibilities sets out what you should legally expect from your landlord.
10. Thinking of buying?
If you're considering taking the next step and owning your own property, kickstart your search with our buying tips. Alternatively, consider shared ownership, a key worker scheme or co-buying with someone else.
Useful links
- Properties to rent - find properties to rent in Bootle
- Letting agents - find letting agents in Bootle
- Neighbours - research neighbour types in Bootle
- Council - take a look at the council performance in Bootle
- Crime - research crime statistics for Bootle
- Compare - weigh up two different areas
Things to consider when viewing a property:
The property:
- Condition of roofing and guttering
- Loose wiring
- Appliances
- Secure windows and doors
- Good locks
- Smoke alarms
- Signs of damp
The area:
- Appearance of houses nearby
- Proximity to public transport
- Parking spaces
- Distance to local amenities
- Neighbourhood during day and night
- Crime levels
Tenancy Deposit Scheme
Within 14 days of a new agreement, you should receive:
- Details of the tenancy deposit scheme
- Contact details of the landlord or agent
- Details of how to apply for the release of the deposit
- Information explaining the purpose of the deposit
- Advice on what to do if there is a dispute about the deposit
Did you know?
- 42% would rather live in rented accommodation than buy a new home
Source: AA Home Insurance, 2007
- 53% of letting agents believe there are more tenants than properties available
- Rental averages in the UK are rising as much as 12.7% a year
- Tenants stay in their properties for an average of 18 months
- 33% of tenants are aged 23-30
- 25% of tenants are aged 31-40
- 33% of tenants are over 40
Source: Association of Residential Letting Agents
Emma (Barnet), on 13/08/2008 at 08:00
I notice there are many tenants on this site but no landlords. For people who think landlords charge too much can I just point out that the rising costs which affect you are also affecting us.
I recently worked out that costs on the flat I let have risen by 12.5% in 2 years. One bill rose by nearly 40% and another by over 25%. I include the bills so the tenants don't have that issue but they still baulked at the subsequent matching rent rise. It's a business and I'm not willing to subsidise their cost of living but they were sure I was profiteering. I can only dream of actually making money on the place!
I think tenants have to realise that property is expensive whether you buy or rent. I also think buy-to-let landlords have to be in it for the long-term. Being a landlord is no way to make a living, that's for sure.
SN (York), on 07/08/2008 at 17:56
We are a family of 4 (2 children) moving from the US to the Leeds area in September. We will be in some temporary rentals but are looking for a long term rental ~ 3 years. We want preferably a home or townhouse in the Leeds area closer to train, atleast 3 bedroom and a storage space. Can anybody reccomend a good place for families to stay and also does anybody have a rental coming up. Is Headingley a good area for a family? one of my kids will be going to Leeds Met. Please advise.
thanks
Peter (North Norfolk), on 03/08/2008 at 01:58
Having read the history of mean landlords I see a repeated trend these days of so many outrageous expectations by landlords that it could bring us back to strict rent control !This would NOT be a good happening except to steady the rents to sensible levels AND put in necessay appliances.There are flats 300 to 400 PCM that actually don't have a fridge or even a cooker !! How many tenants carry a fridge around with them ? !And as for carpet cleaning it should be unlawful to market unhygienic Flats/Apts. !!
steve( Manchester) (Bury), on 11/07/2008 at 22:37
I have to say ,I am shocked at the amount landlords are looking for, I havent rented for a couple of years but due to my divorce it is pushing me towards that direction, and it seems that people are looking for money for everything, and they say its hard to get a foot on the property ladder, I just added up to start renting and it scared me! Its about time we all stood up to be counted and told the goverment what we the people not only wanted but deserved!!
RX (Hillingdon), on 09/07/2008 at 11:58
These are some useful tips, buying a property is next to almost impossible for someone in there mid 20's.
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R (Bexley), on 18/06/2008 at 07:01
I have a house with 2 double bedrooms & 1 single bedroom. I am willing to let out the rooms to 5 Indian IT professionals. If required, the house can accomodate 3-4 additional people in the lounge and dining area.
The house is close to Garston station which has a direct train into central london via Watford Junction (20 mins). This house is also close to companies in Watford, Leavesden, St Albans and neighbouring areas.
The house has a garden and driveway for two cars. Shops and supermarkets and Watford Leisure Center are at a walking distance.
xkxaxyx (North East Lincolnshire), on 20/04/2008 at 01:06
i am a student nurse and i am in the same situation i am looking for a two bedroom flat/house and am willing to pay more than the average price but cannot find anywere that will accept animals...i only have two little tiny terriers !!
anyone no ov any estate agents who are willing to give me the time of day??
i tryed that pet estate agents site mentioned above it didnt prove very beneficial for me to be honest, which is a shame !!!
help !!!
Janet (Maidstone), on 13/04/2008 at 15:30
My son is desperate to find rented accommodation with a large well behaved crossbreed (who I have to say is gorgeous and having always cared for rescue dogs, I should know). He is willing to pay a higher deposit and have carpets cleaned on his departure etc. He works in Orpington, Kent and wishes to remain local to this location. He would obviously prefer a property with a garden. Unfortunately he and his partner have just parted.
Julie, as you see my son has the same problem. There is a site called Pet Friendly Rentals you can check - sadly there is nothing local to him - but they also search for a property for you (although a fee is payable for this service).
Shakil (North Devon), on 09/04/2008 at 16:28
Hi we area working couple moving to Exeter needing a 2-3 bed house preferably Near or in St leonards near RD&E,, Any good ideas.. any recommendations, Mybudget is around 600-900 & pref Furnished.
Dr Akhtar (North Devon), on 09/04/2008 at 16:27
Hi we are a working couple in the NHS shifting to RD&E and we require a 2-3 bed preferably furnished house, any good ideas preferably in St leonards or somehere near.....
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