Published on 12, July, 2020
Hiya so I’m really freaking excited to go and look at a flat I really like. It’s private rent affordable for me and pretty much perfect! but I’m really nervous because I’ve never been to a flat viewing on my own before. What things do I need to ask and consider? I get it I’m 23 but this is the first time I’ve done this completely on my own and I need a bit of advice
andi said:What things do I need to ask and consider?
You need to ask about the financial side:
How much deposit, weekly or monthly rental cost, what sort of guaranteed are needed, if any insurance is needed, what bills are included and what do you pay for and what the exit process involves (typically they will expect the flat returned spotless but there are sometimes charges for a clean applied regardless of the condition).
What furniture is included (if any).
Look for things that are broken or rotten - door that don't close properly, lights that don't work, dirty or damaged furniture, mould on ceilings, very bouncy floors in the bathroom, dripping taps etc. These all need to be either fixed or documented on entry so you are not charged for them on exit (a common scam).
Ask about the neighbours - any complaints about them. Having an antisocial neighbour is a huge issue.
Ask about any work planned for the flat, building or neighbourhood in the coming year. If they are planning to replace all the plumbing in 2 months time then that will be a huge inconvenience to you.
Take a video recording of the flat at this time too as it is not uncommon for stuff the be there in viewings but gone by the time you move in so you get less furnishings. Take the time to compare this when you move in and flag up discrepencies straight away.
Thats it on the negative side - try to feel what the flat is like and listen for any noise from neighbours, traffic and/or local schools etc.
Good luck
I know what the deposit is, there’s a holding deposit as well I’m not entirely sure what that is and they are good prices I can afford. I know I can afford this property with being able to save at the same time as it is something I have thought a lot about. I know roughly where it is and it’s in a good location for travel as I can’t drive so it’s on bus routes. I don’t have kids nor intend to have any anytime soon so schools I’m not too fussed about. okay I’ll make a note of those apparently some may even give you a pack so can read before you sign it I heard that’s a thing?
Take a video of the flat, every knock and bump before you sign anything, the agent should do this and give you a copy, just so as you've got proof of any damage at the end of the contract and so as you can't be charged for already existing problems.
I can’t get anyone to go with me that’s why I’m asking these questions so I know what to ask and what to look for
TheCatWoman said:Take a video of the flat, every knock and bump before you sign anything
Get someone to go with you so you can record them testing the taps, checking the how water and heating works, checking door close, the toilet doesn't move when you sit on it, the shower door closes without a gap.
Record any marks on the wall (you will no doubt add more over time but any pre-existing ones are arguement that the place was not in good decorative order when you took it on so a full repaint is unreasonable to expect.
Also check windows for working movable panels (lots end up painted shut or with rusted mechanisms), misted up double glazing panes, cracked or draughty windows, damage to the carpet / floor boards.
Once complete upload to youtube to establish the date/time and send a link to the agent to highlight what things need to be repaired or to be excluded at the end of the contract. You can fairly easily make the video private and share it with the email of the agent.