8 Important Questions: What to Ask the Landlord Before Moving in

It's very tempting to grab the keys and sign the tenancy agreement when you find a great rental. Naturally, the nagging worry that if you delay someone else will beat you to it and it’s worth enough to know you are excited to move, which is understandable.

 

You need to ensure that you’re able to trust the landlord and the property is right for you, so rushing into a tenancy can be a mistake.

Make sure you get the information you need to rent a property. Try to ask these things:

 

1. How much is the deposit?

Most will ask for a security deposit equivalent to between four and six weeks rent, but this will vary between landlords. To pay for the first month’s rent, you need to know the exact amount so you can ensure you have the money available to move in.

 

2. What happens to my deposit?

By law, the landlord must protect your deposit, so this is one of the most important questions you can ask. This means, that in a deposit protection scheme, they have to lodge the money you give them. This scheme will protect your money. It prevents the landlord from deducting cash without your permission from your deposit.

 

Your landlord has 30 days to protect your deposit and must give you information about the scheme used when you pay your deposit. You can claim compensation if the landlord doesn’t give you this information.

 

3. How do I contact you?

On the tenancy agreement, your landlord's contact details should be there. But do make sure you have their email address, mobile phone number, and physical address. If there is an emergency or a repair, you must be able to contact the landlord.

 

4. How do I report repairs and how long do you take to do them?

To the property and any appliances (except those you own), it's your landlord's responsibility to carry out repairs to the property. However, it's your responsibility to quickly report any maintenance issues or repairs. Of course, anyway, it's in your own best interest to do that. But if the landlord will respond or not, you need to know that. The landlord should be able to tell you the best way to contact them. In any case of an emergency, an agent should be there and how they will resolve any problems. If the landlord can't give an immediate and straight answer to this you should be very wary.

 

5. How do I pay the rent?

You should very seriously consider walking away if the landlord says they'll call around every week to collect the rent in cash. Very few reputable landlords will ask you to pay in cash. Try to pay the rent by direct debit. It's more convenient, easier to manage, and more secure.

 

6. Do you allow pets?

Of course, not applicable to everyone. Make sure you clarify the landlord's position as early as possible if you are a pet owner. There's no point finding out the landlord doesn't accept pets and you are going through the process of agreeing on a tenancy.

 

Don’t ignore any rule related to and says pets aren’t allowed. If you do so you could be leaving yourself open to eviction and losing some or all of your security deposit by breaking the tenancy agreement.

 

7. Is the property safe and secure?

By asking two questions in one we mean, if the property is safe which means is there a gas safety certificate? The landlord is obliged legally to provide one. Carefully check the issue date as the certificate is valid for one year. If applicable, you should also ask to test the smoke alarms and a carbon monoxide alarm.

 

Ask the landlord about how secure the property is as well as being safe. Are the locks adequate? Is there an alarm? Is there any CCTV? Are the windows lockable? For your peace of mind, you must ask these questions. Everyone should feel safe and secure in their home after all.

 

8. Can I decorate?

As soon as possible, when you move into a new rental you want to make it feel like home. On what you can or can’t do, most landlords will have very strict policies about it.

 

Free reign will be allowed by very few private landlords. This is understandable because as soon as you move out, they will have to redecorate. Moreover, if you choose Movers and Packers for your relocation, they can help you with settling things in your new place and can also suggest what to declutter and what not.

 

Reputable landlords will have no problems with questions. They'll be glad and will cooperate to provide the answers you need. Best Moving Companies will ensure you get the best way your moving is possible with your packing materials, items of furniture, etc.