Renting property has become an essential aspect of modern life. With the increase in prices in the housing market, buying houses has become a difficult task, and most people are turning towards the renting market as the only option. Renting a property is also a good option for someone who is moving to a new area and is mostly unaware of the property market.
In the UK, the Brexit vote affected the housing market and renting costs, with the prices of houses lowering but even then, buying a house is more expensive than renting. A positive point of renting property in the UK is that there are numerous short-term rental properties available and many are furnished.
Here are three tips to keep in mind if you’re new in the UK and looking at rental places in the Hackey area.
Before you begin looking
As with any property search, the first thing is to list what you are looking for, and what would suit your needs. While creating this list, list all the non-negotiable points first, such as whether your new place should have a garage? If you have kids, you should look for the Hackney neighbourhoods that are safe for kids and have parks close by. It is best to look at places which are close to your workplace or educational institute. If you do not have personal transport, then it makes sense to find a property with public transport points nearby.
Find a reliable Agent
If you’re new to the area, you will benefit from consulting letting agents. Letting agents are associated with real estate agencies, so do check if the agency you’re hiring belongs to a professional association. A reliable and professional letting agent will not demand extra charges, and you should only pay the commission fee. Search for agents specifically for the areas you’re interested in. For example, limit your search to Estate Agents in Hackney. They will have the best local knowledge for this area.
Check Everything
Once you have found and selected a place, the next step will be to assure yourself that everything is as it should be. Check the property entirely and agree on an inventory. As an extra security measure, take photographs which will come in handy if there is any dispute of deposit at the end of your tenancy. As of June 2019, landlords and letting agents are prohibited from charging certain fees. Check the UK government’s guidance for more information.
Remember to get a written copy of the tenancy agreement to be aware of your responsibilities and rights as a tenant. Do not sign the agreement blindly or with doubts, ask about something if you’re unsure. The UK government has published a model tenancy agreement which can be accessed for free and a copy of the guide ‘How to rent: the checklist for renting in England’ in printed form, pdf or via email. Besides these documents, the landlord should also provide you with information about your deposited fee, which should be protected in a government-approved scheme. This information is necessary to receive your deposit back at the end of the tenancy period.
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