A Few Tips to Consider For a Smooth Renting Experience

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Before you embark on your house-hunting journey, take a moment to jot down your must-haves for a cozy and comfortable living space. Here's a starter list: 

 1. Budget:

Decide on a realistic budget for your monthly rent and any additional expenses like electricity, water, internet and council tax. Real estate agents in the UK suggest keeping rent at or under 40% of your salary. But, if you ask me, I'd say aim for a more comfortable 1/3 so you can have some wiggle room for other stuff.

2. Getting Around:

Transportation is key to think about. Public transportation or driving - what's your style? If you drive, look for places with free parking to save some bucks. If the bus is your ride to work, make sure to add both rent and bus fare into the equation when deciding between a cheaper pad far away or a pricier one close by. And, no worries if you work from home, transportation costs won't be a big deal, so you can just focus on finding a place that ticks all your other boxes.

3. Amenities:

When it comes to finding the perfect place to call home, amenities can make all the difference! Everyone has different must-haves, but having access to convenient spots like a bus stop, subway station, or a nearby grocery store, or perks like a gym, pool, hospital, school, and park, can elevate your life after a long day of work. Personally, I love being close to transportation and shopping options. It saves me time and energy, and helps me cut down on eating out and save some cash.

But don't just stop at thinking about the neighbourhood, also consider the inside of the house itself. Do you dream of having a backyard or balcony, or is a specific number of bathrooms and toilets important to you? Safety is key, so do you want to live in a building with security guards? And let's not forget about floor preference, do you want a high-rise view or a ground-level feel?

4. Safety: 

Discovering the safety of your future neighbourhood is crucial. To ensure you're making a wise decision, conduct thorough research on the area you plan to rent in. Utilise Google, Facebook groups, and online forums to gather information on areas to avoid and those deemed safe. Don't hesitate to ask your coworkers for their input and advice on the most convenient and secure neighbourhood close to your workplace.

5. Housemates: 

Living with someone who aligns with your lifestyle and preferences can truly enhance your living experience. 

During a house tour, strike up a conversation with potential roomies to get a sense of their personality and compatibility. Consider factors like shared interests, gender, age, and other important criteria for your ideal roommate. Don't forget to discuss household policies, such as maintaining quiet hours after midnight and keeping the space tidy with a cleaning schedule.

6. Pets:

Are you thinking of bringing along your furry friend or wanting to live with one? Before you sign that lease, take a moment to scan the rental listing for any pet-related info. The landlord might've already mentioned if they're cool with pets or if there are already any in the place. It's a smart idea to get the scoop on the pet policy and chat with the landlord to clear up any confusion. And don't forget to check the pet rules in the nabe or apartment complex you're eyeing for your new pad. 

Before committing to a rental property, make sure you've done your due diligence and considered all the necessary factors: 

• Be upfront about your needs with the landlord or broker. Let them know if you plan on having guests stay over or if you're a vegetarian and won't be sharing meals.
• Thoroughly read the rental agreement and ensure you understand all the terms and conditions.
• Check the landlord's ID or broker's license to verify their credibility.
• Brush up on tenant laws in England, like the fact that security deposits can't be more than 5 weeks of rent. 
• If possible, scour previous resident reviews before making your decision. 
• Do a walk-through of the house to inspect things like the heating system, kitchen, and windows.
• Snap some photos as a backup in case there's any dispute over the security deposit when you leave.
• Lastly, trust your gut. If everything looks good on paper but you still have an unease feeling, move on to another option. 

Finding the perfect place to live takes time and patience, so arm yourself with both and good luck on your search!