Renting a house/flat for the first time can be a daunting task, and it’s likely that you will have to deal with a lot of experiences which are a first for you.
Here are some things to consider before you rent that you may not have thought about.
Be prepared – Write down your questions before you go and know what are your deal breakers and must haves. If you think you will be too shy or forget to ask something, bring along a more confident or experienced friend or relative.
Don’t make assumptions – Make sure you check every room. If the current tenants are in the house while you are viewing it, don’t be afraid to ask if you can have a look in their bedrooms, after all, it might be your room next year. If there is someone in the room currently, check what will be included when it comes time for you to take it over. If something doesn’t seem right, or even if it’s just a bit unclear don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Go with a reputable landlord or firm – Ask your landlord if they are a member of an accredited body. These are usually local to your area such as the City of Lincoln Trusted Landlord Scheme. If your landlord is accredited it can give you an indication that the landlord will act professionally and offer a good standard of accommodation. There are also a variety of other organisations such as the National Landlords Association. If they are a member, this can show that they follow the code of practise for that organisation and can give you a bit more peace of mind. We are proud to be a member of City of Lincoln Trusted Landlord Scheme.
Length of Contract – Check the dates of the contract. Some student properties are refurbished during the summer, or only let for the term time, while for other properties it is a complete year contract. Make sure that you know what dates the contract can and will run for, especially if you plan to be there over the summer.
If you’re going to university in Lincoln we hope you’ll consider one of the houses offered by us at City Lets Lincoln. If you have any questions, or would like to view one of our properties, please get in touch.