Top 10 checklist for viewing a Property

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Top 10 checklist for viewing a Property


10 things to ask and look for when viewing a property

Finding a property for rent in Central London is an exciting time for tenants as there is a fantastic choice of houses and flats out there and a good place to start your search is with Residential Land.


10 things to ask and look for when viewing a property It’s easy to get carried away when looking at London property and some tenants might be tempted to make a snap decision when viewing. To stop you saying ‘I’ll take it’ before you’ve had time to think properly, Residential Land has prepared a list of 10 crucial things to ask and look for when viewing a property.


Here’s our expert advice 1. If you have multiple viewings booked, keep all the appointments. You might fall in love with the very first property you view but subsequent viewings might lead to an even better option. 2. Ask about the running costs Ask the landlord or agent to provide utility and council tax bills to give you an idea of how much you might spend on running the London property you are viewing.


Here’s our expert advice 3. Ask about service charges, ground rent and any extra costs additional to the rent - it’s common to contribute to the upkeep of communal grounds and shared facilities with some Central London flats to rent - especially if they are in a block or brand new development. 4. Find out what happens in an emergency - the unexpected does happen so it’s good to know who will deal with maintenance in the event of an emergency. Is round-the-clock support in place? Residential Land provides every tenant with a 24-hour maintenance service.


Here’s our expert advice

5. Improvements undertaken - you’ll want to rent a property that’s well cared for and maintained, so ask about recent improvements and the planned maintenance schedule.


Here’s our expert advice 6. Look at the condition of the property - if you’re not happy with the state of the decor, fixtures or fittings, raise this with the landlord or agent before you make an offer. 7. Check communal areas and facilities - make sure they are well maintained and ask who is responsible for their upkeep. Some London rentals enjoy a residents’ gym, communal gardens and shared laundry room but you’ll need reassurance that these facilities will be professionally maintained by an experienced block manager.


Here’s our expert advice 8. Ask to see the EPC certificate - every property for rent in Central London needs to have an EPC certificate as part of the marketing. The certificate will show you how energy efficient the property is. If it isn’t very efficient, your utility bills may be higher and the property might need work, such as a new boiler, double glazing and better insulation. 9. Ask to see the gas safety record - a landlord is legally obliged to carry out an annual gas safety check on every gas appliance/flue in a let property. A valid gas safety record provided by a registered gas engineer will prove that gas fittings and appliances are safe to use


Here’s our expert advice 10. Check for smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors - by law, every property offered for rent must meet new fire safety rules. Landlords have to install a smoke alarm per storey in a let property - including mezzanine floors - where there is some living accommodation present. The rules also state that a carbon monoxide detector must be placed within any room that contains a solid fuel combustion appliance. Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors must be tested and evidenced as working at the start of a new tenancy or when it renews.


About Residential Land Residential Land is London’s largest private landlord, with a portfolio of over 1,200 flats, apartments and houses to rent in prime Central London locations. If you need to secure accommodation for the new academic year or are thinking of transferring from halls of residence, contact Residential Land today; we are able to move you in on the same day!

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