Tenancy can be fraught with difficulties when not approached sensibly. Though tenancy fees have now been abolished, there are still a number of issues that may face new renters upon signing a lease or moving into a home.
At Belvoir Sutton Coldfield, we help new tenants to arrange their rented homes, as well as acting as a friendly mediator between them and the landlords. Listed below is a cautionary list of common mistakes. Avoiding them will ensure satisfaction for all parties, and that there are no unwanted costs or surprises when it comes to moving out later.
Not Reading The Small Print
Make sure that you are fully aware of any small printed stipulations on your tenancy – there may be rent increases, shortened notice periods or a wide range of other things that you may not be fully aware of.
Inventory Ignorance & Photographs
When you’ve moved into a new property, you may be tired from travelling, lugging boxes or generally stressed. You will no doubt be handed an inventory, which it is very important that you read, assess and comment on as soon as possible; down the line, this can cause significant problems if things get damaged or get lost. Photographing any wear and tear on the property is also important if you don’t want to be blamed for it later.
Loving The House, Hating The Street
You can have the best house in the world, but it is important to do some research into the neighbourhood too. A student area, for example, may get noisy in the winter and be practically empty during the summer. Perhaps there is a professional group samba teacher on your street, and you weren’t expecting your Saturday mornings to be dominated by sizzling Brazilian rhythms, as much as you enjoy them by night. Ask your landlords, your agents and check forums before you move in – you won’t regret it.
Not Having Contents Insurance
This is pretty important: you landlord will almost certainly be insured for the home, but he or she can’t be expected to cover the cost of your items in the event of damage or burglary. The cost is nominal, considering the risks.
If you think we can help with your first tenency, we’d love to. Contact us today for friendly advice and expert knowledge of the renters’ market in Sutton Coldfield.
