Viewing a private rent house in an hour. Help

[HereForAdvice2019]

Sorry for traffic.
Were. Viewing a private rent house perfect size and location etc.
Were currently in a 2 bed HA and very cramped.. As now have 2 dcs and 1.on way and dsd will be residing with us.
. This wasn't intentional as 8 originally moved in just me And ds. Didn't expect to meet dp fall in love blah blah.
Housing wait here is 7 plus years.
We've decided to go private..

What do we need to ask the agent.?
What do we need to look for at the house.?
Anthing I should. Know.

I'm terffied of Giving up my security here regarding the tennancy so at the moment I can't think straight

Ask about deposit.

Ask about heating bills.

Ensure there is adequate ventilation to avoid mould etc.

Are there working smoke/carbon monoxide alarms?

How old is the boiler? Run the hot tap to check it works.

Is the tenancy in your name only or joint?

Is there parking nearby?

What are the neighbours like?

Why are previous tenants moving out?

Dgetting emotional is a mistake.

Do you like the house and area are the 2 most important things

Brill it's me and dp for tenancy. I know there's a drive. But the other questions are good.

I would ask:
How long has this been a rental property?
How long have previous tenants lived there on average?
Why is the current tenant leaving?

Then look at the property carefully. Is the exterior well-maintained (gutters/roof)? Any signs of damp? Are fixtures and fittings in good condition? Is it safe and

Can you meet the current tenant - if so, ask them about the house and the neighbours. Would the previous tenant give you a ref for the landlord/letting agency? That would be worth its weight in gold.

...safe and secure

Ask about timings for repairs. We waited no time at all for a new hob but front door been buggared since last October!
Who do you contact - ll or repair man direct?

Can't you exchange? I'd never give up a secure tenancy for private rent.

When was the roof last checked?

When were the gutters last cleaned?

It’s amazing how many landlords don’t care about roof repairs and the water/damp damage it causes.

Double check what kitchen appliances come with the house. Likelihood is you’ll bring all your own, but I overheard our soon to be neighbours asking for a cooker to be installed before they move in yesterday, so obviously some people have different expectations.

Does the landlord have any other properties? (Gives an idea if they are an accidental landlord or not)
How long were the previous tenants in situ?

Is anything staying furniture or white goods wise? If so how old is it?

What are the floor coverings like?
How is the decor? (In terms of quality of finish)

Is there enough storage space for you in the kitchen? Enough room in bedrooms for drawers and wardrobes?

WhT state is the garden in? Does it look manageable? If there is any trees ask who is responsible for then (tree surgeons cost a fortune if they need lopped).

Does the landlord do regular inspections? If so how often and with how much notice?
Are repairs organised by them or the landlord themselves?

Is it via a letting agency or direct to LL.

If it’s letting agents ask questions about the service they provide. Repair call outs etc.

It's via an angency.
I've tried exchanging been on list 3 years. But we're 2ff. Even though it's immaculate throughout. Only had one serious person. The house was lovely but other side of town not suitable for dp work and ds school.

I've written alk those down. We know the size and layout as my mum used to have the same.
But the other questions are fab.

Don't go private

Try to get a swap

I don’t think it matters how long a previous tenant has been there, how many properties the landlord has etc.
After you like the location and accommodation, is it managed by the agent? They may be quicker at getting repairs done. Will they do an inventory (you really want this), how long can the lease be for? I’ve agreed leases for up to three years for my tenants.
I’ve also had tenants request a microwave and a desk (in a furnished flat), so do not be afraid to request some things (within reason).
If looking at furnished accommodation you want to know exactly what’s staying.
Consider proximity to transport, parking, any amenities you want (like near a gym, schools).

I'd be wary moving to a private rental tbh, we rent privately and we've just had to move for the 3rd time in 3 years. Our last 2 landlords decided to sell despite supposedly being our homes for as long as we wanted/long-term investments.

Ask if the owners are looking for a long term tenant.

Make sure the loos flush and water runs properly from the taps.

Look out of windows up and down stairs and go into back garden, to be able to assess privacy.

Check there are smoke alarms.

Try the windows to see that you can open and close them easily.

Ask the reason why previous tenants left - if there have been tenants there before.

Go back in the evening to see what the road is like when everyone is at home, eg are there noisy kids out in the street, do you feel safe there.

Come back and tell us all about it, good luck.

Thanks Again. It's white goods only but ideally we wanted no furnishings as we have everything but can be stored.

Swapping isny an option.. Dsd needs to move in ASAP and the courts won't allow her to share with teen ds.. Plus we have a 1 Yr old dd and 1.on way.
The home swapper literally has had the same few properties forvMonths.

We literally have no choice.

Is half a. Mile from where we live now so still OK for school. We don't use public transport. But my nan lives in the next street and. 2.mins from her house is a multitude of bus services. If we ever did.

I will let you know. Just getting ready to meet dp to view.

Definitely long or short lease.
Does the agency have a local office you can call into or is this agency based miles away or is it indeed all internet/phone based?
We had bad experience with the latter. Could never contact them when we needed to and repairs were sourced miles away and often had long wait due to this for repairs.

Are you allowed to decorate- and to what extent.?

Probably too late but ask about internet - we've been stung twice with houses that had no live landline so was hassle and delay getting internet installed

We loved it. Tennant was there. They've been there 2 yrs only moving as they brought a house. Quick repairs. She messages the landlord ditect. its the landlord only property it's a family home.
Everything worked
2.others viewed and liked so they put it to landlord who they think they'd like to let it to. Find out hopefully by Fri.

I did peek. At her paperwork
The others have more income. But self. Employed m
Dp was the only full time employed one.

I really hope you get the house, HereForAdvice.

All sounds good. Keeping fingers crossed for you!

If the courts are involved with your step daughter, can't her social workers do anything to help you have a swap? To bump you further up the list?