No mistakes this time - red flags I should be aware of when looking for properties to rent

[VixStarr]

I moved my family to a house that was riddled with rising damp/ slug infestations, a garden with knotweed/ a kitchen so cold that my teeth would chatter whilst cooking/no storage. Suffice to say we are moving but I am pretty afraid that I am going to make another horrific decision. I definitely bought into the lifestyle/potential of it all.

Please could you tell me what your red flags were or any tips you may have. The EA have us in and out in no time at all and make me feel very uncomfortable when I ask if I can look at drawers/cupboards when the property is empty. A bit of background - there is me, DP, DS1, DS2 and one on the way and we have to go for a two bedroom due to price/location issues ( which is another thread entirely.)

When renting try to find a 'newish' property. One that been built less than 10 years ago. It will be fresher to live in, have better heating/plumbing & fewer break down problems & definitely no damp. Even if it means compromising a bit on location or layout, it's worth it.

Last 6 years that we've rented, I've only chosen brand new apartments/houses to rent. So much so that we've been the first occupants. Feels amazing!
Only once did I rent a 1930s house & had to leave in 6 months as we couldn't cope with the 'oldness' & problems - which we can't fix as tenants!

Thanks for that - I am definitely aiming for a newish build ( there aren't too many around here). Is there anything else that springs to mind for you?

I'm a landlord.

There is a lot to be said for looking at the place as if you were buying it. While you won't be responsible for maintenance and repair, if this isn't being done this isn't going to change and is the sign of a bad landlord.

if it has single glazing and lacks heating, that also won't change! Nor will it increase in size or be rearranged. Sounds obvious, but so many on here don't seem to think this way.

also it won't move; check for busy roads, noisy neighbours, pubs, schools, traffic, parking etc.

when my property was being viewed, I was there with the agent although I got out of the way while the tenants looked round. They took 30 mins or so for a 2 bed and could have taken longer if required. Don't be rushed and ask all the questions you want.

also the obvious checks; gas safe cert available when you view, how is deposit protected, who is there for you to call if there is a problem. For example, I manage it myself but there is an emergency 24 hour call out which I can arrange if I am not able to sort things quickly, as I do go away sometimes.

finally, if you want to be there long-term check that it is a buy-to-let, not the home of someone who might want to move back in six months.

good luck.

Check sound proofing, the EPC, the water pressure in the shower, the gas safety certificate, ventilation in the kitchen and bathroom and smoke alarms

Typing a checklist now....

Open the cupboards, oven, fridge to ensure they are all clean.

If you are near a tube line, hang around to see if you can hear it. Our last house in London was atop a tube line and we had constant rumbling. You get used to it but I wouldn't have taken the house had I known.

Check orientation. If you like a sunny kitchen, not much use having a house where it faces east and is thus cold and gloomy for most of the day.

Does it smell? clean, dirty, damp, cigarette smoke?

Sounds odd but check that doors and windows open and close properly.
I spent years in a flat with a bedroom door that didn't shut.

As Special said, look at it as if you were buying it, in fact I would be more critical as there is so much you can't change.

Special : That's really good advice

Pipbin - I learnt my lesson in regards to the windows - my living room window doesn't open at all.

I just thank my lucky stars that we can afford to correct the mistake

i made

Every place I've rented that I've loved living (out of the 10 or so places I've rented) has "felt right" the moment I walked in. The ones that didn't feel right but I ignored the feeling haven't lasted.

A foolish question i know - how can you tell what way your property is facing?

Re which way the property is facing- you can figure it out from a map if you have one to hand and can orient from the road- or carry a small compass on a keyring or something!

If the agents are hurrying you it is a sign that they are likely to be rubbish agents, so a red flag in itself.

My trick was to have my checklist on a clipboard, and make a point of checking everything. The clipboard keeps the agents in check a bit, I think it intimidates them to know that you are keeping track. I'd also sketch a floor plan on the back of the sheet, with orientation, so I could remember which property was which later (I'd see 10 in one day and take one by closing time…) Make a note of any wild claims they make so that you can dispute them at leisure later, if needs be.

Crucial checklist points were things like-
signs of mould
signs of pests
signs of damp
signs of damage to windows or roof
street lighting
proper mortice lock on front door
window locks
mobile signal?
Gas cooker/central heating?

For every key room I had
condition of decor and flooring
condition of fitted furniture
sufficient plug sockets?
Lighting (natural/artificial)

Questions to ask were:
council tax band? (they never know though!)
Who is the landlord and what are their circumstances (eg- bloke who used to live here and has one other place, giant company, person who is travelling and will come back)
Nearest shops?
Nearest public transport?

Anything that had ever pissed me or any of my household off was on there!
We'd even measure the front door and stairs to check our furniture could get in the door.

You can also ask to nip to the loo, which lets you check the plumbing, or to charge your phone whilst you look round, which lets you check a crucial socket.

While I applaud Grotty's dedication, you might find the tenant : property ratio doesn't allow you to be too fussy. Or your timeframes don't allow you to wait for something perfect. So it's also a good idea to know what you can compromise on, and have your checklist in priority order from must have to nice to have.

Exactly whereisshe- if you have your list all filled in, you can compromise from a position of knowledge. You'll never get a perfect place, but at least you can chose the best balance of imperfections available to you.

And ahem, yes, my dedication, as you so tactfully put it, probably does out me...

It is impressive dedication particularly checking the plumbing and power sockets!

it is - but it may also flag up things that no-one has spotted because the previous tenant didn't want to be held liable, and that the landlord will be perfectly willing to fix.

I agree with the plug sockets. I started doing that too after realising that the living room and bedroom had one socket each.

Thanks everyone - am seeing a property tomorrow so fingers crossed its okay
:)