Unfortunately most of the requests for help I get from tenants come too late. During the winter time, calls come in from freezing tenants who can’t get their landlord to upgrade or fix the heating.
I also receive emails from tenants complaining they can't get their deposits back at the end of their tenancy and others confused because they can’t cancel a rental contract at any time.
| By just spending five minutes researching the questions to ask a landlord, you can avoid all of these problems. But, once you have rented the property it’s much more difficult for anyone to help you. | XXX |  |
Kate’s top three questions to ask landlords / letting agents:-
1. Can you see the Energy Performance Certificate at viewing stage (this will help to know how expensive it will be to heat the property)
2. Which deposit scheme will your deposit monies be protected in?
3. If the property has a boiler or gas appliance, has it a valid gas safety certificate?
If you choose to rent a property without checking these things, then there is little anyone can do once you have a problem as the property is being let illegally by the landlord or letting agent.
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XXX | If you rent through an agent, only choose those who are ARLA or NALs members. If you don’t check this, you could end up with a rogue agent who steals your rent or goes bust and the landlord might expect you to pay the money they never received. |
Finally, read the contract before you sign it. Check key points such as how long are you committed to the property for – it’s normally six months.
What happens if you need to leave beforehand? Most contracts mean you will have to pay the full six months rent before you can terminate the contract.Good agents and landlords might just charge you any re-let fees.
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