When renting a family home the things you must look for is different than if you were buying. This is because rental properties are far less flexible and adaptable than rental properties. For example, if you notice a problem when you are viewing a home to buy, it’s not as serious because you know you can sort it out if you were to purchase it. However, in rental accommodation, you are living on someone else’s property and, therefore, you have much less control over any issues. That’s why it is important to have a good idea of the things to look out for when renting a home so that you can avoid properties that are unsuitable for your family.
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Safety
Safety is the number one concern when viewing rental properties. If you have young children, you will want to make sure that the layout and features of the property will not cause accidents and that the security of the property is up to scratch. You must also check that the fire detectors, fire extinguishers, and any gas and electrical appliances are safe and in good working order.
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Furniture
If the accommodation is furnished, ensure that the furnishings are adequate for your family. For example, if there is only one small sofa, but five of you, this will not be practical and may mean you need to purchase additional furniture. You should also check that the furniture is clean and in good condition. There’s nothing worse than sitting on an old smelly armchair or eating at a wobbly table.
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Decor
Has the property been decorated to a good standard? Look out for poor paint jobs, carpets that haven’t been fitted well, and torn wallpaper. These problems could be an indication of the kind of services the landlord uses to complete maintenance and other work on the property.
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Appliances
All families rely on washing machines, dishwashers, ovens, kettles, etc. on a daily basis and therefore it’s vital that they are in good condition. Test as many as you can yourself, and ask the landlord for information on the age and condition of these appliances. If they are exceptionally old, this could lead to much inconvenience for you if they need regular maintenance.
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Pets
A lot of rental properties will not allow pets, or at least certain breeds of animals. If you have a family pet or want the option to get one you should check whether this is permitted.
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Cleanliness
Ensure that the property is clean. If it is not, this should raise serious concerns about whether the property owner takes good care of the property.
There are many things to look out for in rental accommodation for your family. However, many landlords will be willing to adapt their property to meet your needs, providing they are reasonable. So, it’s worth asking.
I hope this information leads you to your perfect family home.
