Renting

Considerations when renting

If you are contemplating private rented accommodation as opposed to buying, there are several aspects you will have to consider, whether you go through a managing agent or respond direct to a landlord's advertisement.

References - the landlord after all will need to know that you are a person willing and able to pay the rent regularly.
Deposit - the deposit will usually equal a month's rent though it can be more. It is to cover any damage you may cause to the property, or stand as security against you doing a 'moonlight flit'.
Lease - ensure you read the terms and conditions of your lease agreement carefully before signing it. Do not hesitate to ask for further information on anything that you do not fully understand.
Inventory - make sure that you agree a full inventory of the contents of the flat and keep a signed copy of the inventory safe for future reference.
Insurance - although as a tenant you can't insure the property as such, you are wise to insure those areas which you use and which you could possibly damage, together with your personal contents. An insurance broker will advise on this.