VIEWING A PROPERTY:CHECKLIST

Running through this checklist will give you a reasonably thorough survey of any house you are thinking of renting:

Structure

• Does the roof look sound? (You can check for damp from the inside of the house too)
• Have the gutters got plants growing out of them?
• Are the drains clear?
• Is any of the woodwork rotting or unsafe? 

Gas and electricity

• Is the heating in the house adequate (imagine whether it will be adequate in the middle of winter)?
• Do the electric/gas fires work?
• Does the cooker work?
• If the cooker is a gas cooker, does the thermostat work?
• Is there a valid, satisfactory CORGI safety record for the gas appliances?

Plumbing

• Do all the taps run effectively?
  
• Do the sinks drain?
• Does the toilet flush or leak?
• Is there any hot water?

Furniture

• Has the house got enough furniture for the occupants?
• Is there sufficient space in the kitchen to store and prepare food stuff?
• Is any of the existing furniture the property of existing or former tenants?
• Is all the furniture in good condition?
• Is the furniture fire retardant?

Security

• Is the house secure?
• Is there a burglar alarm that works?
• Are all the external doors solid?
• Have all external doors been fitted with a five-lever mortise lock? If not ask if the lock is secure to insurance standards
  
• Do all ground floor windows have security catches?
• Are the ground floor bedroom curtains lined or thick enough?

Safety

• In the event of fire in the main access passageways of the house, could you get out of the house?
• Are smoke detectors or fire alarms fitted?
• Has the house any fire doors?

Infestation

• Are there any signs of pests (mouse droppings, slug trails, fleas) in the house?

Money

• How much is the rent?
• How does the rent compare to rents of similar properties?
• Is a deposit required and if so how much?
• What does the rent include? are there any additional costs eg. gas, electricity, water?
• What are the average heating costs for the property? 

Services

• What services is the owner providing for you, if any? Window cleaning, gardening, lighting of common parts, dustbin and refuse disposal

Agreements

• Do you understand all the terms and conditions of your contract?
  
• Have you talked to the previous occupants of the house and asked them if they have any comments that would help you?
• Have you been given a copy of the contract you have signed?
• Are you jointly liable with the other tenants or do you have an individual contract?
  

Landlord / Agent

• Do you know your owner's name, address and contact details?

Things to do when you are moving in

Cleaning

• Is the house clean?
• If not, tell the landlord/agent what the condition is in writing?

Repairs

• Do any repairs need doing?
• Advise the landlord/agent in writing what needs doing?

Decorating

• Does any decorating need doing?
• If so, who is doing it and who is paying? Has the landlord/agent set any upper limit if you are decorating the house yourself? Get confirmation in writing.