If you are planning to rent a property, it is important that you check a few things. The rental market can be quite competitive, so it can be very tempting to agree to rent a place you like without first making sure that it is the right choice for you. Below is a guide which will help you to make sure that the property you are planning to rent is suitable for you.

View the property in person

Sometimes, it can be tempting to agree to rent a property without seeing it in person. People often do this because they do not want to risk being beaten to the deal by someone else. However, you should always view a property in person. While a rental website may have several photographs of the interior and exterior of the property, these photos may not be a true representation of the space. For example, a wide-angle lens may have been used in order to create the impression that a room is larger than it actually is. Viewing a property in person will also allow you to inspect the condition of the property and to meet the agent or landlord.

Read the contract

Contracts can be very boring. Often people do not read the small print on contracts which they agree to. This was highlighted in an experiment in which the terms and conditions for a mobile phone app included a clause which said that users would give up their eldest child in return for access to free Wi-Fi. While it is unlikely that your landlord will include such a clause in your rental contract, it is important that you check that you agree to the terms detailed there. However, you should check the amount of notice you need to give if you wish to end the contract. Some contracts may also specify a minimum period of rental. You should also check the details of the deposit which will be required.

Deposit return

Finally, you should check how the deposit you pay will be held by your landlord. Ideally, your landlord will store the deposit in a special bank account which is separate from their own personal accounts and from the account into which you pay your monthly rent. This will ensure that the deposit can be returned when you leave the property.

If you would like further advice, you should contact a real estate agency today.