Checklist when viewing a property

Gas & Electricity

  • Is the heating in the house adequate?

  • Do all the radiators/heaters work?

  • Do all the kitchen appliances work?

  • Are there any loose wires?

  • If there are gas appliances in the accommodation, does the landlord have a current Landlord's Gas Safety Record? (By law all the gas appliances must be checked once a year by a Gas Safe registered installer). All the landlords with properties with gas appliances who advertise through our office provide a Landlord's Gas Safety Record.

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

  • Does the Landlord have a valid EPC, where required?

Furniture

  • Is it in a good state of repair? If it isn't, is it going to be replaced or reparaired?

  • Does any of the furniture belong to the current tenants?

  • Is there enough storage space?

  • Is there all the furniture that you might need?

Cleaning

  • Is the accommodation clean?

  • Is it going to be clean before you move in?

  • Are the carpets (if applicable) going to be washed?

  • Who is responsible for the cleaning?

  • Is there any cleaning equipment provided (hover, mop, broom)?

Repairs

  • Are there any dripping taps?

  • Are there any leaks?

  • Is there any damp?

  • Are there any other repairs that need doing?

  • Who is responsible for the repairs?

  • Who will pay for the repairs?

  • How long would you be expected to wait for the repair to be completed?

Security

  • Are there adequate locks in doors and windows?

  • Do all the ground floor windows have security catches?

  • Is there a working burglar alarm?

  • Is there fire detection and extinguishing equipment?

  • Is there a secure fire escape?

  • What does the building insurance cover?

  • Do I need to get an insurance for my belongings?

  • Is there an secure place to leave the bikes?

Financial arrangements

  • What does the rent include?

  • What are the extra charges (electricity, gas, water, council tax, inventory charge, etc)?.

  • What is the average electricity/gas/water bills of the previous tenants?

  • Is there a damage deposit require? how much would it be?

  • When would the damage deposit returned?

  • Is there a retaining fee to secure the house?how much would it be?

  • How could the rent be paid (by direct debit, standing order, cash, monthly, weekly?

MAKE SURE THAT YOU GET A RECEIPT FOR ALL YOUR PAYMENTS!!