Advice for renting in Leeds

Advice for renting in Leeds

If you’re looking for a rental property in Leeds, it’s important to take note of a few important factors to ensure the process is stress and hassle-free. While it’s often a very exciting time in life, relationships between landlords and tenants can be difficult, so keep everyone happy with this guide to renting in Leeds.

• Location, location, location. It’s possibly the most important factor when it comes to renting a property. Where do you want to be? Are you looking to be close to family? A certain job? Or are you looking for a mini-community within the city? Do you want to be close to shops and nightlife? Only you can answer these questions but speaking to your letting agent will provide you with all the information that you may need.

• Think about what you want. When viewing properties, it’s easy to fall in love with the first one you see but why not create a list of everything you need? Think about parking, outdoor space, kitchen/diner, bedrooms and cupboard space. With a list, you can easily decide what is negotiable and what’s not.

• Provision for bills. Renting in any city requires a budget before even looking at properties. Think about your income and expenses and create a monthly budget. Not only will this help you to save for the deposit but once moved in, you also need to consider rent, bills, fees, travel, and food. You’ll soon become deflated if you’re looking at places that are way over your price range.

• Remember that first impressions count. When you visit a property, it’s not just the home being looked at. Landlords will carry out a tenancy check and could well ask an agent as to how they were on the viewing. Dress smart, be polite and always be on time.

• Prepare your references. Once you’ve chosen your property, rentals move quickly so it’s important that you have your deposit and references set up.

• Carry out a detailed property inspection. Using a detailed inventory, check the condition of anything included with the property and be sure to make notes of any damage. That way you won’t be held liable for any damages that weren’t caused by you at the end of the tenancy.

• Read the lease agreement. Once signed it can be difficult to amend anything written in the lease. However, beforehand make sure you read the entire document, take notes and write down any questions. It’s also the perfect place to note down any maintenance issues that the landlord has agreed to fix.

• Invest in the correct insurance. Contents insurance is a necessity and it is now a requirement that all deposits are covered by The Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme.

• Shop around for energy suppliers. Many tenants wrongly believe that they can’t switch suppliers because they don’t own the property but this is wrong. Look around for the best deals and you may find that you could save hundreds! It is also important to take a meter reading when you move in.

• Communicate with your landlord. Don’t go overboard but do keep them in the loop regarding payments and any issues with the property.

• Know where the stopcock is. This is the off-switch for all water in your home. Hopefully, you’ll never need it but it’s a necessity to know.

• Be aware of door salesman scammers. As with any city, scammers have been known to knock at the door, selling fake goods. If you are wary, do not open the door and if it persists, phone the police.

• Give the full notice. Landlords want a tenant who is reliable and if you leave on good terms, you are more than likely to get a good reference.

• Redirect your post and update all addresses. As well as this, it is important to ensure that you shred or dispose of all unwanted documentation with your personal details. This will help protect you against identity fraud.

Finally, treat the property as if it was your own and remember that a happy landlord makes for a happy renting process! If you’re looking for your perfect rental property in Leeds, take a look through the selection of Leeds properties we have on Cassini Properties.