Top tips for tenants in the London/Bromley rental market

Bricks & Mortar News from Sydenham Estate Agents. South London residential property experts since 1975
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If you are looking to rent a proeprty in South London and Bromley do as much research as possible before you start looking.

Where does my property search begin?

Decide where do you want to live.
Work out how much you can afford to pay each month.
Clearly define what sort of property you're looking for
Think about how long your hoping to rent for.

Need some renting know how? Let us give you a hand with a few helpful tips to make the whole experience a little less daunting

Get a local map of your chosen area to get the lay of the land
If you know someone already lving in the area ask them to show you around the town to give you an idea of the parts of town you might to live in.
Walking around the area gives you a feel for a place.

What's the cost of renting these days?

Make sure that you find out all charges payable in advance. It helps to have cleared funds available for use immediately in case you need to secure a property quickly. You can usually use a bankers draft, building society cheque or cash.

Agents Fees: You may need to pay an agent’s fees, this is the fee for the agent putting you in touch with the landlord and the admin carried out by them in relation to the agreement.
Holding Deposit: You may have to pay a holding deposit on application via an agent or landlord whilst your tenancy application is being processed. It is vital that you get a receipt for any money that changes hands. You should get written confirmation of the terms of which you will, or will not get your deposit returned, should your application not be accepted.
Damages Bond: You will have to pay a damages bond or a deposit on the property which that landlord will hold in case of any damages during your rental period.
Rent in advance: It is quite usual to pay for at least one month’s rent in advance.
Monthly rental charges: When making calculations of what monthly rental amount you can afford, try your best to make a guessimate inclusive of bills and charges. Find out how much the Council Tax charge is.

What documents will I need?

Before you start negotiating with a landlord get all of your references in order. References could be from your a previous landlord if you have one or an employer. You may also have to supply bank references. You will need to prove that you have a stable income.

What is the letting agents role?

The agent may only be involved letting process or for both letting and managing the property. Find out exactly what the agents obligations are regarding the property. If they are managing and maintaining the property get their details and keep them safe!

What paperwork do I need to sign?

You will need to sign a shorthold tenancy agreement. Make sure that you and any tenants you are sharing with read and understand it. Get clarification of any points that are unclear. Know your obligations. All tenants will need to sign the tenancy agreement before moving in.

What should I double check?

Double check who is to pay for the utilities. Are the gas, Electric, water, and council tax included in your rent?
Before moving in (but after signing the tenancy agreement) get in touch with your utility providers to make sure that they are put into your name (and or connected). Take meter readings if relevant.
Get copies of all relevant safety gas and electric safety certification. If there has not been a gas safety check in the last year do not move in! The landlord is legally obligated to have annual safety checks carried out. Check the certificate. Keep all documentation safe along with copies of your tenancy agreement, inventory and insurances (it is wise to take out your own insurance to cover your belongings in case of damage or theft).

What are the tenants responsibilities?

Once you move in you will be responsible for the property. Keep it secure and report any issues to the agent or landlord as soon as they arise.
Get a copy of a detailed property inventory. If there are photographs of the condition of the property and the garden make sure that these are dated by the landlord or agent.
The agent or landlord will want to make checks on the property, make sure that you are available for these meetings.
Follow the terms of your rental agreement. Keep the property clean and un-damaged.
When your rental period is up make sure that you are present when the landlord or agent make their final checks. If you are intending to vacate the property give your landlord the proper notice as per the terms of your agreement. Make sure that they are aware of any issues and that they don’t discover anything you had not made them aware of once you move out. This may have implications on the return of you damages bond.
Take final meter readings for gas, electric and water if relevant. Make sure that the landlord or agent sign these off.