☑️ 12 things to check before renting an apartment in London
Hi there! If you're looking for a safe and comfortable place to live, you'll want to make sure your long-term rental apartment feels like a true "home". To help you out, here's a handy checklist from Bob Makler to get you started:
☑️ 12 things to check before renting an apartment in London
Hi there! If you're looking for a safe and comfortable place to live, you'll want to make sure your long-term rental apartment feels like a true "home". To help you out, here's a handy checklist from Bob Makler to get you started:
1. The location
The first thing you should do is check out the location of your new apartment on Google Maps. This will give you an idea of how close you are to important landmarks like:
- The nearest tube, DLR, Overground, or train station
- The nearest bus stop
- The nearest supermarket or shop
- Whether food delivery works in this area
2. Safety
- Take a walk around the area and make sure you feel safe.
- Check the location on crime reports portals such as crimerate.co.uk and police.uk.
- Look for signs like graffiti, litter, and broken windows to see if they are common in your area or not. This will help you determine if an apartment is in a good or bad neighbourhood.
- Trust your gut feeling and senses when deciding whether or not an apartment is safe. If there's something wrong with what you're seeing, then it probably is. Trust yourself!
- It could also be unsafe if doors and windows don't close well. It allows burglars easy access to your apartment.
3. Do you need to pay for utilities?
- If utilities aren't included in the price, ask how much you will need to pay and for what. The main ones to ask about are the gas, electricity, and water bills, as landlords can handle them differently.
- Do they use a water meter or rates? As a rule of thumb, if the number of people >= the number of bedrooms in your home, choose to get a meter. It will be cheaper.
- Ask what gas and electricity bills are in the winter. Ask about the EPC rating. It shows if the apartment is energy efficient. EPC A is the most efficient. It means you spend less money on heating and electricity. If the current tenant is at your viewing, ask them what they currently pay monthly bills.
- If windows don't close well, you won't be able to keep the place warm.
- You'll probably be responsible for Council Tax and the Internet, so ask how much they cost.
- Double-check that service charges, buildings insurance, and ground rent won't fall on you. The owner of the property typically covers them.
4. Who is responsible for fixing anything that is broken?
When you're renting an apartment, it's important to know who is responsible for what. Ask who will pay for fixing anything that is broken or doesn't work. Is it the landlord or you? Do they have insurance, and what do they do if things get damaged in the apartment by accident?
Also, check if there are any requirements related to home insurance.
Also, check if there are any requirements related to home insurance.
5. Ask about the landlord's visit frequency and how to contact them
- Ask if the landlord will visit you, how often they'll see you, and if they'll call in advance.
- If the landlord is unavailable, ask about a contact person who can help with your urgent requests.
6. What exactly will stay at the apartment?
- Ask what exactly they will stay at the apartment. If you don't need something, ask if the landlord can remove it. And vice versa if the landlord can provide extra furniture.
- When you review the apartment, imagine how you can decorate the home and think how it can look when you are in, especially if it'd be messy because of current tenants.
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7. Check if the plumbing is okay
Inspect all taps and showers to ensure that cold and hot water run smoothly and flush without any blockages. Check that the toilet flushes properly as well. It's essential to examine everything before signing the contract and get any issues fixed before moving in.
Look for leaks beneath sinks, in the bathroom, and kitchen to detect any signs of dampness or mouldy smells, which may indicate leaking pipes or plumbing issues.
Look for leaks beneath sinks, in the bathroom, and kitchen to detect any signs of dampness or mouldy smells, which may indicate leaking pipes or plumbing issues.
8. Check for mould
Mould is a dangerous fungus that causes allergies and chronic diseases. Read more on NHS website. It grows in damp, dark places and can be found on the apartment's walls, windows, ceilings, and floors. Check the bathroom and kitchen for it, as these are the most common places where it appears. If you find that there is mould growing in an apartment, ask the landlord or agent to get rid of it and fix the problem causing it (such as a leaky pipe).
9. Check electricity and electric sockets
When you visit the apartment, pay attention to these things:
- Is there enough lighting in each room?
- Do all lights work properly or need repairing or replacing?
- Do sockets work correctly?
- Can you switch on a kettle and a microwave at the same time without a short circuit?
- Is there enough lighting in each room?
- Do all lights work properly or need repairing or replacing?
- Do sockets work correctly?
- Can you switch on a kettle and a microwave at the same time without a short circuit?
10. Check if all appliances work
This includes the oven, washing machine, fridge, and other essential appliances like the water heater and heating system. It's also important to make sure that no strange noises are coming from any of these items when they're on.
11. Check furnish and carpets
- Make sure that your mattress is comfortable and big enough for you. It should be clean. Otherwise, you have a risk of getting an allergy because of dust moths. The bed should be stable.
- Does the sofa need some cleaning?
- Check if the carpet is clean and fresh without odour. If the carpet is full of dust and has an odour, it should have professional cleaning or be replaced or removed. Dirty carpets are a source of allergens, and different microorganisms, according to researchers on PubMed.
12. Check for signs of rat contamination
Rats are not rare guests in the UK, so it's better to check if an apartment has problems with unexpected guests. They can carry many nasty diseases and have a knack for causing structural damage.
- Check for small, black, and oval-shaped rat droppings with a pointed end. They can be found on floors, countertops, and other surfaces throughout your apartment.
- Look for signs of rat holes in walls or ceilings.
Conclusion
This checklist won't guarantee that you'll find the perfect apartment that suits all of your needs, but it will definitely help ensure that you don't waste time looking at places that just won't cut it.
Remember, the most important thing is to make sure that the apartment you choose is the right one for you.
Best of luck with your apartment search!
Remember, the most important thing is to make sure that the apartment you choose is the right one for you.
Best of luck with your apartment search!
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