What questions should I ask before I rent a property in Guildford? 

Your rental property will usually be your home for at least the next twelve months, so it’s important to be clear on the details from the outset. The size of the property and the monthly rent will be clearly shown on any property website, but other matters, like what the rent includes and where you park your car, might not be. 

To be sure you’re getting the right property for your needs, and to be sure you can afford it, consider asking these questions before you sign the tenancy agreement.

Finances and affordability

1.     How much is the deposit? 

As well as the monthly rent, you will be required to pay a one-off deposit at the start of the tenancy. This is placed with a deposit protection scheme by the landlord or agent and remains there until the end of the tenancy. At the end of the tenancy, any repairs to the property are paid for out of the deposit and the remainder is given back to the tenant. Check how much you will be asked to put down as a deposit so you can be sure you can afford it. 

2.     What are the bills for, and who pays them?

In houses of multiple occupation, where each bedroom is let on its own tenancy agreement, the landlord usually pays council tax and sometimes energy bills too. However, if you are renting a whole property, you are usually responsible for the energy bills, including the council tax. Other bills might include the television license, telephone and internet connection. Ask who pays for what, and find out average monthly bills so you can budget for them.

3.     How energy-efficient is the flat or house? 

Landlords must produce an energy performance certificate before they can let their property. This will show how energy-efficient the property is. Properties with good insulation and double-glazed windows are cheaper to heat, as are ones that use efficient, well-maintained appliances. The more energy-efficient, the lower the bills. 

   Find out what’s included in the price of your rental property

4.     Is the property furnished or unfurnished?

It is important to check whether the property is being let with or without its furnishings. Even if the description says “furnished” or “unfurnished,” you need to check what is included so you don’t end up with nothing to sit on, or paying to store your own furniture. For example, most unfurnished properties do include carpets, curtains and kitchen appliances, like the cooker and fridge-freezer. On the other hand, some furnished properties contain the bare minimum, while others have cupboards full of china and pictures on the walls. 

5.     How fast is the internet?

If you use the internet for work, study or gaming, you probably have powerful hardware that can operate at speed. However, if the internet connection at the property is slow, even the fastest laptop isn’t going to function as you need it to. Check the internet speed and bear it in mind before you commit.

6.     Outdoor space

If the property is a house and it has a garden, of course the garden is yours to enjoy. But if the property is a flat and there is outside space, you need to check whether you would have permission to use it, or consider whether you would mind sharing it. Sometimes this is a straightforward matter of access –if the garden can only be reached from the ground floor flat, the upstairs residents can’t use it (this is usually reflected in the rent). Sometimes it is more complicated so if you’re in any doubt, ask. 

Is this location right for you? 

7.     Transport

If you drive, ask where you can park your car, and remember that some motor insurance companies offer lower premiums if you can park on a driveway. 

If you use public transport, check how near you are to bus stops or train stations and how convenient your journey will be once you get there. “Near” can be a relative term, so do a practice commute if you can. 

8.     The area

If there’s time to go exploring before or after the viewing, go. Where is the supermarket? Is there a park where you can go for a run, or meet friends? Are you near to amenities that are important to you, like a swimming pool or library? What’s within walking distance? Your estate agent will know the area (the Cobbles team will, anyway!) – tap into their local knowledge and ask them about schools and transport links.

Rent property in Guildford

If you are looking to rent property in Guildford, check out our rental properties here. We have long experience of letting properties to long-term tenants and students alike, so if you have any questions about renting, just ask! You can get in touch on 01483 457 000 – we look forward to hearing from you.