Sun 03 Oct 2021

If you’re a first time tenant, looking for your first home to rent, there is a lot to think about. The market can be difficult to navigate, even if you have rented before.

At Brown & Cockerill, our lettings experts are experienced with helping tenants no matter how many times they have rented in the past, we are here to provide as much information you need and guide you through the process.

If you are thinking about renting your first home, take a look at our tips on how to prepare yourself.

1) Keep an eye

There are constantly new properties coming onto the rental market, and if you are serious about moving to an area you need to keep checking for any new additions daily. And, if you do see a property that grabs your interest, get in touch about it as soon as possible.

2) Register with estate agents

The rental market is incredibly competitive, with a high demand of tenants looking for homes to rent but a low number of properties on the market so checking on Rightmove every few days isn’t enough. A large number of rental properties don’t even make it to the online market as a let is agreed prior to this, so to ensure you are seeing all the brand new properties that might be of interest to you, register with local lettings agents in the area you are looking.

3) It isn’t forever

For most people the first property you rent is the first place you live away from your family home. This can feel really daunting, and there is a lot of pressure for everything to feel perfect, but one of the benefits of renting is that it doesn’t have to be permanent, so if you decide you would like to live in a different area, you need another bedroom or you want outdoor space, you can move.

4) Making final decisions

With the market being so competitive it can really help to secure a property if you show your interest and make a decision quickly. And, many landlords favour tenants who move quickly and show their commitment. The last thing you want is to find a property you like, but be beaten to the post by someone who just moved that little bit more quickly than you did.

5) The legal side

When renting it’s important that you understand and feel completely comfortable with the terms of your contract. If you haven’t rented before it’s always worth sharing your contract with a friend or family member, who can help you to appreciate the terms that you are agreeing to, so that in the long run you aren’t left unhappy with something you have agreed to.

 

If you’re looking for a rental property and would like to register with us, contact us on 01788 551111.