A Tenant’s Guide to Making a Deal

Before Margaret Thatcher enabled the public to buy the Council House where they resided for bargain prices, renting a property was the norm, especially among the working classes. However, since the economic downturn, repossessions have become a major concern for homeowners. More people are ejected from their properties and become tenants again. But do they know how to use the system to protect themselves from dubious property owners? Protect yourself by understanding the right and wrong ways of making a rental transaction.

Get your Paperwork in Order

Make sure you have the necessary paperwork available. This is the best way to immediately show the landlord you know what you are doing and will not be exploited. A copy of your current credit rating report, references from former landlords or friends and a written application for the property will give you a distinctive edge over the competition. Your potential landlord will again be impressed.

Knowing the Facts

Make sure you totally understand the terms and conditions of the rental contract. Take care to research issues regarding house insurance, because more than likely the landlord’s insurance will not cover the tenants. This may sound like common sense, but let’s be perfectly clear: it is imperative you read every word of the rental contract before you sign your life away on the dotted line. Read the small print, because there might be hidden clauses in the agreement that you disagree with. Once you have signed, you will not have a legal leg to stand on. Make sure you get everything in writing, to avoid potential confusion later on and to ensure you understand every nuance of the rental agreement, from repairing and replacing broken items and furniture, to the validity of any prior verbal agreement between yourself and the landlord.

Protecting your Privacy

Tenant privacy is the second most common problem for renters, after disputes over security deposits and rental payments. Ensure your landlord fully understands you expect him to respect your privacy from the moment the contract is signed. This will deter the landlord from interfering in your business, understanding he may own the property, but you are the one paying for it.

Communication is the Key

Keep in constant communication with your landlord, because a good relationship will ensure he makes much-needed repairs in double quick time. Alienating your landlord will lead to a deterioration in the relationship and cause major problems further down the line.