Is renting the new buying? With house prices constantly on the rise and supply failing to match demand, many more of us are turning to the rented sector.
To help, we've put together some steps for before, during and towards the end of your tenancy to help ensure that you're happy in your home and can make the most of renting a property.
Before your tenancy
Before you browse the internet for your next home, you will need to decide what exactly what it is you want from your property. Are you looking for a short term tenancy while you save up for a mortgage? Do you wish to live closer to work in order to reduce your commuting time? Or are you looking for a place to grow into with your young family?
Deciding upon the fundamentals will help you determine whether you will require a garden, a car parking space or a spare bedroom, for example, could you reduce your rental payments by putting some things into storage for a few months and signing a tenancy for a smaller property?
1. Do you research
If you're planning on starting a family, choosing a home close to a good school will no doubt be a priority. The Good Schools Guide allows you to type in a postcode and it will return results detailing the local schools by location.
Living close to parks, local amenities and on good transport links will also be something to consider, especially if you could save some money by walking or cycling to work.
2. Check your contract
With any contract, you should be reading the small print on your tenancy agreement and asking the letting agent or landlord to clarify any points or answer any questions you may have.
For an in depth guide on your responsibilities as a tenant and what you can expect from your landlord, read our article Renting Tips for Tenants.
During your tenancy
What's more, if you are renting but also saving for a deposit for a house, ensuring that the standing order for your savings is processed on the same day, will go towards preventing any sneaky impulse buys later in the month.
For lots more ideas, check out this post on how to personalise your rental home without losing your deposit.
You never know, if you invite your landlord round to the property, prove that you are brilliant tenants through a tidy home and garden, pay your rent on time each month and are quick with replying to any communications from your landlord or agent, they may just reconsider. Plus they might even want to pop round and meet the new addition themselves!
