It’s easy to fall in love with a property and then just do whatever you need to rent it! However, be careful, take your time – however much pressure you are being put under – to check the property is the right one for you.

More importantly check it is being let legally and that the landlord is not cutting any corners!

Use the following checklist to help you to choose the right property:

• Where do you want to rent – can you get home safely at night time as well as during the day?
• Do you need a property to yourself or would you mind renting a room instead?
• How many rooms do you need? Don’t necessarily allow for visitors – you can have a sofa bed or send them to a local B & B!
• Don’t pay for things you don’t need, like luxurious bathrooms and kitchens, unless that’s what you really want.
• How long do you want to rent for? If its two years, make sure the property will be available for that length of time.
• Make sure the property has the required Gas and Electrical Safety certificates and a history of checks made previously.
• Ensure that items such as boilers, gas or electrical fires, dishwashers or cookers have been tested every year by a qualified professional such as an electrician or a CORGI-registered or NICEIC.
• Any furniture has to pass current Fire Safety regulations.
• The property must be fitted with working smoke alarms, preferably connected to the mains.
• Check how quickly repairs (for example, to appliances) will be made

Before you move find out more about:

• Rental budget
• Tenancy agreements
• Lettings insurance
• Your rights as a tenant
• Your landlord’s rights

Ready to move?

• Set up home services
• Organise removals
• Get a reliable man with a van
• Update your address details