Residential Letting Guide

How will you find the right residential property in Southampton and how will you know it is the right property for you? Which questions should you be asking? Our residential letting guide below will help you think about what to ask before you spend time looking or putting down a deposit for an unsuitable property.

What to Consider When Looking for a Residential Property to Rent

There are key questions to ask when you are looking for a residential property which broadly speaking fall into two categories.

Location

You’re going to be living in your rental property for a while, so make sure you fully consider the location:

  • Is it close to school/work/and local amenities?
  • Does it have good transport links? Whether the house or flat are on the right bus route, close to a train station, within walking distance of work or have somewhere for you to park your car(s) are all important considerations.
  • Above all else is the neighbourhood safe? This is something local agents, Homelife Lettings will know. Even if an area looks fine in the daytime it may become a different proposition in the evening with noisy student neighbours or at weekends with people parking across your drive

Price

  • Make sure you know what the usual rental price is for similar residential properties in the area. Properties in popular locations may be priced higher owing to the demand.
  • Check what is included in your rental fee, such as maintenance, inventories and bills. You could have a nasty surprise if something you think is covered is an extra. Your tenancy agreement should provide the information you need but if it is missing please make sure you know who is responsible.
  • Decide on a price range that you can afford, and don’t forget to consider the cost of your outgoings, food, petrol and bills. The standard rule is that rent should not be more than 30% of your monthly income.
  • You will have to pay a deposit for any rental property you move into. Homelife Lettings asks for a £300 holding deposit if you are a professional and £200 if you are a student. We then give you a further 10 days to complete all the paperwork and pay the remainder of the deposit and fee (paperwork includes a tenancy contract and a standing order form, but a guarantor’s form may also be necessary).

Remember too that using a local lettings agency, with a professional attitude, that knows the area and the current market prices could save you money in the long run.

For more information regarding the above points in our residential lettings guide or for any questions you may still have please contact our friendly team on 023 8058 6838.