Renting your first home is exciting, and a little preparation makes it much easier. Use this checklist from your first search to the day you get the keys.
Before you search
- Set a budget: include rent, utilities, internet, insurance and travel, not only the monthly rent.
- Gather your documents: photo ID, proof of income and contact details for references are usually needed.
- Know your must-haves: location, number of bedrooms, pets, parking or outdoor space.
At the viewing
- Check water pressure, heating, windows and signs of damp.
- Ask what is included, how long the tenancy is and how repairs are reported.
- Ask about every upfront cost, such as the deposit and the first month’s rent.
Before you move in
- Read the tenancy agreement carefully before you sign, and ask about anything you do not understand.
- Check how your deposit will be held; the rules depend on where you live.
- Take dated photos of each room on moving-in day and keep a copy of the inventory.
Requirements and tenant rights vary by area, so ask your letting agent which rules apply to the home you are renting.