How do I know my landlord is a good landlord?
When choosing your new home, you also need to make sure that your landlord is right for you as we know that on average tenancies can last for several years.
1. First impressions count
How quickly did they respond to your enquiry? And how did they reply? Did they seem like they were interested in you and your needs or none too fussed? Were they accommodating when arranging the viewing appointment?
If you intend to stay for a while you want the relationship to be a positive one.
2. Test their knowledge and experience
This will ensure that you check that your landlord understands the legislation and rules around renting. Ask them about the relevant safety certificates, and even for a copy. A good landlord will be knowledgeable and have no problem explaining them, and would be happy to supply any copies to you.
Ask them about how they will handle deposits - a compliant landlord will be able to explain with minimal effort what will happen once this has been paid.
3. How do they handle maintenance and repairs
A good landlord will have procedures in place to deal with any problems you have in a timely manner. They should be able to confirm what would happen in case of an emergency.
4. Ask to see their tenancy agreement
You are well within your rights to see this in advance of signing it.
5. Will there be an inventory/statement of condition? How will this be carried out?
Just as important as the tenancy agreement, an inventory is a benchmark as to the condition of the property when your tenancy commences. It is important to have a copy to ensure there is no confusion when you leave.
Can my landlord say no to DSS/Universal Credit applicants?
There may be a valid reason why a landlord is unable to accept a person claiming benefits. This is a conversation worth having with your landlord early on. It could be that the mortgage or insurance company stipulates that they can only rent to persons in full-time employment. If the property is a leasehold property (flat) that their rules say that they cannot.
It would be worthwhile to ask when arranging a viewing appointment to ensure that you do not waste any time.
If you are claiming benefits you may also want to consider arranging a guarantor who could offer your landlord reassurance if you were to make an offer on the property
What about Pets?
If you have a pet or are considering this the best option is to be honest with your landlord.
Ultimately it is your landlords' decision as to whether to accept them.
There may be genuine reasons why the landlord cannot accept pets, such as lease, mortgage, and insurance rules.
At the moment landlords cannot insist that you take out insurance, but you may want to consider it within the negotiation process.
What about smoking?
Your landlord is well within their rights to say that smoking is not allowed in the property.
If a leasehold property, their lease may state that there is no smoking in the communal parts of the property such as hallways, gardens, landings, and parking areas.
As with any relationship you are building with the landlord, honesty is the best policy. As part of the negotiation process, you may want to offer to redecorate at the end of your tenancy if there is an intention to smoke in the property.
There will be clauses in your tenancy agreement so ensure that you have the opportunity to have a look at a draft version in advance of any signing of this.