If you are a first time tenant, looking for your first home to rent, there is a lot to think about. Navigating the market can be difficult, even if you have rented before.
At Hamptons our lettings experts are experienced with helping tenants no matter how many times they have rented in the past, we are here to hold your hand and guide you through the process as much as you need.
If you are starting to think about renting your first home, take a look at our top tips on how to prepare yourself.
1) Keep an eye
There is constantly new properties coming onto the rental market, and if you are serious about moving to an area you need to keep checking for any new additions daily. And, if you do see a property that grabs your interest get in touch about it as soon as possible. If you're looking to find a place with your pet, there is important information you need to know, read our comprehensive guide to renting with pets to learn more and find your perfect pet-friendly rental property.
2) Register with estate agents
At the moment the rental market is incredibly competitive, with a low number of properties available and high numbers of tenants looking for homes to rent, so it might not be enough to be checking Rightmove every few days. A large number of rental properties don’t even make it to the online market as a let is agreed prior to this, to ensure you are seeing all the brand new properties that might be of interest to you, register with local lettings agents in the area you are looking.
3) It isn’t forever
For most people the first property you rent is the first place you live away from your family home. This can feel really daunting, and there is a lot of pressure for everything to feel perfect, but one of the beauties of renting is that it doesn’t have to be permanent, so if you decide you would like to live in a different area, you need another bedroom or you want outdoor space, you can move.
4) Making final decisions
With the market being so competitive it can really help to secure a property if you show your interest and make a decision quickly. And, many landlords favour tenants who move quickly and show their commitment. The last thing you want is to find a property you like, but be beat to the post by someone who just moved that bit more quickly than you did.
5) The legal side
When renting it is important that you understand and feel completely comfortable with the terms of your contract. If you haven’t rented before it is always worth sharing your contract with a friend or family member, who can help you to appreciate the terms that you are agreeing to, so that in the long run you aren’t left unhappy with something you have agreed to.
