Are You Renting? Here's What to Look for When Scouting Out Your Next Home 

Ellie Green
Authored by Ellie Green
Posted: Wednesday, August 11, 2021 - 02:18

Looking for a brand new home to rent involves many considerations, with your budget being  the first and foremost priority. Here in the UK, you have a choice whether to rent from a private landlord or from a council/housing association. So, anyone looking for a decent property to rent has several options to find a home that fits their budget.

Private landlords and council homes

To rent from a private landlord, you must submit documents proving your right to rent in the United Kingdom. The landlord will run credit and reference checks to verify if you can afford to pay the monthly rent and sustain it. Around 4.44 million of England's 27.8 million households were privately rented in 2020. The number of socially rented households was approximately 4 million.

As for renting a council home, you need to apply through your local council so they can put you on their waiting list. Although each council has their own set of rules, they usually prioritise those who are homeless, currently in poor living conditions, or those who have had to be transferred from a rented home that was deemed unsafe for habitation. 

In many situations, the advantages of renting outweigh those of actually buying your own home. For one, you will have the freedom to move to another home in case the need arises. (For example, if your work needs you to move to another part of the country.) 

Whether you choose a private rental or social housing, it is always best to first find out what (or where) you are getting yourself into. Here are some tips to guide you on your search for your next home:

Know how much you can spend per month

You should prioritise your finances when it comes to your lifestyle choices. Find a flat that meets your needs but allows you to stay within your means. You should  already have a monthly rent budget in mind when you go house hunting so you do not over stretch yourself. Generally speaking, monthly rent  should not exceed a third of your salary.

Usually, this should not be an issue for council homes or housing associations as their rent prices are generally reasonable.

Find a suitable location

The property you select should be chosen strategically, so that  you won’t have to struggle to go to work or buy your shopping. Try to find out what the culture is like in the area or if social events regularly happen there so you can gauge what the area is like to live in. 

View several properties

Unless you are moving into a council property, you should look at multiple postings to obtain a clear picture of how you want your flat to look. This will offer you the opportunity to make an informed decision rather than rushing into renting one due to a lack of other options.

During your viewings, ask the landlord questions surrounding the tenancy agreement and the property itself. Watch out for cover-ups of possible disrepair in the home like cracks in walls, mould, damp, or a leaking roof. Be observant.

Tell the council what you want

Choice-based lettings are available in some council homes, which means you can inform your council which properties you prefer. Once you have been approved and added into the waitlist, you can start looking for a property in the local newspaper, and the council website or office.

You will also need to find out if you are eligible to apply for a right to rent in the property you choose as some might have specific demographics they prefer to rent out their properties to. Before you request for the council’s decision, you must bid for the home that you chose via phone, SMS, or online. This is free from any charges.

If the council approves

With the average private rent at £868 per month and social rent at £442, and with the housing affordability crisis, it is a wiser decision to apply for a home with the council or housing association if you are on a budget. Although the wait may take some time, the money you get to save from the rent can be diverted to other expenses like utilities and food.

Once the council makes you an offer, you are obliged to  accept it and notify them of your decision as soon as possible. They'll set up a time for you to sign the tenancy agreement, which will be either a fixed-term or long-term tenancy.

If you refuse their offer, the council may remove you from the waitlist or place you at the bottom, but you have the right to appeal if you disagree with their decision.

What to do if the council does not give an offer

If the council refuses your offer, there are two options afforded to you. You can continue to wait for the perfect property to come up on their radar, which may take a little time. If you cannot wait and need to move as soon as possible, a private landlord may be your best bet.

Once you have your dream home, ensure your landlord keeps up to date with any disrepair issues such as damp, mould, faulty electrics, a broken boiler and unsafe brickwork. Housing disrepair can cause severe issues to tenants, both physically and mentally.

Luckily, DisrepairClaim.co.uk can help tenants with a potential housing disrepair claim which can not only gain you compensation for your troubles, but also force your landlord to fix the problems. Get in touch today to see if you are eligible to claim.


 

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