Renting a Property: A Guide to Finding the Right House

Choosing a new property to rent is a big decision, even if you’re only looking for somewhere to live for a year to two. Moving home is always a huge life decision and it will affect your lifestyle, family and finances, so there is a lot to consider when narrowing down the rental market. 

Whether you’re a first-time renter or you’ve rented in the past, before you jump in and start searching for your perfect house, it’s essential to take the time to do your research and prepare for the process. With the right know-how, you’ll be able to find your dream rental home in no time. Below we have created a useful guide covering all of the basics you need to cover when trying to find the right house to rent.

Determine your Budget

Before you start your search for a rental property, it’s important to determine how much you can afford to spend on monthly rent. Knowing your budget before you start looking will help you narrow down your options and prevent you from falling in love with a property that’s too expensive. Don’t forget that you always need to check whether utilities are included in the rent as well, as this can have an impact on your monthly expenses. 

Research Local Areas

When you’re choosing a new house to rent, you need to consider where you’d like to live. Doing some research into the pros and cons of the different areas you’re considering can help you to make the right choice. No matter how long you plan to live in the rental property, you need to ensure that you will have convenient access to everything you need, from public transport links to schools and shops. When you have useful amenities on your doorstep, you won’t have to spend lots of time driving to neighbouring towns or villages. 

Look for Rental Listings

Once you know your budget and you’ve narrowed down your areas of interest, you can start searching for rental listings. At this point, it’s very beneficial to contact a local estate agent. Whilst you can search the internet and use various property websites to find rental properties, an estate agent can help you to find the perfect house to rent. After asking a few questions about your wants and needs, an estate agent will start sending you suitable properties to consider. This can save you lots of time and hassle. 

Visit the Property 

The next step in the rental process is viewing any rental properties you’re interested in. Visiting a house in person is hugely beneficial and it will enable you to get a better feel for a property. You can also make sure that the house is in good condition, both inside and out, and this will help you to determine whether it’s right for you. Viewing rental properties can provide peace of mind and help you to make an informed decision about your next home. 

Ask Some Questions

Whilst viewing a rental property, don’t hesitate to ask an estate agent any questions you may have about the property or the local area. Whether you want to find out more about when the house was last renovated or where the closest train station is, an estate agent will be able to provide you with the information you need. Feel free to ask questions about the lease as well, such as whether utilities are included and what maintenance you will be responsible for. 

Read the Lease Carefully

Even if you love everything about a rental property, something in the lease could still put you off. It’s crucial that you take the time to carefully read the lease before you sign. You can then ask the estate agent or the landlord any questions you may have about clauses or terms that you don’t understand. You may also be able to negotiate any changes you would like to make. If you have a pet, for example, you need to check whether there are any restrictions in the lease that prevent them from living with you. 

Looking for Properties to Rent in Sawbridgeworth

Hopefully, the information above will be useful if you’re trying to find the perfect house to rent. When searching for properties to rent in the Sawbridgeworth area, feel free to get in touch with the Wright & Co team. We know the local area very well and can provide you with any advice or guidance you need when renting a house. 

You can contact our team knowing we will hold your hand through the whole rental process. We are easily accessible by phone or email and we’re always happy to answer any questions you may have. At Wright & Co, we pride ourselves on putting our customers first and you will be in very good hands with our knowledgeable team. So, contact us today for some help finding properties to rent in Sawbridgeworth.

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