A Guide to Renting

A Guide to Renting in Spalding

How to find the perfect rental property

A guide to renting and things to consider when looking to rent for the first time.  Spalding is a great place to find a rental property! and SEDGE LETTINGS aim to make the rental process as simple as possible for tenants.  What to look for and what to ask when thinking about renting – this guide to renting a property helps answer all those tricky questions.

Properties for rent do not only appeal to tenants who maybe saving for a deposit on their first home, but also offer flexibility to those moving to the area, looking to downsize or who maybe between property sales, or for those looking to share but without the commitment of purchasing a property together.  Reasons range and there are many benefits to renting.

A GUIDE TO RENTING

Before you Start Looking for a Rental Property

First ensure you have the finances to pay for one month rent up front together with the necessary Deposit.  There may also be other fees or holding deposits so talk to your Letting Agent and research current legislation.

Ensure you have a good knowledge of the street, town or area you are looking to rent in.  That way you will not be disappointed when viewing, nor waste the landlord/agent’s time.

Furnished or Unfurnished?

Rental properties may come furnished or unfurnished and it is likely to be the tenant’s responsibility to take on the utility bills.  Ask your agent what is included in the rent from the outset.  Room lets may often include the basics eg bed, wardrobe, so be sure to ask when viewing what is your responsibility and what is included.

Term of Tenancy

A tenancy is normally for a period of a minimum of 6 months but you may also ask for this to be extended.  Talk the letting agent about the Landlord’s requirements, are they looking for a short or long term tenant? and after the six months will there be a chance to stay on? either through another tenancy or rolling arrangement.

Gather Your Paperwork

Ensure you have all the paperwork ready to hand for your letting agent. Your agent will need to credit check you and confirm your identity, immigration status and employment status.  Ask them what will be required of you and prepare in advance.

Quick Rental Checklist:

  • Is the landlord or letting agent trying to charge any fees?  
  • How much is the rent and the deposit?
  • How long do you want the tenancy for?
  • What can you realistically afford?
  • Are you entitled to Housing Benefit or Universal Credit?
  • Which area are you looking to rent in?
  • Do you have all relevant documents to hand?
  • Do you have the right to rent property in the UK?
  • Will you need a rent guarantee?
  • Ask for advice on renting & read this article; A guide to renting.

Ways to Rent

You can rent a house/flat/property direct from a Landlord or through a Letting Agency.

Things to Consider

Do you have pets?  are you a smoker?  Sometimes Landlords will put in terms and conditions and you will need to ask about these at the outset.  Check the property is safe and secure and had all the relevant Gas Safety checks etc.

Tenancy Agreement

Ensure you receive and that both parties sign, your Tenancy Agreement to protect yourself.  Read this through carefully before signing.

Inventory

Sedge will undertake an inventory, taking detailed and dated photographs, at point of entry and exit.

Meter Readings

Do not forget to take a note of your meter readings at point of entry and exit.  TIP:  Take a photo showing the meter and date/time.  This will help make sure you do not have to pay for the previous tenant’s bills.  Here at SEDGE LETTINGS we take the meter reads for you on entry and exit but still a good idea to note these down yourselves if renting through us.

DID YOU KNOW?    SEDGE LETTINGS won GOLD! In the British Property Awards for 2020/2021 for Letting Agency in Spalding – You’re in good hands letting through SEDGE ESTATE AGENTS Spalding 01775 713888

EPC Certificate

In addition to your tenancy, gas safety and other related certificates, electrical inspections etc, deposit paperwork and Gov Guide you should also receive a copy of the relevant EPC Certificate.  As of April 2020 privately rented properties must have an energy performance rating of EPC Band E or above unless exception applies and prior to being let out.

Smoke Alarms & Carbon Monoxide Alarm

Evidence of both the above should be present in your rental property and in working order at the start of the tenancy.  Tenants should then regularly check they are working thereafter.

Tenant Responsibility

  • Pay your rent on time
  • Pay any Utility and other associated Property Bills promptly
  • Look after the rental property
  • Consider your Neighbours and be considerate to your locality 
  • Do not sub let nor take in a lodger without checking first
  • Do not do anything to jeopardise receiving a good reference moving forward

Finally..

  • Ensure you know how to operate the boiler, heating dials etc
  • Know where the stop cock is.  Very important! to turn off immediately in the event of a water leak, do not forget to then contact your letting agent/landlord immediately.  This will prevent damage to the property itself.
  • Consider Home Contents Insurance on your chattels.  The Landlord will normally cover the building insurance.  But if in doubt, ask.
  • Don’t forget to Register to Vote.

WHY RENT THROUGH SEDGE?

SEDGE is a busy, independent Letting agency, located on Winsover Road in the centre of Spalding and a member of the Property Redress Scheme (PRS).

SEDGE WON GOLD! for the best Letting Agent in Spalding Lincolnshire from the British Property Awards 2020/2021

SEDGE LETTINGS

As your local property Letting agent, SEDGE are always well informed and take pride in marketing quality rental properties in & around the Spalding area. Our knowledge of the locality & legislation, ensures we are in the best position to provide you (‘the tenant’) with all the necessary information you may require when renting through us.

SEDGE understand that running a successful letting business means we need happy tenants. So continually strive to ensure our rental process is as simple and straight forward as possible for all parties. A guide to renting and similar blogs we produce are there to assist our tenants and landlords.

We take pride in looking after our tenants on behalf of our landlords

With a large database of rental flats and houses and a team of in-house tradesmen & contractors, we are able to react quickly to maintenance issues which inevitably crop up, allowing our tenants to then get on with their day-to-day lives.

SEDGE are OPEN 7 days a week, with new rental properties coming onto our rental book all the time. 

FOLLOW on Facebook @SedgeSpalding and be first in line to see our new rental properties released!

Whether you require a single room to let, a 2 bed flat in the Spalding town centre, or a larger 3 bed house with garden for your growing family, SEDGE will be able to help find you the right property to suit your every need. 

Talk to Dorota now at Sedge Lettings on 01775 713888 – Open 7 Days a Week

We believe in being transparent. View our FEES here on our website: Click HERE

FOR MORE VISIT:  How to rent: the checklist for renting in England – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

READY TO START RENTING? Click HERE

View all our available Rental Properties: FIND THE PERFECT RENTAL HOME

SEDGE LETTINGS cover areas: Spalding Boston Bourne Holbeach & Peterborough

Landlords… we’d love to hear from you and discuss how we may assist you grow your portfolio or manage your current properties CLICK HERE FOR MORE

#LandlordServices #Renting #Lettingagent #PropertyManagement #TenantFindService #QualityTenants #Spalding

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