3 Things to Think About Before Looking to Move Into Rented Accommodation*

One of the things I have never regretted from my younger years was moving out of my parent’s home from the age of 18. Yes, it would be nice to own my own house by now, and I probably would had I stayed living at home for an extended period to save the deposit, but even just having my own place through renting is something I’m proud of. I was ready at 18 to fly the nest, and while I did return for a year at 24 with a new baby, I was more than happy to get my own place again as soon as I could afford it.

Looking for a place to rent in the first place is always daunting, whether this is your fifth rented property or your first. Thankfully there are plenty of websites out there such as Grow Property that give you all the details you need and let you view the property online which is more important than ever given the current situation we all find ourselves in. But you shouldn’t let that put you off! If you feel ready to move into rented accommodation, you should do it! Safety measures have been put in place to ensure you can still find the rented property of your dreams.

To get you started, here are a few things to think about;

Can You Afford It?

Firstly, can you afford it? And I’m not just talking about the monthly rental fees. When you look at moving into a rented property you have to also consider the fact there is usually a deposit, which a lot of time equals the same amount as your first months rent, sometimes even a little more and then if you go through an agency so you’re not dealing with a landlord direct, there will often be agency fees too. Some places also ask for addition amounts for pets, and then sometimes you will also have to pay for a credit check. So make sure you have enough to cover all this before starting the process.

Do You Have Anything That Will Stop You Being Accepted?

Sometimes you’ll discover you aren’t a desirable candidate for a rented property. Maybe you’re a smoker.. or you have a pet? Some places don’t like students living in their properties and some are even marketed towards a more professional clientele rather than being a home for a family. Most property listings will tell you up front to avoid disappointment, but sometimes if more than one person goes in for a listing, these are the sorts of things that could mean you lose out. Luckily these are simply things that will only apply to some, not all properties, so keep looking!

Long Term or Short Term?

Before going for a rented property, you need to decide if you are going for a long term or a short term lease. This is important because once you sign, you can’t suddenly change your mind without penalties incurring. So if you don’t think you’ll be in the place long, make sure you choose a short term lease or a rolling contract, just in case. But if you’re looking for somewhere to settle down for a while, a long term lease will serve you better.

Moving into a home is a big step and it makes no difference whether you’re buying or renting. Be sure you do you research before you begin the process, and good luck!