Here are a few handy tips from us if you are thinking of renting
Choosing the area that you would like to rent in
Doing your research is the first and most important step. You need to figure out the specific areas you would like to rent in. Start by making a list of the
things that are necessary to you, like transport, schools, access to shops, hospitals, and use these to focus your search. Be sure to share your list of ‘must-haves’ and ‘nice-to-haves’ with us so we can start working for you.
Dealing with James Perry estate agents
Identify with us the type of property you like in your preferred area/s. Make sure that we register you on the system and take care to give us all your contact details – the rental business is fast-moving and you don’t want to miss out on your ideal property.
Be very clear about when you need to move into your rental property. If you need somewhere urgently, let us know. At James Perry we will do all we can to find you a suitable place.
Viewing properties
Try to make yourself as available as possible. Rental properties lease out quite quickly so when a good property comes to the market there can be a rush to view and offers are often made immediately. You don’t want to miss out on the property that best suits you.
Don’t necessarily be put off by details in the property. If there is something you don’t like, like the colour on the wall, or the fact that there are no curtains in a particular room, have a chat with the us. We encourage our rental providers to be flexible and accommodate renters requests whenever possible.
Dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s
Once your offer has been accepted, you’ll need to pay an amount equivalent to one month’s rent to secure the property. We will need to conduct security checks on behalf of the landlord, so make sure you have details of all your previous addresses on hand. Likewise, let your employer, and any other referees such as your current rental provider, know to expect a request for a rental reference.
Fees and charges
Once you have signed a lease agreement and agree to rent a property with us you will be expected to pay a security deposit and the first month’s rent before you move in.
When you pay the security deposit bond, the agent will be responsible for putting it into an approved tenancy deposit holding scheme known as the RTBA* and they should pass on the details to you in the form of a bond receipt – make sure you hold on to these.
Once you have moved in
Make sure you know who is managing your property and make sure you have been given all their contact details. That way, if something goes wrong
in the property, you’ll know who to get in touch with.
Looking after the property as if it were your own will reduce the likelihood of disputes over damage when the lease comes to an end.
Remember that you should arrange insurance cover for your furnishings and personal property – the landlord is not responsible for insuring these items.
Moving Out
Before moving out you should refer to your condition report that was given to you when you moved in. This will show the ‘condition’ of your property and you should be aiming to return the property in the same ‘condition’, subject to fair wear and tear. This will probably mean thoroughly cleaning the property before your Property Manager returns to carry out the inspection otherwise you risk losing part, or all, of your deposit.