Rental requests
Question
I'm looking to rent a flat in Edinburgh but I don't know what information I should ask for when I'm viewing a potential flat. What factors should I be thinking about? Are there any hidden costs? What questions should I be asking potential landlords? Any info would be a great help.
Answer
Firstly, there are a number of different costs you should be aware of when renting a home. It may seem obvious, but you'll need to be able to afford the rent. If you're on benefits or a low income, you may be able to get help to pay your rent from the council in the form of housing benefit. But do be aware that as it can be quite complicated to claim housing benefit, many landlords dislike renting to people who are claiming it.
Many private landlords will also want you to pay a month's rent in advance when you sign up for a tenancy. They also often charge a bond or deposit when you move in to cover any damage you may cause, or any unpaid rent. This is often equivalent to one month's rent. If you're on benefits, it can be very difficult getting the money together for a deposit but if you're going to be homeless, the council may be able to help you with a deposit.
Normally, you will also be responsible for paying your own bills and it's important to register the bills in your name so you don't end up getting charged for the previous tenant's bills. In some circumstances the landlord may pay the bills and recharge you for them. If this is the case, it's best to ask the landlord for written details of how much the bills are.
Most tenants also have to pay their own council tax. If you are living by yourself, you can usually get a 25% discount so it's important to let the council know who's living in the flat.
As well as all the costs, it's also worth checking some other things out before you sign a contract:
- Is there any sign of dampness?
- How much furniture is provided? What condition is the furniture in? Is there enough furniture?
- What kind of heating does the house use and what is the average monthly bill?
- Where is the meter?
- Is the wiring safe? Ask the landlord, and double check to see if any fittings, plugs etc are loose from the wall.
- Do all the lights work? As you are going from room to room, switch on the lights.
- What about the kitchen? Are the cooking facilities up to scratch? Is there a working fridge and cooker, ample storage? How clean is the kitchen?
- Is there hot and cold running water?
- Are there working smoke alarms, a fire blanket in the kitchen, and fire extinguishers throughout the house? Is there another escape route besides the front door?
- How secure are the locks on both the doors and windows?
- Can your landlord show you a certificate of gas safety provided by a Gas Safe registered engineer within the last 12 months?
- Is there a back yard or garden? Is the back yard/garden secure, or could someone enter the property through the back entrance?
- If there is a garden, who is responsible for its upkeep?
- How is rubbish collected?
- If the flat is in a tenement, ask the landlord if there is a 'factor' who manages the block. Find out who you report problems and repairs to.
In Scotland you're legally entitled to a written contract if you're renting a flat. If the landlord doesn't give you one then you can go to court to get one, so don't think you have no rights just because you don't have a contract in writing. It's a good idea to ask your landlord for a written contract so you can study what conditions and rules they have put in it. And it's worth remembering that the landlord is not allowed to charge you for the contract.
Your landlord may give you something called an AT5 form before your tenancy starts. This is a form they have to give you if they want you to have a short assured tenancy. This is important, as it is easier for landlords to later evict tenants from short assured tenancies than some other kinds of tenancies. This is quite a complicated topic so you may want to read about private tenancies in Scotland before you sign up for a flat.
Finally, you might find the student guide to renting useful, even if you're not a student. It includes an example of an inventory, which is important if you sign for a furnished flat. If you do, get an inventory from your landlord and check it (making a note of anything that's already damaged) before signing it.
Updated: 31/03/2009
Question answered by Shelter
