How to prepare for your rental property viewing as a first-time prospective tenant

Many commercial estate agents Essex branches also have their own dedicated lettings team. These knowledgeable agents will show you around a property and ensure that you are a good match. But what should you know before you begin looking at properties for the first time as a prospective tenant? We outline some top tips below.

Make a good first impression

There is currently a high level of demand for rental properties, so you will likely be up against some tough competition. So you need to make sure you give off the perfect first impression to the landlord or rental team, for example, you should always arrive on time and in a presentable fashion. You don’t need to put on any airs or graces, but being polite and friendly is always going to help you look your best. 

Take a friend or partner

Taking a friend, partner or anyone who will be living in the property alongside you when you view the property is a good idea. This means that you’ll have extra people on hand to listen to any information given and to help make notes. Having another person present at the viewing will also help to ensure you remember to ask any specific questions that you had in mind. They may also pick up on small issues that you had overlooked. 

Test drive the fixtures and fittings before you sign anything

Wanting to check out some of the basics when you visit a property doesn’t make you nosey, it is just being well-prepared. Here are a few things to check when viewing a property as a potential new tenant:-

Wi-Fi speeds – Wi-Fi speeds are a big requirement for many people in today’s current ‘work from home’ climate. With many businesses allowing for hybrid working, you’ll want to ensure that you have good Wi-Fi speeds and mobile phone signal. 

Water pressure – checking the water pressure in the shower and bath is a savvy move before you make any decisions. Being stuck with bad water pressure can be inconvenient for many people. 

Appliances – if the landlord intends for the property to come with certain appliances included in the tenancy agreement, then you should also test these first. Microwaves, refrigerators, ovens, and doorbells are all good places to start. 

Are pets allowed?

Check the terms and conditions when it comes to pets. Are your landlords willing to accept pets and does allowing this come with any additional charges? Are there any rules and regulations around pet ownership in the property? If you don’t currently have pets, you may also want to find out definite answers regarding any future furry family members that you may wish to adopt at a later date. 

Confirm the length of tenancy

Confirming the length of your tenancy and whether it is likely to be a long-term or short-term let is essential. You need to fully prepare yourself to have another property lined up if the tenancy type is short-term. Your estate agents or rentals team should be able to provide you with all this information in advance.