Twelve Questions Worth Asking at a Viewing
Most viewings last ten minutes and most people ask about the rent and the bins. These are the ones that change the decision.
About the building
Why is the current tenant leaving. How long were they here. What is the heating, and what did it cost last winter. Is there a service charge, and does the landlord or the tenant pay it. Is the building managed, and by whom.
About the tenancy
What is the term, and is there a break clause. Who holds the deposit and in which scheme. Is the landlord a private individual or a company. How are repairs reported, and to whom. Is there a renewal fee - there should not be.
The two that catch people out
Ask when the boiler was last serviced and ask to see the gas safety certificate. Both are routine, both should be produced without fuss, and hesitation on either tells you a great deal about how the property is run.
Shelter's guide to private renting is a good backstop if an answer sounds wrong.
