Viewing a property in the UK

Request an appointment by phone or via the site and confirm it by message.

• Check the location on Google Maps and the time to your work and school and nearby transport, and the safety of the area and its shops.
• Read the advert well and note what is missing: does it mention fees?
• What is the contract length?
• Does the rent include bills?
• Prepare a list of questions and a checklist, and use a notes app or the camera to photograph what matters to you.
• Prepare documents: your ID, right to rent (share code) and proof of income so that you apply at once if you like the property.
• And tell someone where the viewing is, and to reduce risk take a friend and meet in daytime.
• And make sure the agent is registered and introduces himself.
• And do not be afraid to enquire before going to save your time.

Ask about: the monthly rent and payment date, the deposit amount and its protection scheme, the contract length (often twelve months) and notice period, whether there is a break clause allowing early departure, whether the rent includes water, gas, electricity and internet, the amount of council tax (band) and whether anyone qualifies for a discount, whether the property is furnished, and whether pets, smoking and guests are allowed.

• Ask about the previous tenant's average bills and the age of the boiler.
• And do not hesitate to compare several properties and record what you see.
• Check that the agent does not add unpermitted fees.
• And if the price is higher than expected ask whether it is negotiable, since some landlords accept a discount for a longer contract.

Look for signs of damp and mould on walls, ceilings and windows, since they are common in old buildings and can harm your health.

• Test the taps, water pressure, toilet and drainage, run the lights and sockets, and make sure the heating and boiler work (and are not very old).
• Check windows, locks and doors.
• And ask about smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
• Ask to see the Gas Safety Certificate, the electrical report (EICR) and the energy performance certificate (EPC).
• Notice noise from neighbours and the street, phone and internet signal strength, and where washing, drying, storage and bikes go. And notice pests and insects.
• And photograph any damage at once, since this proves the property's condition before your entry and protects you from an unfair deduction from your deposit.

When renting a room in a house share get to know those you will live with: speak with the residents, and ask about routine, cleanliness, guests, noise, bill sharing and kitchen rules.

• Ask: is the contract a joint tenancy so that you are responsible for all the rent if someone leaves, or individual for each room?
• And does the landlord live in the house (lodger) so that you get less protection?
• Check the licence for houses in multiple occupation (HMO licence) if five or more people from different households live in it, since it is mandatory and has safety standards.
• And look at the bathroom, kitchen and cleanliness.
• And make sure the room has a lock on its door.
• And ask who pays for the internet and cleaning.
• And compare the room price with similar ones in the area.

After the viewing decide quickly but without haste, and submit a written application if you like the property, with the documents.

• You may be asked for a holding deposit (at most one week's rent) to take the advert down temporarily, but read the terms of its refund in writing.
• Do not sign or pay anything before reading the whole contract.
• And check the inventory, that is the list of the property's contents and condition, and sign it after reviewing it. Warning signs include: that the landlord or agent refuses to allow viewing, or asks for money before viewing, or pressures you to decide at once, or does not provide safety certificates, or asks for large unexplained fees.
• And speak to Shelter or Citizens Advice before signing a suspicious contract.

What is the Gas Safety Certificate?