First time renter needing advice

Bubblefett

Hey,
I've just started looking at any apartments/houses for myself to rent- it'll be my first time ever living by myself and i've no idea what to ask the landlords!!

I know my very basics but is there any hidden things or easily overlooked things i should find out about?

I really want to make it seem like i know my stuff when i got to view them hehe if i'm confident and organised it might somehow get me a cheaper rent (wishful thinking maybe...)

Thank you for any help!:)

Rayan

You will probably get cheaper rent if you ask, landlords almost expect it these days. There's another full topic on that subject here: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055461562

As for questions, ask the usual ones:

Is a deposit required/how much/etc

Is the rent fixed for the entire lease period

What bills are there (esb/gas/phone/tv/bins), are any of them combined, how often do they come

Are there any existing damages to the property worth noting, (do a good visual inspection anyway when viewing). If there are existing damages, make 100% SURE they are written into the lease.

Are fridge/cooker/dishwasher/microwave/washing machine working

And most importantly - make sure you like the place.

When bargaining the rent, don't hesitate. Ask confidently. If they say no, just say you need to think about it and walk away. You can always ring them back a few days later if you are still interested in renting for the original price.

Good luck!

Xiney

Bring all the questions/things you want to ask on a checklist. This will a) make you seem organized and responsible and b) not let you forget anything. It's mainly useful for b, tbh.

• Check the water pressure in all taps/showers.
• Check that the toilets all flush.
• Check ALL presses/closets for water damage, mold, crappy hinges that don't work etc.
• Check that windows lock and are properly sealed (look for water damage around the frames, or use your paper to see if there's a draft coming in)
• Look closely at all the furniture, walls etc. If there are minor cosmetic problems, take note of them and have them included on any future inventory so that you won't be liable for the damage when you move out.
• If there are current tenants, ask to see an inventory of what is included in the house since some of the furniture may belong to the tenants and not to the apartment.
• Ask about sky/ntl if that's something you're interested in having. Some landlords don't want to let you install a dish.
• If anything in the apartment needs fixing - GET IT IN WRITING that it will be fixed within x days or before you move in.
• Rents have come down all over the country. Check out the rent reduction thread stickied on this forum. Offer less than the asking price, if the landlord refuses, say ok. Walk away. (They might call you back, if not, you'll find something cheaper anyway)
• Don't hand over any money without a receipt. If possible pay everything by bank transfer so as to have a paper trail.

R.D. aka MR.D

Just from some of my own experiences:

Make sure the landlordknows it 110% unacceptable to enter your apartment without your permission. (seems common sense but it isn't)

Try to organise rent going directly into their account, it works out easier.

Ask about damp!

ask about control of the heating and how the hot water works.

Ask about the neighbours. If they aren't in your age group or have kids then avoid it, no matter how many assurances the landlord gives you.

Ask that they will register the tenancy with the PRTB

Try to get the ESB in your name,it will take pressure off when you have to pay it and it will allow you to have an alternative address.

Trust your instinct,if you don't trust the person or there is something weird, don't take it!

Good luck!

Bubblefett

Thank you all so much!!!
I'm feeling a lot more confident now. Hehe i'll definatly not go view anywhere without my trust check list of all your advice!!
Thank you!:)

trishasaffron

Hi

Am looking at renting (first time in decades as just sold own house!) and have identified a place I like. Landlord (who is abroad at present) says someone else interested so first to put money into his account secures. I,m thinking surely I should get a lease first and receipt for deposit. What if I deposit money and he says "sorry other couple got there first" I can imagine I'll be left swinging for return of (substantial) deposit. Advice appreciated.

Xiney

trishasaffron wrote: »

Hi

Am looking at renting (first time in decades as just sold own house!) and have identified a place I like. Landlord (who is abroad at present) says someone else interested so first to put money into his account secures. I,m thinking surely I should get a lease first and receipt for deposit. What if I deposit money and he says "sorry other couple got there first" I can imagine I'll be left swinging for return of (substantial) deposit. Advice appreciated.

find somewhere else - he's probably trying to scam you.