The Boards.ie Quick and Dirty Renting Guide

Cocolola wrote: »

Wasn't sure where to put this and didn't think it deserved it's own thread so mods, feel free to move or anything.

So basically I just wanted to know if it's considered appropriate or not to approach the current tenants of a property to ask them if there are any issues etc. with the place. My gut tells me no but I wanted to check here.

A suitable house came up on Daft the other day and I called the estate agents to register interest. They called back yesterday morning to tell me they were doing viewings in an hours time and that it'd probably be gone by that evening so I tore home from college (mature student) to view it. Now this is completely my own fault, I acknowledge this, but it was only my second time ever doing a viewing and I was in a bit of a panic so I had a quick look around but like a fool I never checked anything remotely practical like windows, fixtures, heating and so on. In general it looked like a nice place and we've lost out on houses before by not acting quick enough so I called the agents to say we were interested in it. Apparently another woman offered more than the asking amount and I was asked if we'd be prepared to match it, I said no but we got the place anyway. This makes me suspicious (I'm a natural worrier) that I was the only one who wanted the place and that there may be something wrong with it. I'm clearly not capable of going back for another viewing and himself can't get the time off work to view so that's why I was wondering if it'd be ok or not to approach the current tenants ourselves.

Have you handed over any money or signed a lease yet? If not, ask to do an inspection of the property and say you will issue a snag list of issues. The landlord may accept or reject the snags, but depending on what they are he may have to rectify them by law (i.e. http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/housing/renting_a_home/repairs_maintenance_and_minimum_physical_standards.html). Any deal breakers and just walk away without handing over any money or signature on the dotted line.

In the event that you've already signed a lease, the landlord still has to comply with the minimum standards. If they fall outside his legal obligations, e.g. no dishwasher, then there's not much you can do.

Cocolola wrote: »

Thanks for the information, I'll give that a proper read later when I get a chance.

Yes we had to pay one month's rent as a deposit to secure the house. We were also informed by the estate agent that the landlord will not be doing anything to the house, it will be "as is". We were told she had it recently painted etc. This is another red flag for me, is there some sort of serious issue with it and she's unable or unwilling to pay for any necessary repairs or whatever? Like the person who's landlord can't fix their boiler on another thread. Or are they just minor 'snags' that fall outside the obligations as you say.

The boiler would come under their legal obligations. I'm not sure why the painting is a red flag, or were you referring to the 'as is' statement. Yes, minor snags would be those that are outside their duties as a landlord, such as provision of a dishwasher, since a sink with hot water is available, or fixing minor scuffs and scratches. Things like heating not working or a broken washing machine would be obligations they would have to address, despite what is said about 'as is'.

But be sure to be firm in the negotiations, if there are problems that fall in that remit be sure to remind them of these obligations.

Other things to ask for would be a BER cert (legal obligation) and inventory of all items provided (if the place is furnished). Also take pictures when you move in. It will help if there's a dispute at any stage.

anBoMor wrote: »

Renting for the first time so I'm slightly intimidated. I was informed by current residents that rent is due on a specific day each month, which is fine except while talking to the landlord he asked for the deposit and a full months rent even though I'd be moving mid month. Is this allowed at all? I haven't paid or signed anything yet and I'm reluctant to give full rent for two weeks when it should only be a couple hundred.
Other than that, place is nice, no damp, good area and mod cons. Little cold but I can handle that.

Ask the landlord can you pay on the same date each month as the date you move in. Problem sorted.

If not, say you will only pay for the portion of the month to the payment date.

one months rent and a month in advance is usually the thing,

deisedude wrote: »

If i signed a years lease over 2 years ago and never signed another one. How much notice must i give when leaving?

56 days

deisedude wrote: »

So it turns out i never signed a lease. I agreed orally to stay for at least a year and have lived in the house for over 2 years. The landlord now says i must give 6 weeks notice and show prospective new tenants the room which means i'll end up paying rent in 2 houses.

Legally where do i stand?

You have to give him 56 days notice and pay the rent for that period.
You don't have to show the room.

Crunchy Friends wrote: »

Had a quick look around but couldn't find much info on it - possibly I am looking in the wrong place.
Can anyone give any info on an appropriate percentage of your wages going on rent?
The boyfriend is moving out, first time renter and hasn't the foggiest - nor do I obviously :P

He currently lives in South Dublin & the job is in Mulhuddart - so commuting costs may be a factor if he doesn't get somewhere close to Mulhuddart so just trying to figure out all the finances!

Thanks

A third at most

dazey wrote: »

I am moving out of the parents home, and am looking into a house which is owner occupied. While on one hand I think this could be brilliant in terms of property maintenance (the place looks great on the pictures), on the other hand they could be complete control freaks also.

I am by no means a party animal, but I would like to have 2/3 friends over once a month. This could be for dinner and wine watching telly. I'm in my mid twenties and if I want to go mental I'd head into the town. Appreciate any advice!

dont go owner occupier , it just brings more issues that wouldnt prop up with renting with others who are not the owners.

Quick question - when landlords and letting agents ask for a previous landlord reference, do they want a full letter of recommendation or just contact details of a previous landlord? Thanks.

The_Conductor wrote: »

Most people just give a name and contact details.

Cool, just wanted to be sure to minimise potential wasted time. Cheers.

Hi guys,

I'm looking for some advice on renting. Neither myself or my other half have rented before, I was needed at home because of family circumstances for the last few years and my boyfriend has only been in permanent employment for the last few months (he was previously a contract worker). We're both in our mid-late twenties and are scouring the market for somewhere to rent in Dublin. We've been to a few viewings but so far even when we have had holding deposits with us and our work references, the landlords have chosen to go with other parties.

I know it is a landlord's market at the moment but we are both hardworking, responsible people with steady jobs and I am starting to think the reason we aren't getting chosen is because we don't have landlord references. For any landlords, I wanted to ask how big an issue this is for you? Are we going to find it next to impossible to get somewhere without a prior LL reference?

Something which we have also come across just in this past week is the phrase "We will accept the best offer on the day" when arranging viewings. Am I a mug for not offering above the advertised rental price so far?

Appreciate any and all advice.

charlietheminxx wrote: »

Hi guys,

I'm looking for some advice on renting. Neither myself or my other half have rented before, I was needed at home because of family circumstances for the last few years and my boyfriend has only been in permanent employment for the last few months (he was previously a contract worker). We're both in our mid-late twenties and are scouring the market for somewhere to rent in Dublin. We've been to a few viewings but so far even when we have had holding deposits with us and our work references, the landlords have chosen to go with other parties.

Do you have any incling or feeling why you might be getting overlooked?

I know it is a landlord's market at the moment but we are both hardworking, responsible people with steady jobs and I am starting to think the reason we aren't getting chosen is because we don't have landlord references. For any landlords, I wanted to ask how big an issue this is for you? Are we going to find it next to impossible to get somewhere without a prior LL reference?

Myself and my GF got our first apartment no problem without references as first time renters.

A lot of it is about the landlord getting good vibes, and you getting good vibes too. I would try not to get stressed or tunnel vision on anything in particular and just be calm about the whole thing. As you say its a landlords market and they can be very selective, they have the pick of the crop.

Something which we have also come across just in this past week is the phrase "We will accept the best offer on the day" when arranging viewings. Am I a mug for not offering above the advertised rental price so far?

Appreciate any and all advice.

Well depends. Personally I wouldn't be having any of that, it's just a way for landlords and EA's to grab a few more euros praying on people stressed and panicy.

When me and OH left our apartment looking for a house (few reasons, main one baby on way so wanted somewhere to settle) we came across a number of viewings that were done by group, where auctions started before we got into the living room, or in the garden. I maintained we stay firm, and not feel pressured into engaging in this ****.

My thought process was that there will be something out there, and we just need to keep looking and not comprahmised on what we want property wise, or budget wise. Low and behold we then found a lovely house with a great landlord, who hasn't raised our rent when all around us have been getting them.

That's my strategy going into it, and I don't get flustered or paniced. Might be somewhat job related as well, as I've been involved in big contracts and negotiations etc. in some parts of my career. Plus I'd just take that stance with anything like that, or buying a car etc. Not letting on I'm sweating or desperate, and just being cool about the whole thing, and walking away if I have too.

worst thing I keep seeing with people here, friends, or reading stories, is people who let stress and panic and emotions (tunnel vision on one property) totally overtake logic and sense. The private rental sector "crisis" is a little exagerated. Sure prices are rising, but there is still good prices to be found out there, and there is plenty of properties.

Thats been my experience anyway, both times we went looking, heard how it was a "nightmare" and a "crisis" market, and ended up being pretty fine.

Michael D Not Higgins wrote: »

That is the conventional wisdom. The market has been pushing up the prices but we should keep the conventional wisdom to heart so the situation reverts when the market is eventually corrected.

At the moment, I pay almost exactly a third of my net pay on rent. This is without considering my partner's income. This is in the UK, however, so is less manageable in Dublin at the moment. I think we can advise to push the envelope a little due to current conditions, but even still, a young graduate on 25k could easily get a rent share for a third of their takehome pay (~600/month).

I know where you are coming from. When I first moved out I had that sort of rule of thumb, and it served me well for my first apartment. Was paying €700 for a two bed which served us fine and all was great, bit of money every month to spend on ourselves.

Then I get the news of impending baby, and we figured we best make the move early so we are all settled. And while I've a lovely house, a great landlord and we are happy out, I'm still forking over 50% of my salary to rent. With the added hit of being a single income household now too.

The extra hit is that there is just no way under the sun I'm furraging money away to save for the new regulations, so only a few days ago made the decision that lifes to short for saving money in vain, so buying myself a new car next year with my work bonus and some savings I might make in the coming months, and **** house ownership.

I'm heavily backing the private rental sector becoming a ticket issue for the next general election, and the government either getting ground broken for new builds to ease the clamp on supply, or bring in some measures on rental caps or guidelines.

charlietheminxx wrote: »

The Doc,

Thank you so much for your detailed response. I'm happy to say we found a lovely property last week, a little bit further out than we had planned but it's spotless, private and quiet which is what we really wanted. I think I was just starting to panic last week that we were being naive but I am happy didn't get involved in any "best offer" nonsense. I suppose I just wanted reassurance that it was not the standard done thing now!

Great to hear. I'm generally a laid back person, so I struggle at the best of times to get paniced or worked up over things, but coupled that with just some work experience for situations and I know panic and emotional attachment to things like this rarely works out well.

There is without doubt a proper problem with the private rental sector out there, but like everything, if your patient, stick to your guns and look around, you will always catch a good deal

The best offer garbage is just EA's and LL's grabbing extra money praying on people being in that state of panic etc., which is a horrible thing to do, but sure its a bit like the wild west out there at times.

I'll forever remember and recant those instances where I looked at houses and people shouting offers over each other, as the group stand in the driveway without even walking inside the house. Maybe some people do be in dire situations or facing genuine homelessness or something without getting sorted quick, but it is a surreal experience.

The homer gif backing into the bushes is very much what I did at the two instances where that auction stuff happened

charlietheminxx wrote: »

I'm fairly laid back myself most of the time which I agree is an advantage. We had our budget and were determined to stick to it. I look younger than I am and apparently have an innocent looking face, maybe some landlords thought I would be an easy mark for an extra few quid (they were wrong!).

Really looking forward to moving in now, even if packing up is giving me nightmares about vacuum storage bags. Yes really.

Stop, the only massive care I took with packing was my TV, PC and accompanying two monitors. Crawled in the car from apartment to house with them. Friend has a van so everything else went in that.

Got everything rigged back up, to find my motherboard dead. Static generated from the car tricked a few circuits.

I was inconsolable for about two days.

I think finding a school will have to be your first priority. There aren't a lot of gaelscoils in Dublin and it'll be hard to get your child into one at short notice. You need to base your property search around a suitable school.

Wizard! wrote: »

How risky it is to give someone a deposit of >1000 euro without getting a receipt or signing a lease? He requested to give the money in personal and not wire transfer them.
The guy had his ad in Daft for 1.5 month, I viewed the house, he works in the next building (checked his profile on LinkedIn)

However, he asked the deposit on hand, he did not mention anything about signing a lease and his sms messages are disappearing from my mobile (there is an option for that in some phones, and he should set that intentionally) so there is no proof of communication except some emails.

Maybe I am a little suspicious here, but is a lot at stake here and I am giving >1000 to someone I do not know.

Do not hand over money without something confirming it. I've only ever handed over money in exchange for a signed lease that specifically lists the paid deposit amount (and once a €200 booking deposit which was confirmed by email).