5 Tips to Follow While Renting a property in Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire, a county in South West England, is situated among a part of the Cotswolds and the Forest of Dean, with the Severn river in between.  With the environmentally friendly location, it is an ideal place to live.  Transport links are easily available by coach and train, with the M5 running through it.  There are many types of accommodation available, so it is wise to choose what will suit your requirements – whether individual property – a house or flat, or a house-share, bed-sit or lodgings.  Letting agents in Gloucestershire will have the expertise to guide you with offers to suit your individual needs.

With many newbuilds, the demand for properties for sale in Gloucestershire has gone up.  This has increased the choice for rentals as well, as many are investing in properties to rent.

While the estate agents in Gloucestershire will give you the professional advice, there are a few tips to follow while renting there.

Tenancy Agreement:  As with all rentals, make sure that your tenancy agreement is complete with all details and legal terms.

• Deposit:  Since a deposit will need to be paid, make sure that it is protected by a Government Tenancy Deposit Scheme.  This will ensure that your deposit is repaid at the end of tenancy as long as there is no damage to the property and the tenancy terms have been met.
• Licence:  Check that the landlord has a licence agreement as some properties need this to ensure that safety, health and welfare standards are met.
• Terms:  The length of the tenancy, rent payable, any increase in rent and whether the rent is inclusive/exclusive of electricity, water, gas and other bills should be mentioned in the agreement.
• Inspection notice: The agreement should state that 24 hours’ notice needs to be given before an inspection by the landlord.
• Ending the tenancy:  The agreement should stipulate the notice period required to be given in the event of ending the tenancy.  It is usually one month.

Keep all documentation safely, including any inventory and property condition report with relevant safety certificates like the Energy Performance Certificate.

Address details:

The various utility companies should be informed of your new location, so that there is no problem with supply or payment for gas, electricity, water, TV and Council Tax.  You should ensure that all meters are checked when you first move in and that the utility companies are advised of the same.   Similarly, this will have to be done when you move out, to ensure that you are charged only for what you have consumed.

References:

The landlord may require references, to prove your credibility, besides your ID and National Insurance number.  Be prepared to submit bank statements for 3 months, pay slips also for 3 months and references from your employer or past landlord if required.  If these are not available, then check with the landlord for any other document that can be submitted in lieu.

Shared accommodation:

If living in a house-share, you should discuss with the other members, in advance, about how the bills should be divided and paid and whose name will appear on the documentation.  A  TV licence will need to be purchased.  If the landlord has required a guarantor, he/she is responsible for financial matters.  The guarantor will be liable for paying the rent if you have not paid.  Also, unless specifically mentioned in the agreement, the guarantor could be asked to pay the rent if the shared tenants default on payments.  This should be carefully considered.

Reporting problems to the landlord:

Since the landlord is responsible for maintenance of the gas, electrical and water connections, the structure of the building and the baths and toilets, if there is any problem or a need for repairs, you should inform your landlord as soon as possible, preferably in writing .  This will ensure that safety measures are taken and repairs completed.  Failure to do so may breach the terms of your agreement, if they are mentioned therein.  Your landlord will be required to complete an annual gas safety check and a PAT test for electrical appliances.

Conclusion: 

As with every major decision, the financial aspect will be top on the list of considerations.  Not only will the rent have to be affordable but all the other fees and payments will need to be reviewed as well.  With the above tips and the guidance of a professional estate agent, renting a property in Gloucestershire will bring all you desire –  just the right accommodation and facilities and the ability to enjoy staying in one of the most liveable areas!