Top Tips For Renting A House In Blackheath

We asked Blog fan and Divisional Lettings Director of Felicity J Lord, Mariella Petralia, to give us some top tips for those wanting to rent a property in Blackheath. After all, living here is such a joy, here's some great tips on making sure you get your dream home.

London City Renting has never been easier, and with house prices continuing to rise, renting can sometimes be the best thing to do, particularly if you are saving for a deposit.

Follow our "Top 10 Tips for Tenants” to find your new home.

1. Have a budget in mind. As soon as you see the property that matches the majority of your requirements, make an OFFER!
2. Make sure that the Letting Agency you use is a member of the Association for Residential Letting Agencies (ARLA) & NALS and subscribes to their code of practice. DO NOT hand over a deposit unless you have it in writing which tenancy deposit scheme the agent belongs to.
3. Take to the streets: spend time walking the area where you want to live and at the times you will be around to ensure you are content with security and convenience.
4. Always look for a letting agent that carries the SAFE Agent kite mark as this will ensure that your deposit is protected at all times.
5. When you find a property you like you will need to be ready to provide references and a deposit. Good reports from previous landlords may help you to secure a property. Prepare your referees – they should be expecting the enquiry from the Letting Agency. Delays with providing references could see you miss out on the property.
6. It is a good idea to take out your own insurance to cover your belongings against theft and damage. This is why contents insurance is essential; it protects your possessions against the unexpected, giving you peace of mind.
7. Be flexible. Be willing to compromise: an area by a popular hotspot might offer better value. Work out what your next rental property must have.
8. In this market, the best piece of advice for anyone considering either renting or letting out a property is to research every aspect. Both landlords and tenants should obtain advice from reputable letting agents who can guide them every step of the way.
9. Don’t forget to serve notice to your current Landlord if you are renting and be prepared to move quickly as landlords and Letting agents want to move people in within days, not weeks.
10. Rent long term. Secure a longer contract to avoid having to pay higher rents during the Olympics. Try and offer the longest rental period you can as landlord’s don’t like having their property empty.