How To Find A Good Rented Property

Finding a good rental property can be challenging, but with the right approach, it’s manageable. This guide will help you through the entire process, from defining your needs to signing a lease. It covers key steps like setting a budget, researching neighbourhoods, touring properties, and negotiating terms. By following these steps, you can confidently find a rental that fits your lifestyle and budget.

Define Your Rent Budget

Determining a rent budget is the essential first step in finding an affordable and suitable rental. Start by calculating your monthly net income and consider the widely recommended guideline of allocating no more than 30% of that income to rent. While this benchmark is a helpful starting point, it’s important to adjust based on personal circumstances, such as high-cost living areas or varying income levels. 

Beyond rent, consider additional monthly expenses like utilities, internet, and parking fees, which can vary by rental property. Account for one-time upfront costs, including application fees, a refundable security deposit, and possibly a pet deposit if applicable. Moving expenses, such as hiring movers or renting a van, should also be considered as they can add up quickly. 

This budget planner from MyHousing is a great way to keep track of all your spending to see what your rental budget might look like.

Personal spending habits and lifestyle priorities also play a role; some may choose to allocate more toward rent for comfort, while others may prioritise savings or lifestyle expenses. Altogether, carefully defining a rent budget that considers these factors will help ensure you find a rental that fits both your lifestyle and financial goals.

Choose Your Preferred Location

Choosing the right location for your rental property is crucial, as it affects your daily routines, expenses, and overall satisfaction with your living environment. Start by listing key factors that matter most to you, such as proximity to work or school, which can significantly impact your commute time, stress levels, and transportation costs. If you rely on public transportation, look for areas with easy access to buses, trains, or metro lines to ensure a smooth and convenient commute.

Safety is another essential factor; research crime rates and speak with locals or read neighbourhood reviews to get a sense of how secure you’ll feel in the area. For convenience, consider how close you’ll be to supermarkets, pharmacies, and other everyday amenities, which can make running errands easier and reduce travel time. Additionally, access to parks, gyms, and outdoor spaces may be important if you value exercise or spending time outdoors.

Take note of local dining, entertainment, and nightlife options if you enjoy socialising, exploring, or eating out, as these can add vibrancy to your daily life. Remember that each neighbourhood often has a distinct vibe—some may be quieter and family-oriented, while others are lively, with more restaurants and shops. Visiting potential neighbourhoods at different times of day can give you insight into traffic, noise levels, and activity, helping you find an area that truly aligns with your lifestyle and preferences. 

Decide on Your Property Must-Haves

Determining your “must-haves” for a rental property is a critical step that can make your search more focused and efficient. Start by defining the essential requirements that will support your day-to-day living. This usually begins with deciding on the minimum number of bedrooms and bathrooms you need to comfortably accommodate yourself and anyone else living with you, like family members, roommates, or even occasional guests. Consider if an open floor plan is important for your lifestyle, or if you prefer separate spaces for living, dining, and working.

Evaluate your needs in the kitchen as well, especially if cooking is a big part of your life; you may want a larger kitchen with plenty of counter space, storage cabinets, and up-to-date appliances like a dishwasher. If you have a pet or plan to get one, ensure that the property is pet-friendly, as some rentals have strict policies about pets, including specific breeds, size limits, or additional fees.

Then, think about amenities that can add convenience or comfort, even if they aren’t essential. A balcony or outdoor space may provide a place to relax or entertain, especially if you value fresh air or enjoy gardening. Parking availability is important to consider if you own a vehicle, as not every property includes a parking space, which can lead to additional fees or the hassle of street parking. Access to shared amenities like a gym, pool, or business centre can also be a major plus, especially if they align with your lifestyle and interests.

To simplify your search, create two lists: one with “must-have” features and another with “nice-to-have” features. This will help you prioritise your choices, as finding a rental property that ticks every box may be challenging. By focusing on the essentials first, you ensure that the property will meet your most important needs while giving you flexibility to compromise on less crucial amenities. Ultimately, defining your “must-haves” versus “nice-to-haves” will streamline your search and increase your chances of finding a rental that fits your lifestyle and daily needs.

Search Online Letting Listings

There are several popular and trusted websites for searching rental properties, each offering a range of listings with helpful search filters and tools to simplify your search. Some of the top sites include Rightmove, Zoopla, and OnTheMarket. These platforms provide up-to-date listings from various letting agencies and landlords across the U.K., covering cities, suburbs, and rural areas. They also offer filters that let you refine your search by property type (such as flats, houses, or studios), minimum and maximum rent, number of bedrooms, and more specific requirements, such as pet-friendly properties or properties with parking.

On these sites, you can set up email alerts to receive notifications for new properties that match your criteria, which is especially useful in competitive rental markets where good properties get taken quickly. For renters looking in popular areas or during busy seasons, these alerts can help you act fast on new listings. Additionally, many listings feature detailed photos, virtual tours, and floor plans, allowing you to get a good sense of the property layout and condition before visiting in person.

Finally, most letting agencies have their own websites and apps with listings that may not appear on general platforms. Using a mix of these sites can give you a fuller view of the market, helping you find a rental property that best suits your needs and preferences.

Look Out for Property Red Flags

When searching for rental properties, it’s essential to keep an eye out for red flags that may indicate potential issues with the property, landlord, or letting agency. Listings that seem too good to be true, such as significantly lower-than-average rent prices for a desirable area, are often a cause for caution. While some properties may be priced competitively, extreme discounts can sometimes indicate problems with the property’s condition or the landlord’s reliability.

Pay close attention to the property description; vague or minimal details may be a warning sign that the landlord or agency is trying to conceal issues like poor maintenance, outdated amenities, or even the property’s exact location. Good listings should clearly outline essential features like the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, whether utilities are included, and any key amenities. If the description lacks this information, reach out for clarification, and be cautious if you receive evasive or incomplete responses.

Photos also play a crucial role in assessing a rental listing. Be wary of listings with very few or low-quality images, as they may be hiding flaws. A reputable listing should feature clear, comprehensive photos of all major areas, including the kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, and any outdoor spaces. Look closely at the images for signs of neglect, such as peeling paint, cracked walls, or worn carpets, which could indicate a lack of maintenance. If only one or two rooms are shown or the photos appear heavily edited, consider this a red flag and request additional images or, ideally, an in-person visit.

In the U.K., rental scams occasionally occur, particularly on platforms like Gumtree, where private landlords may post listings directly. Scammers may post fake listings, ask for deposits before you’ve viewed the property, or request payment via non-secure methods. A legitimate landlord or agent will never ask for upfront payments or pressure you to secure the rental without viewing it first. If you’re dealing with a letting agency, ensure it’s registered with an official organisation like ARLA Propertymark or the Property Ombudsman, as this can help confirm their credibility.

Check out this guide to rental scam red flags from Experian for what to look out for when renting a property.

Trust your instincts—if something about the listing, communication, or payment request feels suspicious, it’s better to walk away. Taking these precautions can help you avoid potentially costly mistakes and ensure you find a rental property that’s reliable and safe.

Visit Rental Properties in Person

Visiting rental properties in person is a crucial step in the search process, as it allows you to gain a genuine understanding of the space and its surroundings. While online tours and virtual viewings can provide a preliminary look at a property, they often lack the detail and tactile experience that an in-person visit offers. When you arrive at the property, take your time to thoroughly inspect the layout and flow of the space. Consider whether the size and arrangement of rooms meet your needs, and envision how your furniture and belongings will fit into the space.

During your visit, check the functionality of essential features. Test lights, taps, plug sockets and heating systems to ensure they are all in working order. Take a moment to open and close windows to check for drafts, ease of use, and whether they provide adequate ventilation. Look for any signs of water damage, such as discoloration on walls or ceilings, as these can indicate underlying issues. Additionally, be on the lookout for any signs of pests, such as droppings, holes, or unusual smells, which could point to infestations that might require significant remediation.

The overall cleanliness and maintenance of the property are also important indicators of how well it has been cared for by the landlord. A well-maintained property is more likely to provide a comfortable living environment and indicate that the landlord is responsive to tenant needs. Pay attention to the state of appliances, flooring, and fixtures, as these details can reveal how much effort has been put into upkeep.

Shelter have a useful checklist for viewing a rental property which advises you what to look out for when viewing a potential new rented home.

Evaluate the Rental Agreement

Evaluating the rental agreement is a crucial step in securing a property, as it outlines the legal framework of your tenancy. Begin by carefully reading the lease to understand the rent details, including the monthly amount, payment due dates, and acceptable payment methods. Verify whether utilities are included in the rent or if they are your responsibility, as this will impact your budget.

Next, assess maintenance responsibilities. The lease should clarify who handles repairs and routine maintenance, as well as the process for reporting issues and the expected response times from the landlord. Understanding these responsibilities will set clear expectations for property upkeep.

Review policies regarding subletting and lease termination carefully. Knowing the terms for breaking the lease and any restrictions on subletting is essential, especially if your plans change. Also, look for clauses related to rent increases, visitor policies, and noise restrictions, particularly if you’ll be in a multi-family building.

If anything is unclear or seems unreasonable, don’t hesitate to ask questions or negotiate terms. Open communication with your landlord is important for establishing a positive relationship. By thoroughly evaluating the rental agreement, you can avoid surprises and ensure a clear understanding of your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, leading to a smoother rental experience.

Read Property and Landlord Reviews

Reading property and landlord reviews is a crucial part of the rental process, and platforms like Marks Out Of Tenancy provide valuable insights from previous tenants. These reviews can reveal important information about the property’s condition, functionality, and whether it aligns with the listing descriptions. If multiple tenants report issues like poor maintenance or persistent problems, it can signal potential concerns to consider.

A landlord’s responsiveness and professionalism can greatly affect your rental experience. Look for patterns in feedback regarding how quickly maintenance requests are addressed and the landlord’s communication style. Positive reviews about a landlord’s attentiveness can give you confidence, while frequent complaints may raise red flags.

When using Marks Out Of Tenancy, focus on both overall ratings and specific comments. Reading experiences from tenants with similar needs to yours can provide relevant insights.

While no property is perfect, reviewing feedback can help you weigh pros and cons. A few negative comments may not be deal-breakers, but consistent issues across multiple reviews should be taken seriously. By thoroughly examining reviews on Marks Out Of Tenancy, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision, increasing the likelihood of a positive rental experience.

Search your new potential property, landlord or letting agent now on our platform and see what previous tenants have to say about them.