Questions to ask when renting a home

Tips for viewing a rental property

At each rental property viewing, take your time to check the property to make sure there are no problems. If there are any issues with the following, either make it a condition of the contract that they are fixed, or seriously reconsider your desire to rent that property.

• Check the exterior: are the gutters or any pipes leaking? Are the walls or window frames cracked? Is there a garden or outdoor area you'll need to maintain?
• Test the fittings: make sure the taps work, for both hot and cold water. Test the water pressure and see if all the property's light switches work. Are there enough electric sockets?
• Check for mould and pests: are there any signs of pests, including mouse droppings, cracks or holes in the walls? Check for any signs of mould, particularly in damp areas such as the kitchen or bathroom.
• Inspect the appliances: confirm which white goods come with the property, including fridge, washing machine and dishwasher. But also make sure the appliances are clean and in good working order - and ask if the landlord will replace them if not.
• Think about safety and security: do windows and doors open easily and close securely? Are there adequate locks on the doors? Do you have adequate escape routes in case of a fire?
• Look for smoke alarms and CO2 detectors: are smoke alarms fitted? And are they connected to the mains, or will you have to replace the batteries? If the property uses gas, is there a CO2 detector installed? 

Key questions to ask when viewing a rental property

It's important to know from the start how much it will cost you to live in the property, and what you can expect from the landlord/letting agent while you're living there. 

Here are some important questions to ask:

Which bills are included in the rent?

Some landlords include bills such as gas, electricity and water in the price of rent.

It's worth checking which bills are included and if there are any limits on what you can use, what happens if you exceed the limit and how the landlord will increase rent if bills go up. Landlords cannot charge you more than they pay the supplier.

Do you take a holding deposit?

A 'holding' deposit is different from a tenancy deposit.

You might be asked to pay a holding deposit to reserve a property, particularly in areas with high demand.

Holding deposits to reserve a property are capped at one week's rent in England and Wales but are banned in Scotland. 

If you have to pay, make sure the landlord or letting agent can tell you exactly how much the holding deposit will be, how long they will keep it and under what circumstances you would not have it refunded.

• Find out more: what are my rights when renting from a private landlord?

Are there any other tenancy fees?

Most tenancy-related fees have now been banned across the UK.

Landlords and letting agents can no longer charge fees for references, credit checks or renewing your tenancy. 

However, you may be charged fees for late rent payment, losing your keys and changes made to your agreement made at your request.

Is any other agency advertising this property?

Often, there will be more than one agency advertising the property - this is particularly relevant if the letting agent you're dealing with asks for a holding deposit. 

Be aware, if another agency is also advertising the property, paying a holding deposit might not mean the property is off the market.

Who will be managing the property?

You should expect letting agents to be clear on who you would contact to fix any problems, and if it's the landlord, they should be able to give you some details about how to communicate with the landlord.

Find out what's expected of both tenants and landlords in our guide to rental property maintenance and repairs.

Can I see gas and electricity safety documents?

These won't necessarily be available at the viewing, but an agent should be able to tell you the rules around gas and electrical safety and what to expect around maintenance.

For example, you should be provided with a  gas safety certificate no later than the day you move in and it's good practice for electrical safety checks to be done every five years.

Can I see the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?

A good letting agent will include an EPC on the property advertisement, and take a copy to the viewing. 

But even if they don't have one to hand during the viewing, they should be able to tell you what the property's rating is and what that might mean for your energy bills. By law, you have to have one no later than move in day.  

The better the rating the EPC gives the property, the lower your utility bills are likely to be. This could save you hundreds of pounds a year. 

• Find out more: EPCs explained 

When was the boiler last serviced?

Your gas safety certificate should include boiler servicing details. The landlord might not know exactly when the boiler was last serviced during the viewing, but they should be able to advise correctly on the rules around servicing (have a service done once a year) and give you an idea of how old the boiler is.  

How strong is the internet connection?

Being connected to the internet is crucial, especially if you'll be working from home. 

The agent showing you around might not necessarily know the answer to this question, but you can usually find out what suppliers are available and the top speeds available at the property with the address details. 

Compare broadband deals

Use Which? to search for faster, more reliable broadband services

Switch and save

Where are the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms?

Letting agents should know the rules on smoke alarms - in England, this is to have at least one smoke alarm installed on every storey of their properties and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room containing a solid fuel burning appliance (eg a coal fire, wood burning stove). 

Ideally, carbon monoxide alarms should be fitted regardless - as is the case in Scotland.

What is the duration of the contract?  

Usually there will be room to negotiate on this, depending on the landlord's and your preferences. Some may only be looking for long-term tenancies, others short-term. Make sure the duration of the contract suits you.

• Find out more: tenancy agreements explained

What insurance covers the property? 

You need to know what's covered by insurance should anything go awry. 

As a tenant, you should consider securing insurance for your contents and belongings.  

• Find out more: best and worst home insurance  - see our list of Which? Recommended Providers.

How is the rental property classified?

If you're moving into shared accommodation, check whether the property should have a 'house in multiple occupation' (HMO) licence from the local council. This usually applies to property that is three or more stories and occupied by five or more people who are not in the same family.

If it is a licensed HMO, the property should have more safeguards for the tenants, such as fire doors.

• Find out more: how to find the best places to live -  our guide explains how to research a new neighbourhood.

Rental property checklist 

Before your tenancy starts, make sure you have:

• A gas safety certificate
• Details of the deposit protection scheme
• The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
• A copy of the tenancy agreement

It's also good to have:

• Correct contact details for the landlord or letting agent, including a telephone number in case of an emergency
• Details of who is responsible for bills such as electricity, gas, water and council tax
• An agreed inventory/ list of fixtures and fittings that come with the accommodation (or check-in report)
• Confirmation that smoke alarms are provided and working
• Details of how to report maintenance issues
• Confirmation that carbon monoxide detectors are provided and working (if appliances use solid fuel)
• A record of any electrical inspections
• Details of a code of practice for whoever is managing the property