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March 2010
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UNION POLL

Poll Results...

► The Viewing

The viewing is a great opportunity for you to check out the property and to ask some questions of the letting agent or landlord before you commit to anything. It’s easy to feel pressured into taking the first thing that comes up but it’s important to be objective and make sure everything is all right. A good idea is to take everyone you will be living with when viewing, or at least one other so that you can get their point of view. This provides three things, another opinion, which is helpful and more objective, safety, its better to be safe than sorry, and a witness, who can back you up should any verbal agreements be made. It’s also a good idea to take photos of the flat so that you can have a visual reminder of what the property looked like and not rely simply on memory. Looking at lots of different flats soon turns into one big mess when trying to remember them all. A second viewing is a good idea too before you commit to anything as once you sign the contract, that’s it! So make sure that everything is perfect.

Here is a quick list of things to look out for when viewing:

The Outside

Does the property seem secure? Are external doors secure? Is there an entry-phone system and burglar alarm?

Is there a garden? Who is responsible for the maintenance of the garden?

Are the locks of good quality and secure?

The Inside

Is it in good condition? Are there signs of damp, flaking paint or infestations of any kind?

Do repairs need to be carried out? Are there any broken items of furniture?

Is there central heating? Do all the radiators function properly?

Is it properly insulated? Is there double glazing?

Is there enough storage space for your belongings?

Is there any sign of dodgy wiring, loose wires or faulty plugs or lights?

Do kitchen appliances such as washing machines/dishwashers work?

Are there enough kitchen cupboards and work surfaces?

Are pots, pans and kitchen equipment in good enough condition to use?

Are the bedrooms adequately heated? Are there curtains?

Check the bathroom(s) and make sure taps are not leaking. Does the shower work properly?

Are the sealants around the bath and shower intact?

Does it have telephone, broadband or wi-fi?

Safety checks

Have all appliances had safety checks (PAT tested)? Is the paperwork available to view?

Do the downstairs windows (if any) have locks?

Is there a burglar alarm?

Is there a safety blanket and fire extinguisher in the kitchen (required by law)?

Is there a Landlord's Gas Safety Record available to view?

Do the furnishings comply with the latest fire safety regulations (1989 Fire and Furniture Regulations)?

Are there carbon monoxide detectors present?

Are there enough smoke alarms? Do they work?

Is there an easy means of escape in the event of a fire?

Financial considerations

How much is the rent and what is included?

What other bills are there and what are you liable to pay for?

How much of a deposit is required? What are the conditions for the landlord deducting money from the deposit?

What are the estimated running costs of the property?

Can you comfortably afford the rent on top of the deposit and running costs?

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