{"id":8396,"date":"2020-07-07T08:07:06","date_gmt":"2020-07-07T08:07:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/staging.twentyeleven.co.uk\/?p=578"},"modified":"2022-04-04T17:00:53","modified_gmt":"2022-04-04T17:00:53","slug":"a-beginners-guide-to-renting-in-birmingham","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/senateproperty.co.uk\/?p=8396","title":{"rendered":"A beginners guide to renting in Birmingham"},"content":{"rendered":"

When you\u2019re new to the renting game, it can often feel overwhelming, confusing and even a tad scary at times.<\/strong>
\nNo need to worry though; we believe there are just five simple steps that need to be followed in order for you to rent with confidence and without worry.<\/p>\n

Step One<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Don\u2019t waste precious time looking in multiple places for properties, but instead go straight to the place that has more properties and more agents than anywhere else \u2013 Rightmove! \u00a0Make sure you sign up for an account so that you can set up Instant Property Alerts and be alerted as soon as properties that match your criteria come on to the market. This way, you don\u2019t need to spend your commute, lunch hour and evenings scanning Rightmove (although, if you want to do this anyway, who are we to stop you?!). By logging in you\u2019ll also be able to sync your browsing activity and preferences across all your devices, ensuring you can always seamlessly pick up where you left off.<\/p>\n

Step Two<\/strong><\/h3>\n

It sounds obvious, but don\u2019t be tempted to hand over any money before you\u2019ve seen the property, especially if asked to do so in order to view a property. If you\u2019re moving to a new area and need to secure somewhere before you move, do your best to get there to see it first, or send a friend or family member on your behalf. If you, or a person acting on your behalf can\u2019t view the property and you are asked to give a deposit or fee to secure it, ensure you do some background checks and at least arrange to meet the agent in person, at their office, to ensure they are legitimate. It may also be worth checking on Land Registry, or even Google street view, to make sure the property exists and is definitely theirs \u2013 nothing wrong with being a little cautious, especially when it comes to handing over money!<\/p>\n

Step Three<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Though there are fees associated with using an estate agent, you can rest assured that the correct contracts will be in place, securing you more as a tenant and giving you more rights should you have any problems. Look out for recognition that the Estate Agent is a member of an industry redress scheme (with logos such as these below) to make sure you\u2019re in the best hands.<\/p>\n

Step Four<\/strong><\/h3>\n

You\u2019re often given a contract in an awkward and pressurised situation but make sure you stop and read it properly and don\u2019t be afraid to point out anything unexpected or which you don\u2019t agree with. Some important things to make sure you\u2019re on top of are:<\/p>\n