Friday, August 28, 2015

Is the Home You Are about to Rent Safe and Secure?

Before you find great homes UK to rent, it is important that you be aware of the health and safety standards for rented homes. There are certain standards that all properties for rent must meet to make sure they are safe to live in. These standards are assessed using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System or HHSRS.

HHSRS – How does it work?


If the house you are renting is in bad condition, you and your family’s health is at risk. Poor conditions in a property may also cause a nuisance to the neighboring homes and the public.
The objective of the Housing Health and Safety Rating System is to ensure that there aren’t any serious hazards in your home. It also allows a council to take legal action against those landlords who let their properties in bad condition.

HHSRS and Shared Homes/Houses

Please be aware that there is a limit in the number of people who can live in a house in multiple occupation. The number of tenants that can be accommodated depends on the location and the number of washing, cooking, and toilet facilities in the property. It is a must also that the property meet fire safety standards.

Dealing with Hazards in Your Rented Home


If you thought you find great homes England but ended up in one that’s not in good condition, the first thing to do is report the problem to your landlord in writing. You should then give your landlord enough time to act up on the problems. If your landlord refuses to do the repairs, you should contact the council immediately. You may also get advice if you feel that your landlord may opt to evict you instead of having the repairs done.

What If Your Home Turns Out to Be Unfit?


Once you have reported the situation to the environmental health department, you should expect an officer to come by for inspection. Should they declare that your house has a serious hazard, they need to take action. It is then possible for them to:

a. Issue a hazard awareness notice.
b. Give your landlord an order to carry out necessary repairs by a specific time.
c. Order the closure of a part or the entire building.
d. Do the repairs themselves and reclaim the costs from your landlord.
e. Order the demolition of the property.
f. Buy the property under the compulsory purchase rules.


When you are about to find great homes Manchester, be sure to do some research first about what you should expect from the home you are to rent. Use ratedrents.com to find a home that will surely meet your requirements, lifestyle, and of course, your financial capability.

Thursday, August 13, 2015

Tips for Sharing Costs When Renting

When renting a property with another person or you have agreed to shared housing costs with your partner, it is important that you be aware of what monthly expenses there will be. This way, both of you can work out a system to pay bills equally. Your peace of mind does not only depend on you finding good deals home UK; you should also pay attention to your finances. Otherwise, you may end up in some serious financial trouble.

The Importance of Paying Bills on Time


When you decide to share a property, you need to be organized about money. Should you miss a payment of your bills, or you are unable to pay them on time, you will be at risk of getting a bad credit rating. As a result, you will find it hard later on to borrow money from creditors. Things will get worse if it is your name that’s on the bills.

Obviously, another effect of not paying bills is that the vital services you are using will be cut off. Meanwhile, if you fail to pay the Council Tax, for instance, this could even result to court summons.

Discussing How to Share Your Bills


Aside from talking about how you and your housemate will share the payment for what is my home worth or the rent, you also need to sit down and talk about how you will share the bills. You need to do this at the very beginning of your shared tenancy to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts later on.

First of all, you need to come up with a list of the shared bills you both have to pay. You should also estimate what amount they will cost every month. You may ask your landlord for the estimates. And then, get the sum of all these bills and figure out how you will divide the cost in a way that both of you will pay an equal amount.

You then have to talk about when you both will give your shares of payment. Even if you are both employed, your pay dates might differ. What’s important is for both parties to be clear that money should be ready before the due dates of the bills.

Lastly, you also need to agree who will be the one to pay the bills at a bank or the post office perhaps. When every detail is planned and agreed upon, everyone won’t have to worry about anything.

Finding an Affordable House for Rent



Should you have problems looking for a nice place to rent, you should check out ratedrents.com. On this site, you can do your search for a rented property according to your chosen location, and the rental rate my property you can afford. 

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Good Reasons You Should Go for Renting and Not Buying a Home

It is almost a widely accepted fact that buying a home is better than renting one; besides, being able to purchase your own house can be considered one of your biggest achievements in life. But still, there are things that renting offers that buying can’t – freedom and flexibility. The decision to find great homes London to rent basically depends on your status in life, as well as your future plans.

Below are some of the most common reasons people end up renting a house instead:

Flexibility and Freedom


If you aren’t quite ready to settle down yet and you plan to stay in one particular area for a short period of time only, then renting is the more practical option for you.

When you rent a home, you are not making an important commitment to anything, and it is much easier also to move elsewhere if you eventually need to.

No Maintenance and Repair Costs


When you buy a house, it becomes your sole responsibility to maintain it and spend for its repairs. On the other hand, when you rent a property, it is your landlord who has to take care of keeping the property in perfect condition. But of course, under your tenancy agreement, you will agree to take care of the house. Otherwise, you may not be able to get back your deposit as it will be used to cover the repairs for the damage you cause.

Less Initial Expense


Another huge difference between buying and renting a home is the amount of money you need to spend initially. In terms of what is my home worth, you definitely need to shell out more money when you buy a home. On the other hand, you may choose to stay in a rented property whose rent is just within your budget. Sites like ratedrents.com will help you locate a property for rent that will perfectly suit your lifestyle and your financial capability as well.

Easier to Budget


When you rent a house, the only things you should worry about paying are the rent and utility bills. It is quite easy to predict how much you have to pay every month for these, so it is less likely that you will be in trouble making the payment. When you own a house, there are taxes you should think about, along with the maintenance costs. Thus, renting is simply the more practical choice for those who can’t afford yet.


If you want to end up in a rented property that will suit your finances and lifestyle, go to ratedrents.com. On this site, you can rate my property, and you can choose a house for rent in your preferred location as well.

Advice to Tenants: What to Do When Things Go Wrong

Renting a home can be really exciting, especially if it is your first time to live on your own. To make sure that you will live comfortably in your chosen apartment or flat, it’s not enough that you find home England that you can afford. You need to be prepared for all the issues you may face as a tenant.

Before committing to a 6 or 12 month contract, you’ve got to think about what may happen if things go wrong. Regardless of whether you are renting alone, with a partner, or with other housemates, it is important that you plan ahead.

What happens if you fail to pay the rent?


One of your main responsibilities as a tenant is to pay rent on time. Should you have rent arrears, be sure not to ignore them as they can cause you to be evicted. Also, your inability to pay rent could be the reason you cannot claim your deposit. Should you need help in paying your rent, you may consider claim housing benefit.

Under what circumstances can you be evicted?


As mentioned earlier, failure to pay rent is a grounds for eviction. Aside from this, you can be evicted if you break any of the terms of your tenancy agreement. Your landlord can request the court to ask you to leave the property. Thus, if you are having difficulties with your rental payment, be sure to talk to your landlord about it.

What if you split up with your partner?


If you and your partner both signed a joint tenancy after you found good deals home London, each of you has the right to stay in the property, even after you break up. A joint tenancy means that you are both responsible for paying the rent. In case one of you leaves, the landlord may ask one or both of you for the payment. Again, failing to pay the entire amount of the rent may result in the eviction of whoever stays behind.

What happens to your guarantor if problems arise?


Typically, students and young people need to have a guarantor to be allowed to rent a property. This serves as the landlord’s guarantee that rent will be paid. Your guarantor will have to sign a document that indicates his or her willingness to pay the rent if you are not able to. Thus, a guarantor is the one to be held liable in case rent is unpaid.


Where can you find good deals home England?



There are several ways you may find good deals home England. One of the most efficient and convenient methods is by using ratedrents.com. In ratedrents.com, you can choose among the hundreds of properties for rent. You may also specify your search according to the location and even the price you can afford.

Friday, August 7, 2015

Common Renting Problems You Should Be Prepared for

Renting an apartment is considered by many as a better choice compared to buying a house because it costs much less money to rent. Plus, there are now a lot of good deals home England for rent, so not much is compromised in terms of convenience and comfortable living. But while it is fairly easy to find and live in a rented home, there are certain problems that come with it as well. As a tenant, you should know what common private renting problems are there that might affect you and your tenancy. 

Listed below are some of them:


1. Your deposit isn’t protected by your landlord.
It is the legal obligation of your landlord to protect your tenancy deposit in a tenancy deposit protection scheme, which applies if you are an assured shorthold tenant. If it turns out that your deposit isn’t protected within 30 days after it has been paid, it is your right to take a legal action against your landlord so you may claim compensation.

2. There are leaks in your home.
There are so many things that can go wrong with a rented property, such as leaking roofs and rodents. You may complain to your landlord about them, but you have to check first your tenancy agreement to know what your landlord’s responsibilities are.

3. Your housemate or partner left you to take on the tenancy.
This problem affects those who are in a joint tenancy. Once you find home England, you should then decide if you’re going to reside in it alone, or you will live with a housemate with whom you will share the tenancy. By taking on a joint tenancy, you are both agreeing to share the responsibilities of paying the rent. Should your partner leave you, it means that you have to pay the entire rent alone.

4. You are asked by your landlord to leave the rented house.
If you are an assured shorthold tenant, you may be evicted by your landlord as long as there is a two months’ notice along with a court order. Take note, however, that this isn’t supposed to happen while it’s still the fixed period of your tenancy. Your landlord can ask you to leave if you have broken the terms of your tenancy agreement, or if you have continuously failed to pay the rent.

How to Find the Perfect Apartment



It could be time consuming to go around the city just to good deals home London. If you want to save time and energy and still get the best apartment for rent, go to ratedrents.com. With ratedrents, you can choose among many houses for rent in the specific location you want and at a cost you can afford. 

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Why Is an Inventory Necessary When You Rent an Apartment?

Now that you have successfully found a home to rent, you should start preparing for your move. But before you do so, there are some important things you should do and documents to prepare. After you find home London and met with the landlord, you need to make an inventory. This is necessary especially to help resolve disputes later on when you are about to move out. You will also need this inventory so you can easily get back your tenancy deposit.


What Is an Inventory?


An inventory is a list that contains details of the things provided by the landlord in the property you rent after you find apartment England. Examples are carpets, furniture, appliances, and even curtains. In some cases, even kitchenware is included.

In the inventory, the condition of all the items in the property should be recorded as well. It is important also that all items with damage be marked before you move in. It is recommended that you take photos of the house and everything in it during the creation of the inventory.

An Inventory Will Help Avoid or Resolve Disputes


Disputes over tenancy deposits are very common between landlords and tenants especially when the latter decides to move out. An inventory will help avoid such disputes as it can prove what the condition of the property and the items in it are in when you started your occupancy.

Who Creates the Inventory?


It is the landlord’s or the letting agent’s responsibility to provide you with an inventory. If they haven’t given you any, make sure you ask for it. It is possible also for you to make the inventory yourself. Remember also to have an independent witness to sign it. Then you should also send a copy to your landlord.

Checking an Inventory Before Signing It


Before signing the inventory, make sure that you have read it carefully. If there are any damages that aren’t listed in the inventory, you have to make a note for your landlord. After reviewing it and you think it is accurate and complete already, the next thing to do is sign it, along with your landlord and an independent witness. Keep your copy in a safe place.

Keeping Important Records


If you end up replacing or repairing any part of the house or any items in it, be sure to keep records of them. Among the important records you should have are photographs taken when you moved in, receipts for the replaced items, receipts for the repairs, rent payment receipts, and so on.

To find apartment London that will suit your lifestyle, your needs, and your budget, go to ratedrents.com. In this site you will find a list of properties for rent in England, along with their rates and details of their features.

Friday, July 24, 2015

Important Documents to Prepare Before Signing a Tenancy Agreement

After a long search for a worthy and comfortable rated home for rent, you are now finally ready to move in. The first thing you will have to do is sign a tenancy agreement with your landlord, and in this case, you need to prepare a couple of documents to complete the rental application.
Make sure to have the following documents to avoid any hassle and delays in your occupancy of the property:


1. Proof of Employment


Landlords demand their potential tenants to show some proof of employment. This can be in the form of pay stubs, an employment contract, or an offer letter you got from your employer. If you are a contractor, for instance, your contract is what you can use, and you may be asked by your landlord to present bank statements from your business accounts.

2. References of Previous Landlords


Most landlords will ask you to provide them with at least three names of your previous landlords to serve as references. If you are a student and this is your first time to rent an apartment or a flat, you may use your parents are your references. Make sure that you give your landlord the right contact information of your references.

3. Recent Tax Return


It is typical for landlords also to require a copy of a tenant’s recent tax return. Through this document, they will have an idea about how much the tenant has earned over the past year. You can also use your tax return as a replacement for your employment records. Landlords use this document as a basis to judge whether you will be able to afford your rent or property rating.

4. Bank Details


Again, this document is often necessary to prove that you have enough money to pay for your rent. When you are asked to provide your bank statement or information, make sure that you don’t reveal to your landlord your bank account number. This will protect you from any form of fraud that may happen when someone else gets access to your accounts.

5. Current/Previous Tenancy Agreement


If you are transferring from another rental property, it is possible that you will be asked by your potential landlord for a copy of your tenancy agreement with the other landlord. They check this document to know how much you can afford to pay rent.

Before you move into a new apartment, it’s important that you set everything right first. This means that you should read and understand your tenancy agreement before you sign it. Make sure also that everything is clear between you and your potential landlord.


If you haven’t found the right home that will suit your budget and your lifestyle, go to ratedrents.com. There you will find the current home ratings in hundreds of available properties for rent in the UK.

Friday, July 17, 2015

So How Do You Choose a Good Housemate?

Renting a home or a flat has always been a great and cheaper alternative for those who can’t afford to buy their own homes or property. But for some, renting by themselves can still be costly, so they find other means to save on rental costs, and many do this by sharing a house or flat with another person. After you find great homes England and you decide to live in a shared accommodation, the next thing you need to do is find a good housemate.


Here are some tips you can use when choosing a good flatmate:

1. Decide what you want from a flatmate.


The first thing you should think about is the kind of flatmate you want to have. If you are new to the area, for instance, you would want someone who has the same interests as you so you can spend time exploring different things in your area. It’s a good idea also to live with someone your age so you may avoid having conflicts with someone you have an age gap with.

2. Find out if you have the same lifestyle.


If, for instance, you have to be up early in the morning to go to work, so you need to go to bed at around 10pm, it won’t be a good idea to live with someone who gets home so late at night with his or her friends.

3. Choose a flatmate who is similar to you in terms of hygiene.


It’s going to be too stressful if you end up with a flatmate who doesn’t know the meaning of ‘cleaning up’. If you are someone who hates mess, the last thing you want is a kitchen sink with your flatmates unwashed utensils.  Meanwhile, you also don’t want to be with a perfectionist who will nag at you about being clean in the home.

4. Don’t live with someone you’re sexually attracted to.


Although it would be nice to live in the same house with a girl or boy you find really sexy, this can cause a lot of distraction to you. If you want, you can invite him or her for a drink, but moving in with that person is a very bad idea.

5. Move in with a flatmate who agrees to sign an agreement with you.


Once you find great homes Manchester and you have a flatmate, you must enter an agreement with him or her. The agreement is important especially in terms of how you will share the expenses for maintaining a rental home.


To get huge savings on a rental property, you should find great homes Liverpool using ratedrents.com, which works like a search engine for rental properties. Ratedrents has a huge database of properties for rent in the UK, so you can surely find the most suitable accommodation for you.

Friday, July 10, 2015

Important Steps to Find the Right House for Rent in England

Whether you are moving to a new city or you just want to relocate to a different neighborhood or a new building perhaps, it will require a lot of time and effort on your part to find the perfect accommodation. There are also many things you should take into consideration, such as your lifestyle, your finances, and of course your preferred type of house. In this post, we will share with you some useful tips on how you can find home London that you will truly love.

Consider Your Housing Needs


a. Decide on your budget. One of the first things to think about is the budget you can afford for the rent, the utilities, and other expenses related to renting a house. Don’t be seduced in a rental property that’s too expensive.

b. Make a list of what you need in a home. Decide how many bedrooms you need, whether or not you want a furnished home, and consider also the location of the house. Although you may not find a home that has everything you need, at least you could end up with a house that is close to what you can call an ideal house.

c. Choose your ideal neighborhood. Take time to walk or drive around various parts of the city you wish to live in. Consider the local conveniences, your lifestyle needs, as well as the commute times.

Search for an Apartment


a. Contact a rental agent if it’s available. With the help of an agent, you won’t have to go places by yourself to find apartment London. Be ready, however, to pay extra charges for the services of a rental agent.

b. Surf the web. The internet is the best source of information about houses for rent. Websites like ratedrents.com will give you a lot of options in terms of the types of homes to rent, and you can also get an idea about how much the average rent costs in various areas are.

c. Don’t forget to check out print ads. The newspaper remains as one of the best ways you can find listings of houses for rent in your area and other areas as well.

Inspect a Potential Home/Apartment


a. Do an inspection of the place to make sure you’re getting a good deal. Take notes of each apartment you will visit so you can have a reference later on.

b. Talk to the landlord. Don’t hesitate to talk to the landlord about renting the place. Ask questions to help you decide if you have found the best place for you and your family to live in.

Bonus Tip



To find apartment England that suits your lifestyle and your budget, turn to ratedrents. In ratedrents.com, you will find a huge listing of properties for rent in various parts of England, along with all the necessary information about each property for rent.

Friday, July 3, 2015

Practical Ways That Will Help You Save Money When Renting

According to recent studies, over one-thirds of households in England prefer to rent than to own a property. This is because many people cannot afford to buy a home, and there is a general perception that it is always cheaper to rent a home, especially after doing enough research about cheap home ratings. But did you know that there are still many ways tenants like you can have huge savings when renting a home?



Here’s how you can save huge amounts of money when you rent:

1. Verify that your deposit is protected.


Unfortunately, one in five private property renters in England are clueless as to whether their deposit is protected or not. Having your deposit protected is very important, mainly because this will ensure that you will get back your full deposit at the end of your tenancy.

2. Go for used home furnishings.


Tenants basically can choose between renting a fully furnished and an unfurnished home, apartment, or flat. If you’re moving from another apartment where you were able to invest in your own furniture and appliances, then you might as well rent an unfurnished home. On the other hand, if you don’t have your own things yet, you may shop for very inexpensive home items online. You may also visit warehouses or shops selling pre-loved items.

3. Share a home with a friend.


Sharing an apartment or a flat with someone is always one of the best ways to save on rent costs. If you are employed, you may ask your colleagues if anyone would be interested in sharing an accommodation with you. The same thing goes for students; finding a flat-mate in the campus doesn’t seem too difficult anyway.

If you decide to have a housemate, there are important things to remember. First of all, make sure you both sign and understand everything in your tenancy agreement. Also, you must choose to share your home with someone who can afford to pay his share of rent. If possible, do a background check of your potential housemate, just so you can be sure you are safe.

4. Remember to take a meter reading upon your arrival.


Before you start unpacking your things after you’ve moved in, be sure to check and read the electric and gas meters. This way, you can get the information and pass it over to the suppliers so you can avoid being charged for the consumption of the previous occupants.

5. Use ratedrents to find the cheapest property rating in your chosen area.



You don’t have to travel places or call hundreds of landlords to inquire about the current rates of homes in certain areas. With the help of ratedrents, you can get all the rated home information you need to ensure you find the cheapest private home for rent.

Monday, June 22, 2015

Applying To Rent A Property From A Letting Agent Or Private Landlord

After you have found some good deals home UK and have decided to rent one, the next step to take is to actually apply to rent the property from a letting agent or a private landlord. When you apply to rent a house, you will be asked by either the landlord or the letting agent to provide documents and other information that will prove that you are going to be a good tenant. Ideally, you should have all your documents ready even while you are still searching for a place.


What documents are you required to show landlords?


In most cases, letting agents or landlords will ask for documents that will prove your identity, your credibility, and your ability to pay the rent. For instance, you may be asked to show the following:

a)      recent bank statements

b)     your bank details

c)      proof of employment from your employer

d)     pay slips

e)      a copy of your employment contract

f)       proof of benefit awards, if you have any

Some landlords also ask for some sort of reference from your previous landlord, if any. And if it is your first time to rent a home, a reference from a guardian or your parents will do.

Do you need a rent guarantor?


If you are a young person or a student who is renting for the first time or if you don’t have any documents to show your ability to pay the rent, you may be asked to have a guarantor. The guarantor will then need to sign a document wherein he or she agrees to pay the rent in case you fail to do so.
The document that your guarantor will sign with the landlord or letting agent is legally binding, and your guarantor has to be aware of it. Also, a guarantor has to be a resident in the UK and is an owner of a property.

Do you need to undergo a credit check?


It is the right of a letting agent to run a credit check on tenants applying to rent a house or a flat after you have found good deals home UK. They do this by asking a credit reference agency to check whether you are a good payer or not. Your permission is necessary before a letting agent can do this.
Should there be any problems with your credit check, it will still be possible for you to rent the property provided that you have a guarantor.

What is my home worth?



Before entering any tenancy agreement, make sure that you’ve done enough research to find the property that perfectly suits your budget. One way to do this is by visiting ratedrents. Through ratedrents, you will be able to know the actual value of a particular home and you will be able to rate my property. This will help you decide which property you can afford and should rent.

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Important Things You Should Understand about Joint Tenancy

Renting a private house is not that affordable to many, especially in the UK. This explains why many people decide to have a joint tenancy instead. A joint tenancy is where you and your housemates sign a single tenancy agreement with a landlord or an owner of a rated home for rent. In a joint tenancy, all housemates have the same responsibilities and rights as a tenant.

Rent Responsibility of Joint Tenants


All joint tenants are individually and jointly liable for paying the rent. What this means is that if one of the housemates fails to pay their share, or just leaves the house without notice, the other tenant/s should pay the rent for them. If everyone fails to pay the rent, the landlord may require any one to pay the entire amount.

Tenancy Deposits


Should you decide to move into a private house for rent, it is required that you pay a deposit that will cover any unpaid rent or damage to the property. When making the payment for the deposit, make sure that you give the payment straight to the letting agency or the landlord. This way, your money will be put in a tenancy deposit scheme to ensure its protection.

What happens to the tenancy deposit when a joint tenant moves out?


If, for instance, another person is moving in to replace another tenant who has moved out, that person may ask that you pay the deposit to them, which is not a very good idea here. If the tenant who decides to leave has caused any kind of damage to the property, or perhaps left some unpaid bills, it is possible for the landlord to deduct such costs from the deposit in the event that you move out.
If you want to be sure your money is protected, you may ask the landlord to provide a new tenancy agreement that includes the new tenant.

How to leave a joint tenancy?


If you wish to leave a joint tenancy and try looking for another home ratings, it will be good if you could discuss with the other tenants first. If your housemates decide to stay, then it will be better for them to negotiate another agreement with the landlord.

It is also possible for the remaining tenants to look for another person to replace the other tenant who is moving out. In this case, the landlord may create a new tenancy agreement for the new tenant, or may simply accept the rent from the new tenant.

Finding the Best House for Rent



When it comes to finding an affordable place to rent, you should check out ratedrents. There you will find a huge listing of private properties in the UK, along with the average property rating in specific areas.

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Pitfalls of Private Renting You Should Know About

If you are out there to find great homes London, the costs involved in renting a property is not the only thing you should be concerned about. Before committing to any tenancy agreement, you should at least be aware of the possible problems that may occur. This way, you can be better prepared to deal with them. 


What happens if you fail to pay the rent?


It is your responsibility to pay the rent on time. If you fail, you should also not ignore your rent arrears as this is grounds for your eviction and you can also lose your deposit because of this. Your landlord will have the right to get an order from the court to make you pay.

Under what circumstances can you be evicted?


You can be evicted from your rental home if you have broken the terms of the agreement you signed with your landlord. Being unable to pay your rent is another reason you could be evicted.

How can your landlord get the money you owe him?


It doesn’t matter whether you are evicted or not, your landlord will have a way to get the money from you. First, your landlord may ask to speak to you so you could both come up with an agreement as to how you will pay your rent.

Another action your landlord may take is the legal way. Landlords can apply to the court anytime for money judgment. This is often referred to as a county court judgment. Here, the court will set how much you should pay your landlord and how your payment mode should be. You will be given 14 days to respond to such a claim. You should then be prepared to pay court costs if you lose.

Do you understand everything in your tenancy agreement?


If you have a fixed contract, that means you have a fixed commitment. In most cases, tenants are made to sign a contract that commits them for at least 6 months or a year. Should you decide to leave before the end of your tenancy agreement, you are still required to pay the rent.
In some contracts, there is a ‘break clause’. This part of the agreement gives a tenant the option of giving notice to leave prior to the end of the fixed term. If your agreement does not contain this clause, you should talk to your landlord if you want to leave the property early.

What is my home worth?


Before entering any tenancy agreement, make sure you understand everything in it. You should also choose a property that you can afford. You can use ratedrents to learn about the average rental rates in various parts of the UK.

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Costs of Renting a Property in London

If you’re planning to rent a flat or a private house, you’ve got to make sure that you can afford it. Since UK is known to be one of those countries where rental rates are sky-high, it is important that you find good deals home England. You can do this by doing some thorough research so you may find a place whose rent is just within your budget.

Before signing any tenancy agreement, you would also want to know the different costs you have to pay before you move in. There are some regular ongoing payments also that you have to prepare for.

RENT


The biggest housing cost you have to prepare for each month is your rent, so you should be able to work out what you can afford. Check for rental properties in the area you want to live to know what the average rent is. This requires effort on your part but it is a necessary step to finding good deals home London.

TENANCY DEPOSIT


In most cases, letting agents and private landlords ask tenants to pay a tenancy deposit before they could move in. In terms of the amount of deposit, it is often equivalent to one or two months’ rent.
You should also get back this money at the end of your tenancy provided that there are no damages to the property that you have caused, or that you haven’t missed any payment for the rent.

RENT IN ADVANCE


Aside from the deposit, tenants are often asked to pay rent in advance. In most cases, this is a month’s worth of rent. Some landlords may ask more than this, but you can try to negotiate it with the property owner.

LETTING AGENCY FEES


If you decide to rent a property through a letting agency, you can expect to be charged some fees that will cover such things as references, credit checks and administration. However, if you are simply viewing a property with the help of an agent, you should not be charged anything for this.

COUNCIL TAX


It is also common for people who are renting a property to pay council tax to the council, but it is possible for you to include such payment in your rent. The amount of tax you will pay will depend on your council as well as the banding of the property you’re renting.


These are just some of the costs you will have to pay for as a tenant in a private property. Obviously, these costs will require that you have enough money so you could move in and maintain your tenancy as well. If you want to find the best rates and good deals home UK, visit ratedrents

Monday, June 8, 2015

Can You End a Tenancy Before the Fixed Term Ends?

If you’re planning to rent a home in UK, you should be familiar with how the private renting industry works. Since it is likely that you will enter a fixed term tenancy after finding some good deals home UK, it would help if you gain some knowledge on how this kind of tenancy can be ended.

If you agreed to a fixed term tenancy with your landlord and you wish to leave the property before the tenancy agreement ends, it is possible for the landlord to require that you continue to pay the rent for the entire duration of the tenancy. In short, you cannot just end your tenancy by informing your landlord about it.

Ending Your Tenancy In Advance


In most cases, tenancy agreements do not indicate anything about a tenant’s right to end it early. Thus, it is important that you know if your landlord will be willing to negotiate with you about this, although your landlord is not obligated to do this.

On the other hand, it is also possible for your landlord to willingly let you go by way of “surrendering the tenancy”. For this process to be possible and valid, you and your landlord must agree to it. Keep in mind that you should put all your agreement into writing just in case a dispute arises in the future.

Leaving on the Last Day of the Contract


Usually, a tenant can leave on the last day of a fixed term contract even without informing the landlord. It is still important, however, that you check your tenancy agreement first to know if you can do this, too. There are some agreements that say something like:

- you must notify your landlord of your intention to leave on the last day

- once the fixed term expires, the tenancy will continue as a contractual periodic tenancy

The amount of time that is required for you to give the notice should depend on what is indicated on your tenancy agreement.

Leaving Before the Fixed Term Ends


‘Abandonment’ is the term that is used when a tenant leaves without giving notice. This kind of setup won’t end the agreement, even after you have already left the property and looked for another rate my property. In this case, your landlord may continue to charge you your rent until your fixed term agreement ends.

How to Look for the Right Property



After searching for a couple of properties in the area of your preference, the next thing you want to do is know what is my home worth so you can make the right decision. You can get all the information you need in ratedrents. In this site, you will find a huge list of all rented properties in the UK, plus their corresponding rates. This will surely make it easier for you to locate a comfortable and affordable home.

Thursday, May 28, 2015

Ways to Find a Property to Rent around UK

If you dream of finding the perfect place to rent for you and your family, there is no doubt that you have to be good at doing research. This is something you cannot rush, and thus, you need to spend time asking around, driving around, and surfing the internet as well. The good thing is that there are many ways you can actually good deals home UK. Below are some of them.

Searching for Properties on the Internet


A lot of letting agencies and landlords opt to advertise on the internet because it is a highly accessible resource for potential tenants. All you need to do is perform a web search to know if there are local forums or websites that advertise houses, flats, or even rooms to rent. One thing you should remember, though, is that you shouldn’t pay any amount of money unless you have actually seen the property.

Using a Letting Agent


Another way to find a property to rent is by using a letting agency, but there are charges and agency fees that you have to pay in case they have successfully found a place for you.

It is easy to find a letting agent in the UK as most of them have offices in the city center, or you can also check the internet for letting agencies in your area.

In most cases, you have to register with a letting agency first before you get an offer from them. Take note also that you shall not be charged any fees for registering or checking out their lists of available properties.

Checking with Your Local Council’s Housing Options Service


You may also seek assistance from your local council’s housing options service to find a landlord that will let you rent a property even if you’re claiming housing benefit.

Checking Out Property Listings on Magazines and Newspapers


Almost all local magazines and newspapers have an advertising section where landlords post vacancies of their properties. You may also find advertisements from private landlords and some are from letting agencies. Again, it is important that you know first what is my home worth before you make any commitment with a landlord.

Advertising Your Need for a Place to Rent


It will also help if you let people know that you are looking for a house, a flat or perhaps a room to rent. The best way is to use your social media accounts like Facebook or Twitter. This way, your friends you could read your advertisement will be able to recommend some places you can rent.

Bonus Tip



If you want to get the right value for your investment, ratedrents is here to help. You could rate my property and see if it is around the average rent in an area. This will help you find a home that’s within your budget.

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Common Problems Tenants May Have with Their Landlords

If you are looking for a place to stay in the UK and have decided to rent from a private landlord, you may not necessarily have a hard time locating a good property because many properties are available across the country. After you finally find great homes England, the next thing you should do is do some research on what common problems arise when renting a property. Having this knowledge will better prepare you for whatever issues you may eventually face as a tenant.

Tenancy Agreement


Not all tenants have a written tenancy agreement with their landlords. Nevertheless, there is always a legal contract that exists between them even when nothing is written down. For instance, a verbal agreement could be based on a conversation between the two parties regarding the terms of the letting. The problem with a verbal contract, however, is that it can be difficult to enforce particularly if nobody stood as a witness to the agreement.

The Rights of a Landlord to Entry


Landlords have a right to gain access to the property to carry out necessary repairs. They also have a right to enter the property if there is a need to inspect the repairs being done. They should, however, always ask tenants for permission. You should also receive at least 24 hours notice. Keep in mind that your landlord doesn’t have a right to enter the property on other occasions unless it is ordered by the court.

The Property You Are Renting Has Been Sold


It is a landlord’s legal right to sell his property even if it is still being occupied. If your home has been sold, you will be referred to as a sitting tenant. In this case, the new owner of the property will become your new landlord. You need not worry about the tenancy agreement you had with the previous owner as it is valid.

Meanwhile, it is possible that the new landlord will have you sign a new tenancy agreement, but you should not be forced to do so. If you refuse to sign a new agreement with the new landlord, and you have a fixed term assured shorthold tenancy, you may be given by your landlord a two months’ notice to leave. This means you should again start to find great homes England.

How to Seek Advice


If there are several things you are not sure about when it comes to your rights and duties as a tenant, you should seek help from the authorities. Getting the right legal advice is necessary for you to protect your rights.

How to Find the Right Home for Rent



When looking for a property to rent and are about ready to find great homes Manchester, you should first have an idea about the existing rates in the area so you can make a better decision as to where you will rent a home. Go to ratedrents and find out!

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Everything You Need to Know about Tenancy Agreements

When it comes to renting a home, there are a number of factors to take into consideration. It is not enough that you find great homes Nottingham or any other areas in the UK. More importantly, you need to know what kind of property you can afford, and you also have to make sure you understand the rental or tenancy agreement you’re entering into.

What Is a Tenancy Agreement?


A tenancy agreement could either be an oral or written contract between you and the property owner or the landlord. This agreement contains details of the rights of the landlord, and your rights as the tenant. For instance, it includes the landlord’s right to receive rental payment for letting the property, as well as your right to occupy the said accommodation.


What Are the Implied Terms of a Tenancy Agreement?


The tenancy agreement you have with your landlord may not necessarily include certain obligations for both parties. Nevertheless, these obligations are given by law, and thus are implied into all types of tenancy agreements. This means that they are still part of your contract.

The most common implied terms include:


a. Landlords have the obligation to carry out basic repairs to the property, such as maintaining the installations for the supply of gas, water, electricity, space heating, and sanitation.

b. It is every tenant’s right to live peacefully in the property without any nuisance from the landlord.

c. Tenants must live in the property in a ‘tenant-like’ way. This means that you should not cause any damages to any fittings and fixtures in the accommodation.

d. Tenants must allow access to the property for any repair work that must be done.

Rights provided for by the law may vary according to the kind of tenancy and the area where the property is located. Thus, after you find great homes Leeds and decide it is where you want to rent a house, the next thing to do is check the information on the rights and obligations of housing tenants that may apply to you.

Can the Tenancy Agreement Be Changed?


Yes, but it must be with the consent of both parties. If you and your landlord agree to make changes to your agreement, such changes need to be recorded in writing. A new written document may be created to include the changes in this case.


It can really be a challenging task to find great homes Brighton because there are many things to think about when looking for the right home to rent. It is important that you be well informed of your options and your rights as a tenant. And when it comes to finding out what rental rate is reasonable in a certain area, check out ratedrents.

Sunday, May 17, 2015

Tips for Getting the Best Deals for Rental Homes in UK

Owning a home is a dream for almost all of us, but we have to admit that it’s not the easiest dreams to achieve. Thus, many of us settle for rental homes instead. Despite the continuous increase in the price of rent, this is still the more practical option for many people. Now the question is how you can get good deals home England?

Homes for rent are everywhere and finding one is not the most difficult thing to do. The challenge actually lies in finding a reasonably priced home for rent. There are also a number of other things to consider before choosing a house for rent.

Below are some tips that can help you find a good place to stay:


1. Do your research to find the best neighborhood.


Before you get overly concerned about the rental rates, you should focus first on finding a house in a decent neighborhood. Especially if you have a family, you want a place where you and your loved ones can live comfortably and safely. Once you have located a good area for residence, it will be much easier to look for good deals home London.

2. Drive around to search for HOUSE FOR RENT signs.


This is an old-fashioned way of looking for a rental home, and this remains as one of the most effective methods. Remember that not all homeowners are willing to advertise to the public, and instead rely on the classic rental sign. This is also a good method as it lets you meet the landlord in person, and so you don’t have to use any agent or third-party agencies.

3. Contact realtors that work with rentals.


Real estate agents don’t just sell real estate properties, but also help landlords find occupants for their rental properties. To find a real estate agent who can help you, call the agency that is prominent in the area you’re interested in. And when you get to talk to the agent, make sure to ask for the best deal.

4. Check out ratedrents.


If you don’t want to add to your expenses by hiring a real estate agent, a good alternative is to use online rental listings like ratedrents. In this site, you will find a list of all properties for rent in various areas in the UK. What you will like more about this site is that you can customize your search according to your budget and other preferences.


If you want to end up getting some good deals home UK, it is important that you spend enough time doing research about the property you want to rent. One of the most reliable sites to do your search is ratedrents

Friday, May 15, 2015

Why Are Rental Homes in the UK So Expensive?

Did you know that renting a home in the UK is actually more expensive than actually purchasing one? According to research, buying a home is now about £1,400 a year cheaper than renting. This is quite unbelievable, but this is the reality that people have to face. Nevertheless, doing enough research about the average rental home ratings in a particular area in the UK can help you find the most affordable and reasonably-priced house for rent.


Why Are Rental Homes So Expensive?


The gap between the prices of homes for rent and homes for sale has increased partly because of house price falls along with very low interest rates. As a result, borrowing money to purchase a property has become easier and more accessible to those who can manager to get a mortgage.
On the other hand, many people are still having a hard time raising a deposit for a new home, and others just can’t meet the borrowing criteria of lenders. This gives them no other choice but to rent a home instead. This trend is what has pushed rental costs up.

One study revealed that purchasing a three-bedroom house comes with an average monthly cost of £620 just last year, and surprisingly, this is cheaper by a huge £130 than the average rent of £750 for the same property. When we say average buying costs, this should include mortgage payments, expenses for repairs, and income lost by using the money for deposit instead of having savings.

Are Average Rental Rates Still Increasing?


Findings from the Homelet Rental Index indicated that growth in rent prices is inevitable. As a matter of fact, it was recorded that by February 2015, the rental rates in 7 out of 12 regions across the entire UK actually went up. Meanwhile, the rent prices in London remain static.

The average rate of rents in the UK now is at £899 per month, in comparison to the £889 rate at the end of January 2015, and £873 in December 2014. The North East and South West had the biggest increase in rent price growth in 2015 to date, which increased by 6.2% and 4.5% respectively.

Will There Be Change?


We all certainly hope there will soon be a change in this ever-rising property rating, but there is just no guarantee that rental homes in the UK will be more affordable. Perhaps the best thing you can do is try to find a rental home that will suit your budget.


When it comes to renting a home in London and other regions in the UK, it is highly recommended that you use a rated home service like ratedrents. With ratedrents, you will know what the average rental rate is according to the region. This way, you can easily find a property that will suit your lifestyle, and more importantly, your finances.

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Things to Consider When Choosing a Rental Property

If you are planning to move into a rented home in the UK, prepare yourself to a lot of homeworks. Finding the right place to live in can be a very challenging task particularly if you are moving from a different city or country.
But with some proper research, you can get all the necessary information you need to find good rental home deals in the UK.

Here are the 10 important things to consider when looking for a good rental property:


The Neighbourhood


The neighbourhood and the area where you plan to move into, will highly affect your life. Choose carefully.

For instance, neighbourhoods that are close to universities tend to be a little more noisy than residential neighbourhoods in office areas. Ensure you choose the right area for you and your lifestyle.

Council Tax


They vary according to the ‘class’ a home is in. Always ask the lettings agent or the landlord how much the council tax will cost you every month so that you won’t have surprises on your budget plan.

Crime


There are neighbourhoods with higher crime rates than others. Good news is: data and police reports allow us to know that in advance. Ensure you start your property search on a website that has indications about the crime rates in the different areas of the city you are moving into.

Amenities


List your top 5 amenities and start your search with those in mind. Everyone has different priorities and needs different amenities closeby their home. Choose yours and look for a place accordingly.

Rent


Of course, have a rent budget in mind before even starting your property search, but don’t just stick to it. Rent will vary a lot from neighbourhood to neighbourhood. Consider all the variables above and decide which property offers the best value for you.

You can try our search tool for enhanced property searches here.

Monday, May 11, 2015

Why Is It Too Hard to Find an Affordable House for Rent?

If you are looking for a place to rent in a new city but have no idea of what would be considered a good deal and what would not, then home ratings may be the perfect solution for you.

Imagine if someone could impartially guide you towards the choice of a home that fits your category, location preferences and of course, financial capacity to spend - so that you will never risk to put yourself into the wrong tenancy again.

Limits of current property search websites

Nowadays, almost all property searches start online. You can browse for your next home from the comfort of your sofa or access property listings from your mobile phone. But with hundreds of lettings agents out there and thousands of homes to choose from, finding the right rental accommodation is not an easy task.

Most property portals only act as listings collectors: they simply allow local lettings agents to list whatever homes they have available , leaving the tenant the full responsibility for their choice. So if you are new to an area and don’t know much about the property market, it can be difficult for you to identify the homes that offer the best value for your money.

How Does A Home Rating Work

ratedrents has developed a rating system to allow inexperienced tenants or people moving from different cities or countries, to identify the best rental property deals in the UK.
Each property on ratedrents can be graded from A to F, where A is given only to the homes that offer the best value for money for location, features and price. An algorithm compares each home with hundreds or similar comparable rented properties in an area and it combines different data sources to produce the valuations.

Most importantly, each property rating is independent. 


The Process


All you have to do is start with a search along with all the details you need. These include the location, the rent amount, the furnishings, the number of bedrooms and other information to help you narrow down your search.

You are then presented with a list of homes that fits all these details you are searching for. Each listing has a rating and a colour associated with it, so that you can easily distinguish the good deals from the bad ones.


The Benefits Of Getting  A Rated Home


1.       Cost-effective. This eliminates the chances of paying more than what you can afford to spend. There is no overpricing as the results are already laid out according to the details you have specified in the first place.

2.       Convenient. The ratings will help you save hours of property searches and comparisons and you won’t have to rely on your ‘property expert’ friends to help you choose the best properties to view in person.

3.       Relevant. You only get the rated home based on your own preference. Property ratings give you the chance to look for other options especially if you want to refine and make corrections on your search.



You can visit ratedrents.com for more.

Friday, May 8, 2015

How To Get The Best Rented Home From ratedrents

Property rating has slowly been rising in popularity over the past few years, mainly because they are convenient, cost-effective and highly informative. Various providers such as ratedrents offer choices for interested searchers who want to get the best out of their money. Nonetheless, how do you get the best rented property for which you will call your next home?

Check the Rating


In every home that you browse, there is a rating supplied for each property. These ratings are based on the total value for money you can get for the entire rent package. Simply speaking, it states how good a deal with a certain property is, or the opposite. 

On a scale of A to F, having a ratedrents rating of A suggests that the deal is excellent, while getting a rating of F, implies how poor a property is when it comes to fitting the budgetary bracket you are searching for. F ratings also mean that you will be paying beyond the beneficial range of your budget.

How Does This Even Work?


An algorithm of information based on the major categories of location, price and additional features determines the ratedrents rating. Out of all the information cited by the providers in their database of homes for rent from the portal Zoopla, a home with a high rating fits all the conditions you stated the moment you clicked the search button.

This rating saves you enough time and effort when it comes to the search process since the results are already laid out for you to choose. All you have to do is come up with a final decision and continue with the transactions right away if you wish to transfer to the home you wish to rent.

How Reliable Is a Ratedrents Rating?


The fact that these ratings are not controlled by anyone except the providers, the results are not tampered or changed. The ratedrents rating are purely algorithm-based, thus, preventing the occurrence of biases.

The key to getting the most out of your money is to be particular with your search -- the more precise and detailed, the better. This is to make sure you get the right choices that fit your standards. Since a rented home has a contract that lasts for a year or more, choosing the right one is essential to your personal satisfaction, convenience and monetary financial plan.

When it comes to reliability, ease and convenience, go for ratedrents having good ratings. This way, you can always go home with a smile knowing that your home has the best features to match your personal needs.


Always check the rating to get the best value for your money. Plus, don’t forget to check ratedrents for more information about their services!