June
01
5 Things to Consider When You Rent a Flat on the South Coast of England
The south coast is home to some of the most desirable properties anywhere in the country, thanks to a combination of gorgeous scenery, local amenities, and affordability. Residents also tend to enjoy excellent transport links with the rest of the country.
If you’re thinking of renting in this part of England, then it’s worth doing a little bit of research before you commit. So, what factors might we consider?
Essential factors for renters
The first thing to bear in mind is that properties situated right on the seafront tend to command a significant premium, on average. But these average figures tend to disguise just how much variety there is in these little seaside towns. Pick the right flat, and you might find that you can enjoy the sea breeze without paying a significant premium.
The south coast tends to be favoured by a combination of tenants, including students, retirees, and those looking to work remotely, having given up on life in London. If you’re considering renting, then you might look into locations where competition with these demographics isn’t quite so fierce.
Five ingredients to settling successfully
If you want to enjoy the best possible start to your life in rented accommodation, then there are a few things you’ll want to take care of.
Renter’s insurance
Specialised renter’s insurance provides peace of mind that’s difficult to obtain elsewhere. I’ll cover you against losses related to theft and damage. Crucially, it applies whether the affected items belong to you, or the landlord. Make sure that you check the small print before you take out the policy.
Deposit protection
If your tenancy is ‘assured shorthold’, you have a legal right to see your deposit secured via an approved scheme. You should check which scheme your landlord is using. They have thirty days to put the money in the escrow; be sure to chase them up.
Know your rights
The rules concerning evictions are changing. Make sure that you’ve read up on your rights and responsibilities, and you know when your landlord isn’t holding up their end of the bargain.
Pay your rent
While it might seem obvious, there are some considerable benefits to paying your rent promptly. For one thing, you’ll keep your landlord happy, and reduce friction. For another, you might boost your credit score in the process.
Know where your stopcock is
If you experience a burst water pipe, and you don’t know how to turn the water off, then you’ll be in big trouble. Usually, it’s just by the boiler, or under the sink. Make sure that you know for sure.