Finding Houses to Rent in Reading: A Survival Guide

Posted by Berkshire Corporate on May 14th, 2016

Looking for houses to rent in Reading? Berkshire Corporate is here to make sure you don’t settle for anything else than what you aspire for.

Property investors are all gearing up in anticipation of more and more people looking for houses to rent in Reading, attracted by its already vibrant economy. These recent upsurges has property prices skyrocketing in the area and are expected to rise even more, making finding a home as daunting as ever. Here are some ideas you may find useful.

Starting the search

Kick start your search online, looking for property agencies and Reading estate agents who can offer a comprehensive suite of services that can make your search easier. There are many agents in Reading, and only the most reliable onesare able to cater to your specific needs whether you want a full property rent or a shared property. They should be able to meet your requirements - from a home being furnished or not, to having a bath or a washing machine - an effective estate agent, at the very least, must be able to make property suggestions that meet your requirements.

Reading estate agents or private landlords

If you want to deal directly with landlords, keep in mind that no property letter is required to have a license. Although it can be cheaper, landlords are not regulated, leaving you with very limited options if the need to complain ever presents itself. In contrast, there are extra fees associated with getting estate agents but you’re adding an extra layer of security if you decide to do so. Don’t forget to verify if the Reading estate agents are connected to The Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) or with NAEA.

Know what to ask

When viewing houses to rent in Reading, it would be wise to ask who is managing it. This will let you know if you’ll be dealing with a landlord or an estate agent. It is also important to ask if the current tenant owns any appliances or furniture’s in the property. Never expect to move in and find the same furnishings. You will also need to know if there are any major construction works near the property. You may not be able to move out right away if you don’t want the inconvenience of living near a building site.

Prepping your budget

Most rental property agreements require you to pay six weeks rent plus another four weeks of rent in advance. So prep your budget around this amount and commit to it.

Starting in May 2015, letting agents London are required by law to be transparent with their fees. In fact, the idea is that any fees coming to you are all laid out either in their offices or website. When you meet with your Reading estate agent, make sure you already have that information.

There are times when utility bills are already included in the rent, if not, allocate budget for utilities such as TV licence, internet, council tax, among others. It’s also good to check the energy efficiency of the property by checking its Energy Performance Certificate.

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