First Things First: What Are The Priorities When Moving In

Looking for an apartment can be a hassle sometimes, especially if you’re not experienced in flat-hunting. There are many things to worry about, starting from finding the flat that’s the right from you to making sure that you’ll be able to stay afloat even after paying the rent. Here are some priorities that you should consider before moving in:

Lower your expectations

Before you start looking, you need to make sure that your expectations are realistic. If you’re an intern or just looking to get your first job, chances are you won’t be able to afford a lavish flat. Therefore, it’s important to know what to expect for the amount you’re prepared to spend on rent. Also, in case you’re not ready to spend a lot, that doesn’t mean you have to sell yourself short and move into the first flat you see. A lot of places might look good on the surface, but can also have many faults, so being careful is recommended. Now, if it seems that the flat seems acceptable, minus certain minor flaws, be ready to negotiate or redecorate, but make sure to talk to your landlord first. 

Lowering your expectations is important if you want to get the best flat for the sum you’re willing to pay.

Get informed

A lot of tenants don’t really know what they’re obliged to do or what their rights are, which often leads to complications. Hence, it’s crucial to be informed regarding everything related to shorthold tenancies. As a tenant, you’re obligated to regularly pay rent, electricity, gas, water and other bills. You should be kind and thoughtful of other neighbors and take care of the home almost like it’s your own. On the other hand, a landlord shouldn’t let you in without a proper tenancy agreement, gas safety certificate and if you’ve paid a deposit, you should also receive deposit paperwork. Since 2015, a landlord cannot evict you without prior notice, so in case you happen to have any issues, make sure to contact the authorities first. 

Ask before you start decorating

  Photo Credit: Jo Love

Even though you might be tempted to start (re)decorating right away, it’s necessary to inform your landlord and ask for permission, because otherwise, they might treat your redecoration as property damage, which actually means that you’ll have to pay everything back in case you decide to move out. So, before you decide to repaint the walls or add wallpapers make sure to get your landlord’s approval so there won’t be any misunderstandings later. Still, if you want to add a personal touch to your temporary home, it’s always better to add curtains or a painting that you like. Also, in case you really want to have something special, you can get timeless blue – and – white hamptons cushions for each room in the house. That way you can have some chic decor in your new home that`s also convenient as you can easily take them with you if you decide to move out. 

Get to know your neighbors

Even if you don’t plan to stay for long, getting to know your neighbors is always a plus because you never know when and if you’re going to need some help. Sometimes, neighbors can be friendly and approachable, so getting acquainted is easy, but even if they seem a little distant, it’s recommended to at least try to get to know them. You don’t need to become best friends, but greeting each other and possibly having a small talk is always good. Having reliable neighbors can be great when you need to borrow something or learn more about the neighborhood. You don’t need to go overboard in getting to know them, but saying hi here and there and asking about their day can really help you in case you ever need anything. And who knows, maybe you’ll build some meaningful relationships along the way!

In summary, flat-hunting can be stressful, but being knowledgeable is the first step towards finding a place that’ll be suitable for you. In case you decide to search through the letting agent, always be sure that everything’s in order so you won’t have any unexpected costs. It’s necessary to check everything beforehand, especially if you’re a parent or a pet owner. You should never enter into an agreement if you feel that something’s wrong with the flat or if you spot any red flags while talking to the landlord. Keep in mind that you’re paying your hard-earned money to live there, so always ensure that everything’s fine prior to sign the contract.