Find the Best Flat to Rent
Flats, houses, studios & loft apartments to rent in West Hampstead
Paramount Properties are London letting agents with flats, houses, studios, penthouses and loft apartments for rent in Brondesbury, Cricklewood, Hampstead, Little Venice, Kensal Rise, Kilburn, Maida Vale, Mapesbury Estate, Queens Park, St Johns Wood, South Hampstead, West Hampstead and Willesden Green.
Finding the best flat, house, studio, penthouse or loft apartment to rent in London does not happen by chance. This is determined by your needs and with this, searching for a property to rent becomes much easier- Price range: Price is one the most important considerations. Decide
how much you can afford or want to spend. Remember to factor in utility
costs, parking and your usual monthly bills. Knowing your price range
from the outset will focus your search, saving you time.
- Location: It is important that the neighbourhood you choose to live
in is well suited to you and your family. Consider the distance from your
work place or schools. Do you mind a long commute every day? Is public
transportation easily accessible? Is it a high crime area? Is it close
to amenities such as local shops, doctor offices and the post office?
- Type of property: Consider the size of your family and the space you
require for your furniture and other possessions. Will you be happy in
500 square feet or will you need more? Will a one-room studio be adequate
or do you require a one, two or three bedroom flat? Typically, the larger
the flat, house, studio, penthouse or loft apartment the higher the rent will be.
- Features and amenities: Determine what features you need or desire in your future home. Is an en suite or on-site laundry facility important or do you mind going to a laundrette? Does the building feature security features such as porter, video cameras or a controlled-access public entry? Do you want the convenience of a dishwasher, an on-site gym or pool, a balcony etc.?
Inspect the property for rent
- Never rent a property unseen. It is essential that you tour the flat, house, studio, penthouse or loft apartment and examine it closely for problems. Areas that warrant inspection include
The building: What is the state of repair outside and inside? Are common areas kept clean and in good repair? Are the walls in need of paint? If maintenance appears to be lacking it could be a sign of poor building management.
- The flat: Upon entering the flat take note of general appearance and
upkeep. Are the carpets or flooring worn? Are the walls cracked or in
need of paint? Is there staining on the roof or walls (an indication of
a water leak). Check all light switches and outlets to ensure they are
working. Poor general maintenance may also be an indication of poor maintenance
in other areas.
- Doors and windows: Are there secure locks, a peephole and security locks
on all outside doors? Check for drafts around windows, doors, light switches
and electric outlets. If you are paying for heating, a drafty flat could
be cold and costly in winter.
- The kitchen: Check taps for water pressure and hot water. Examine the
base of the taps for leaks and look under the sink for signs of water
damage. Turn on the hobtop and oven and check that the refrigerator, dishwasher
and any other appliances are in good working order.
- The bathroom: Check taps for water pressure and hot water. Examine the
base of the tap for leaks and look under the sink and around the bath
or shower cubicle for signs of water damage. Press gently on tiles. If
the tiles move, it could be a sign of water damage in the wall behind
the tiles. Flush the toilet to ensure it drains properly.
Have your references ready for the lettings agent as well as any deposit
required. This will avoid hold ups and allow your application to be processed
as quickly as possible. Find out what is included in the initial monies
and arrange to have that amount available. You will not be able to start
your tenancy without these things.
Arrange a time and date to sign the tenancy agreement. All the tenants must have signed this before you can move in. Make sure that you are present to check the inventory when you move in and out of the property so that you can agree to any amendments. We recommend that you keep a signed copy of both the checking in and checking out inventory. This document will form the basis of any compensations claimed against you by the landlord. Find out if there are any restrictions governing amendments to the property (such as redecoration).
The lettings agent will have certain obligations but these may vary from simply letting the property to letting and managing the property. Find out what the agent's responsibilities are. If they are simply responsible for letting the building, find out who is responsible for managing and maintaining the property. The letting agent will make regular checks on the flat, house, studio, penthouse or loft apartment . Arrange a mutually convenient time for these checks and make a note of it.
Responsibility for the property rests with you, the tenant. You will be responsible for making sure the building is secure and reporting any gas or electrical problems. If the property is leasehold, you will also be bound by any rules and regulations affecting all residents within the block contained in the head lease.
Ask for copies of all relevant safety certification (gas and electric).
Keep all your documents (such as insurance policy, copy of tenancy agreement,safety
certificates, inventory) together in a file. Keep this file in a safe place.
After you have signed the tenancy agreement but before you move in, contact
your service providers (gas, electric, telephone). You may be required to
pay a deposit before they will connect you. It is also worth noting that
British Telecom carry out a credit check on customers before activating
a line. Once you have moved in, make sure that you take meter readings and
inform the relevant utility companies. You should also take a reading and
inform the relevant companies when you move out.
As a tenant, amongst other things, you will be responsible for:
- Providing a television licence (regardless of whether the TV is owned
by the landlord or not)
- Paying Council Tax direct to the local authority
- Maintaining the terms of your tenancy agreement
- Payment of utilities as agreed with your landlord
- Insuring your possessions
- Informing the police if there is a break in or burglary