This is the first in the 5 part Greenwich Rent article series that takes you through a comprehensive list of questions you should ask prior to signing any tenancy contract.

The first three articles go step-by-step through a broad checklist of questions you should ask and things you should inspect and examine while viewing a property to refrain later disappointments or problems.

The remaining 2 articles pursue the questions you should ask a letting agency or a landlord prior to signing a tenancy contract.

The articles go into a lot of details. The idea is not to overwhelm you. Everything is designed to inspire you and make sure you don’t forget any important detail. Moving into a new apartment or house may be a serious decision and a fundamental change, especially if you are moving to a far away place.

You may be moving to a new and unknown settings. Many things may be new for you there, and consequently it is of un utmost importance to recognize and accept all the particular facts and details about the place, the property and the tenancy agreement that will be influencing your life in the months or years to come, for the time you remain living there.

It is not necessary to use all the questions on the list, though. Always use only the questions that are relevant to your circumstances. While viewing the property, many things can be determined visually. If you ask too many questions, the landlord or the letting agent may regard you a fussy tenant.

Trust your instincts and your gut feelings. If you step into a property and anything feels off, look rather elsewhere.

Record your findings during the viewing, particularly if you are viewing more properties the same day. Your comments will help you to take the right decision and also remind you what should get repaired before you move in.

So, let us go ahead with the overall check out of the property.

Is the setting of the apartment or the house sensible?
Is there space enough?
Is there space for your free standing furniture?
Will you be able to get your own furniture through the door and up the stairs?

Is there enough shelving, closet and storage space?
Has the property an extra storage area you can rent?
What is the cost?
Do you get permission to install cabinets, shelves, mirrors and pictures on the wall?

If you rent a furnished property, is the furnishing to your liking?
Do you want the landlord to replace or move out any pieces you don’t need or don’t like?
Would the landlord be willing to move it out?
If not, you may get yourself surrounded by clutter.

Now look out for any signs of structural problems and check the walls and all corners for any signs for damp and mould. Damp is a common nuisance in old buildings. It is unhealthy and also uneasy to make away. Ventilation during the cold months will become very pricey on the heating bills and the periodic cleansing of the walls with bleach to remove the mould is an bothersome affair.

What kind of heating is there?
Where can you turn it on?
Can you turn it on and off any time you like?
How can you adjust the temperature?
Ask the landlord to demonstrate to you how to do it.
Inspect, whether the heating works.

Are there separate systems for heating the water for bathroom and kitchen?
Does is work?
Does it take long time to get the water hot in the kitchen and in the shower?
How is the water pressure?

Make sure to inspect the gas, water and electric meters and note down the readings while you are at the property.

Naturally there is much more you need to check out while viewing a property you would like to rent in Greenwich. In the consecutive articles we’ll go more into the details and deal with the relevant questions to ask when examining a Greenwich property to rent.

I advice you to check out all the successive articles at Greenwich Rent.