Getting the most from a property viewing - a guide for renters

Make the most of the listing before you view

All of the information that the average person should want to make a decision about a property should already be available on the listing. This should include the number of bedrooms and bathrooms and details about the rent, council tax and EPC rating so that you can calculate the overall cost.  

If there’s any more information you want to know, make a list before you leave so that you have everything you need to make an informed decision.  

Stay safe on your viewing

Landlords and letting agents have a duty of care to anyone viewing their property and should show you around in a way that keeps you safe. But you are entering a stranger’s home and it is wise to act with diligence too.

• Is it a legitimate listing?
• Do the details match with other sources, e.g. on Google Street View? Only book through a verifiable source.
• Have you been asked questions about your own identity? A landlord or letting agent who is mindful of their own risk should also be more mindful of yours.
• View in the daytime. It can be a nuisance if you have to take time off work, but it’s safer to view a property in daylight.
• Don’t view alone, especially if it’s with a private landlord and always tell someone where you’re going and when you should be back.
• Is the letting agent a Propertymark member? Member agents are certified and accredited, giving you peace of mind.

If something feels off, call off the appointment. Your safety comes first. 

Look beyond the property 

The property will be important, but your surroundings will be too, and the right house in the wrong location can turn your dream home in to a nightmare. What is the neighbourhood like? Do you have access to the amenities that you need? Will you be disturbed by the neighbours or traffic? What’s the air quality like?  

Sight as seen 

When it comes to rental properties, it’s often the case of accepting the property “as seen”. Unless advised otherwise, this will apply to the condition and decoration of the property and provision of amenities. However, you may also find yourself viewing whilst current tenants are still living in the property or during a void period whilst updates are made. If there is something that you think should be updated, repaired or changed, ask at the viewing so that you know where you stand.  

If the landlord manages the property, meet them too 

Landlords will often appoint a letting agent to find a new tenant, even if they are managing the tenancy themselves. Some landlords will run their property portfolio to a professional standard and take the time to remain compliant with every aspect of their responsibilities. However, it’s easy for an “accidental” landlord to miss things, and rogue landlords will wilfully ignore their responsibilities, and that can impact your safety, your privacy, and the protection of your money and legal rights.  

Therefore, with a hands-on landlord, the relationship you have with them can be as important as the property itself in you being able to feel at home, so it’s best to meet them first. 

Questions to ask at your viewing 

• If you’re planning to rent the property for the long-term, does this align with the landlord’s plans? 
• Who will manage the property: the landlord or a letting agent? (If the property is managed by a letting agent, for additional reassurance, check that they are Propertymark members.) 
• Will any cleaning/redecorating/repairs be undertaken prior to the start of the tenancy? 
• Will you be allowed to redecorate the property to your taste? If so, will you be expected to return it to the original colour scheme when you leave? If the landlord managed redecoration, how often if this carried out? 
• Are any parts of the property out of bounds to the tenant? 
• Will the property be furnished? 
• Are white goods included? And what happens if they break down? 
• Are utilities included in the rent?  
• Are utilities run on a pre-payment meter?  
• Will a copy of the tenancy agreement be available prior to the start of the tenancy? 
• How are maintenance and repair requests managed? How should you report any issues?  
• How often are property inspections carried out? What’s the process for appointments? Are you expected to attend? Will the landlord or agent use management keys for access if you’re not available? 
• If there’s a garden, what will you be responsible for and what will be down to the landlord? 
• If appliable (in the case of flats or apartments, for example) who is responsible for the communal areas and who should you report to in the case of any issues? 
• How and where will your deposit be protected?  

Beware of property scams

Make sure you see the property in person. Lettings scams see fraudsters posing as landlords offering bogus rental properties and coercing would-be tenants to pay money to secure the let without viewing the property in person. A lot of agencies will offer virtual tours to help you decide in advance of an appointment whether a property could be suitable, but it’s essential that you or someone you trust views the property in person before paying any money. 

Only use legitimate sources such as the major property portals or verified estate agents' websites and social media when looking for a new home. If you see a listing online, check the details – for example, is the address correct and does it correspond to the photos shown? – and do a reverse search of any images provided. Use contact details provided on the agents’ website rather than contact details on the post. If the property shows up on a verifiable agency listing, deal with the agent rather than anyone else. 

If an offer seems too good to be true, or the landlord or agent is pushing you to make a payment and accept the keys before you’ve had a chance to view, step away and report the fraud to Citizens Advice consumer service or Action Fraud.