Even though they say a picture is worth a thousand words, base your decision on a property's images. The questions you should ask and what to check for when scheduling a home viewing are listed below. Schedule a viewing after you've created a shortlist of potential rental properties. Keep in mind that screen representations are only sometimes accurate. Be honest when expressing your requirements, desires, and feedback when seeing a rental property. Naturally, you'll only feel at ease being open and honest with trustworthy people. Therefore, partnering with a seasoned and reliable broker may streamline the process, especially when it comes to ensuring that your needs match up with the houses you are viewing. Attending property viewings can take a lot of time, so you should plan your time well and be prepared with the relevant questions. With what the market offers, there might occasionally be some giving and taking. A knowledgeable broker will help you set your goals and advise where, why, and how to find the most beautiful home that meets your requirements.

The Best Time To Plan A Viewing

A smooth real estate deal depends on timing. Remember that the landlord will only bargain for the finest terms and annual rental rate when they perceive commitment and a genuine offer. If a renter can only be found after the last tenant leaves, landlords should try to have their property rented out within one to two months of it becoming vacant. In light of this, it's crucial to remember that if you begin your viewing process too soon, the properties you see today might not be offered on the market in a few months. Before you call to set up a viewing, ensure your timeframe to save everyone's time. For most postings, Property Finder offers the option of using WhatsApp if you cannot reach the property agent on your initial call or email. This makes it easier for you to speak with a representative immediately and gain access to the property as soon as possible.

Check The Property's Details

It's crucial to keep in mind that when you phone the real estate agent for the first time, you have the chance to confirm that the property is still available and confirm any information that has been posted, including the annual rent, the number of checks required, and the security deposit. Keep a pen and paper close by to make any necessary notes.

more inquiries to make

Ask any additional questions you may have…

  • The apartment on which floor or the villa on which street
  • Does the property have any view
  • What is the parking situation?
  • Pet-friendly property
  • What was the cause of the last renters' leaving?
  • Since when has the property been on the market?

Of course, you can find out the answers to these when you visit the property, but if the answer to one of the questions above is a deal-breaker right away, you can skip the time-consuming inspection. Alternatively, you can schedule a viewing if you agree with the information. You should also confirm whether the meeting location will be the agent's office or the property and whether the agent or the individual seller will show the property.

First checklist for property viewing

  • Plan your viewing during the day to get a good idea of how the property appears in the sunshine and how much natural light it receives. Additionally, not all vacant properties are wired for electricity.
  • Take your pictures so you can use them as a reference while making decisions. You can frequently be looking at many properties at once. Your recollection of little details will be more vivid if you have your pictures to look back on.
  • Verify with the building or property's reception.
  • Check for any plumbing issues; turn on the faucets and the shower to check the water pressure and look for any apparent leaks; and flush the toilets.
  • Are there enough closets and open cabinets to store your belongings?
  • Is there a lot of traffic or tram noise? Can you hear the neighbors down the street?
  • Examine your parking space and become familiar with the scenario. Do you have a designated spot or area? Renters of studio to one-bedroom apartments typically receive a single parking place, while those of two or more usually receive two spaces. However, due to restricted parking in some highly populated districts, residents may only receive one parking place per apartment, regardless of size.
  • Watch out for security in the structure or the area around the business. A security staff. Is there a CCTV system?
  • Does the property allow pets? Early in the negotiation process, this question should be raised.
  • Check for insect and rodent infestations.

Environment, Facilities, And Amenities

  • Please find out how long it takes to get from the property to your place of employment or the school your children attend. You should take a test drive, tracking the route using your GPS.
  • Examine the area's traffic, especially during rush hour. Even though the advertised distance to the property is "10 minutes," traffic may make it take longer.
  • Examine the distance to critical locations; how close are supermarkets, nurseries, and schools? How accessible are other features like sports facilities, fitness centers, swimming pools, and public transportation?
  • Recognize ambient sounds; investigate the neighborhood to discover what's around. You might hear sirens, for instance, if a hospital is close to the home. If one is close enough, you might listen to school bells during the day. Is the area under construction? If so, how long do you anticipate it to continue?
  • Check the neighborhood at various times because a building or area may look different during the day or at night. The house should be viewed at both times of the day to detect any substantial lifestyle changes.

Property Exteriors

  • Examine outside elements like gardens and open areas to see how well-maintained they are. Find out who is responsible for maintenance—the landlord, you, or both—and what maintenance is necessary. You might ask if your unique style can alter or enhance the garden. Or, request that it be cleaned before you move in if you see something like a garden shed overflowing with trash.
  • Examine all available parking spaces; even if you have a personal space, how would the street parking be if you needed to use it? Is parking in the area complex in any way?

Interior And Furnishing Quality

  • As pictures can be misleading, check each bedroom's size to ensure the home is as described. Apartment layout might vary depending on the amount of square footage.
  • Examine the arrangement in more detail because elements like an open or closed kitchen, a separate dining room, or a balcony can affect how big a space appears.
  • Look for storage such as closets integrated into the wall and pantry, laundry, or outside storage units.
  • Examine white goods, including kitchen centers, stoves, dishwashers, refrigerators, washing machines, and microwaves. Test each appliance to make sure it is in excellent working order. It's a good idea to comprehend the repair procedure as well.

Community And Security Rules

In gated communities, security should be available around the clock, so consider the level of security there. Verify whether this is the case and whether the region is subject to daily security patrols. To gain entry, some communities might demand an access card. Check whether there is a 24-hour security and concierge service, whether elevators require vital codes, and whether there are 24-hour CCTV cameras in apartment buildings.

Overall Property Condition

  • Observe and photograph any flaws, and have the agent or landlord sign a document acknowledging them. Landlords are required by law to make significant repairs, and any additional maintenance due to the defect should be expressly stated in the tenancy agreement.
  • Plumbing issues: bring up any issues before signing your contract and get the terms of the property maintenance negotiated and specified. Any problems should be fixed before you move in.
  • Ask the landlord to paint the walls, steam clean the carpets, or update the furniture (in the case of a furnished property). Additionally, ask for a thorough cleaning of any white goods. Before you hand over your security deposit, you should insist that all repairs are finished; a respectable landlord will comply.
  • Verify that no security components, such as CCTV cameras, deadlocks, or window locks, need to be repaired.
  • Check the most recent pest control bill to ensure no existing insect or rodent cases exist.

A thorough property inspection in a short amount of time can be complex. Being ready with checklists to identify warning signs or deal-breakers is advantageous. Remember that you can contact the agent or even arrange a follow-up inspection for peace of mind if you need further information on anything you noticed during the inspection. If the property meets your criteria, the following list of papers will help you proceed with your application and complete the transaction.

  • copy of a passport, residence, or visa
  • Copy of Emirates ID
  • Agency fee: generally, 5% of the rental price for unfurnished rentals and 10% for furnished rentals as a security deposit

Wrapping Up!

It is indeed essential that you be aware of all the aspects that you should verify before going for a property for rent. Also, it would help if you organized various factors related to property visits when you opt for a property for rent for a seamless and hassle-free experience.