The Pros and Cons of Renting
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Today on the blog we’re talking the pros and cons of renting. We’ve rented for well over 11 years, so this subject is very close to our hearts. There can be many highs and lows of renting, so read on to find out about the pros and cons of renting accommodation…
The Pros and Cons of Renting
Having rented our accommodation for over 11 years, we’ve experienced all kinds of houses, letting agents and landlords. From the good, the bad to the ugly, we’ve experienced it all! We are very passionate about the rights of renters and their well-being, and landlords aren’t always the best at taking care of the people paying them rent. We have also had amazing landlords, ones who listen to us and fix things, make sure the property is safe
Landlords
You never know how your landlord will treat you or your property until you sign on the dotted line, but a few elements to consider include: gas safety certificates, landlord insurance, Deposit Protection Scheme. There are some things that have to be completed by law, so make sure you know your stuff and don’t sign anything until you feel it’s all present and correct. There’s nothing worse than signing up to something to discover you’re not protected, but there are also laws to protect you, so don’t panic!
Property
When it comes to the property, so many factors can make it a joy to live in, or a nightmare! Our current property has a whole host of issues, from ants to slugs, ours is a house for everyone! Things like damp, leaks, broken bits and bobs, and even space, can get you down and make your home feel like a base, instead of the cosy nest you’d envisioned. Make sure you really look at a property before renting it, checking windows, doors, and even the flush (my Dad’s favourite thing to do when he used to view houses!). Don’t feel bad for checking inside cupboards or feeling walls for damp, it’s going to be your home, you have every right to make sure it’s going to be safe and sound to live in.
The Future
People always say that renting is throwing away money. Comparing buying to renting is quite tough, and these days buying is so hard (especially at our age!) that focusing on the differences can be a good or a bad thing! When renting (and if you have an above board landlord), you are covered with structural repairs, as well as things like the boiler and any safety issues. These are things you would need to cover yourself if you’d bought a property. Renting also allows for a certain amount of freedom, so if you want to move around or you work from home, you can try out new places. This might not be great for your credit score, but it does offer an certain amount of flexibility.
Overall
Renting can have its ups and downs, depending on certain factors. If you manage to get a decent landlord/letting agency, then you are sure to settle well into your new home. Plus, you won’t be responsible for potential hefty bills (depending on the issues and causes). Renting for some isn’t a choice (like us), so you have to take the rough with the smooth, after all you never truly know what you’re going to get. My biggest piece of advice is to research, learn the facts, and always know where you stand. Also, have fun when moving to your new property, it should be exciting, so don’t let the boring stuff get you down!
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Can you think of any other pros and cons of renting? Let us know in the comments below!