What should you pay attention to during a viewing?
Yes, you’ve been invited for a viewing! After you’ve already prepared your documents, it’s time to prepare for the viewing itself. Read these tips to see what you should keep in mind during the viewing!
2. Facilities and finishing
- Heating: What type of heating is there (central heating, district heating, electric)? Ask the agent or landlord if it works properly;
- Kitchen: Is the kitchen complete and in good condition? Check taps, appliances and cupboard space;
- Bathroom: Do the shower, toilet and drains work well? Also look for limescale or mould;
- Electrics: Do all sockets and switches work? And how many circuits are there in the fuse box?
3. Layout and space
- Practical layout: Is the property logically laid out and will your furniture fit in;
- Floor area: Does the actual space match the advertisement? Ask for a floor plan or bring a tape measure;
- Storage space: Are there enough cupboards or storage areas? Ask the landlord if there’s also external storage available, for example in the basement;
- Sloping walls: Also check whether the property has (many) sloping walls, as that affects what you can do with a space.
4. Noise and surroundings
- Sound insulation: Can you hear a lot from neighbours or traffic? Also check if extra measures have been taken to reduce noise;
- Surroundings: Check what facilities are nearby (shops, schools, etc.). You can also ask the landlord or agent if, for example, there are many families living in the area;
- Safety: Does the neighbourhood feel safe, both during the day and at night? You could also check whether there’s a neighbourhood watch in the area where the rental property is located.
5. Costs and terms
- What’s included in the rent? Think of service charges, gas/water/electricity, internet;
- Rental contract: How long is the rental period? Is there a notice period? Check here what you need to know about your rental contract;
- Deposit: How much is it and what are the conditions for its return? Also check what the rules are for requesting a deposit;
- Condition of handover: Will the property be handed over unfurnished, partly furnished, or fully furnished? Check this with the landlord.