We’re only human, so we’re bound to make mistakes. Usually, the biggest mistakes are made during the largest decisions. Whether it’s a mistake when buying a new car or something you didn’t think about when choosing a job; these mistakes can have big consequences, so we need to iron them out.
Speaking of which, we’re looking at another instance where you can make common errors: renting apartments/flats. You’ll find some of the most integral things to check before signing a lease, so you pick a flat that’s worth living in.
Energy Performance Certificates
All homes require an energy performance certificate (EPC) which judges how energy efficient it is. Each certificate has a scale of 1-92+ and a rating from G-A. The higher the number, the higher the energy rating - which basically means the property is good at insulating itself and doesn’t waste loads of energy.
Why is this important for you? Because it means you can get lower energy bills. Move into an apartment with a terrible energy rating (D or lower) and it means you’re wasting money while also maybe being a bit uncomfortable in a cold flat. If the estate agents don’t have the EPC handy when you’re looking around, make a note of the property address and find it online.
Gas Safety Certificates
Alongside an EPC, you should obtain a gas safety certificate for the apartment you’re looking at. This will tell you everything you need to know about any gas appliances in the home. It explains how old the gas appliances are, when they were last inspected and if there are safety issues.
You can’t neglect this as it can be fatal. A faulty gas appliance can quite easily blow up or cause severe health problems for you and your flatmates. If the landlord doesn’t have any gas safety certificates, then it’s not worth risking it. Find somewhere else instead!
Signs Of Mold
You’ll be surprised how many landlords don’t take good care of their properties. They see them as investments; ways to make money, so they don’t give them as much attention as they do their own homes.
Always check for signs of mold before signing a rental agreement. If you spot it, demand that the landlord clean it. It’s their property, so they should be required to do it. Mold can cause lots of health problems, particularly if you suffer from asthma. It shouldn’t just be painted over either - make sure it’s fully removed before you move in. If the landlord refuses to do this, then that’s a sign you should avoid moving in.
There’s a massive list of things to check before renting an apartment, yet these three sometimes get missed out. Perhaps it’s because they’re not seen as important as other things - like room space, bathrooms, the location, rent price and so on. Nevertheless, you can’t forget about them! You need to know if the apartment is energy efficient, if it passes all gas safety checks and that it’s free from any signs of mold.