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Properties To Rent In Fitzrovia, Soho, Covent Garden, Bloomsbury, Marylebone

LDG are West End letting agents with houses, penthouses, lofts, studios, flats and apartments for rent in Fitzrovia, Soho, Covent Garden, Bloomsbury and Marylebone,

Once you have determined your needs, searching for a property will be much easier.

• Price range: Price is one the most important considerations. Decide how much you can afford or want to spend. Remember to factor in utility costs, parking and your usual monthly bills. Knowing your price range from the outset will focus your search, saving you time.
  
  
• Location: It is important that the neighbourhood you choose to live in is well suited to you and your family. Consider the distance from your work place or schools. Do you mind a long commute every day? Is public transportation easily accessible? Is it a high crime area? Is it close to amenities such as local shops, doctor offices and the post office?
  
  
• Type of property: Consider the size of your family and the space you require for your furniture and other possessions. Will you be happy in 500 square feet or will you need more? Will a one-room studio be adequate or do you require a one, two or three bedroom flat? Typically, the larger the flat the higher the rent will be.
  
  
• Features and amenities: Determine what features you need or desire in your future home. Is an en suite or on-site laundry facility important or do you mind going to a laundrette? Does the building feature security features such as porter, video cameras or a controlled-access public entry? Do you want the convenience of a dishwasher, an on-site gym or pool, a balcony etc.?

Inspect the property

• Never rent a flat unseen. It is essential that you tour the property and examine it closely for problems. Areas that warrant inspection include
  The building: What is the state of repair outside and inside? Are common areas kept clean and in good repair? Are the walls in need of paint? If maintenance appears to be lacking it could be a sign of poor building management.
  
  
• The flat: Upon entering the flat take note of general appearance and upkeep. Are the carpets or flooring worn? Are the walls cracked or in need of paint? Is there staining on the roof or walls (an indication of a water leak). Check all light switches and outlets to ensure they are working. Poor general maintenance may also be an indication of poor maintenance in other areas.
  
  
• Doors and windows: Are there secure locks, a peephole and security locks on all outside doors? Check for drafts around windows, doors, light switches and electric outlets. If you are paying for heating, a drafty flat could be cold and costly in winter.
  
  
• The kitchen: Check taps for water pressure and hot water. Examine the base of the taps for leaks and look under the sink for signs of water damage. Turn on the hobtop and oven and check that the refrigerator, dishwasher and any other appliances are in good working order.
  
  
• The bathroom: Check taps for water pressure and hot water. Examine the base of the tap for leaks and look under the sink and around the bath or shower cubicle for signs of water damage. Press gently on tiles. If the tiles move, it could be a sign of water damage in the wall behind the tiles. Flush the toilet to ensure it drains properly.
  

Have your references ready for the lettings agent as well as any deposit required. This will avoid hold ups and allow your application to be processed as quickly as possible. Find out what is included in the initial monies and arrange to have that amount available. You will not be able to start your tenancy without these things.

Arrange a time and date to sign the tenancy agreement. All the tenants must have signed this before you can move in. Make sure that you are present to check the inventory when you move in and out of the property so that you can agree to any amendments. We recommend that you keep a signed copy of both the checking in and checking out inventory. This document will form the basis of any compensations claimed against you by the landlord. Find out if there are any restrictions governing amendments to the property (such as redecoration).

The agent will have certain obligations but these may vary from simply letting the property to letting and managing the property. Find out what the agent's responsibilities are. If they are simply responsible for letting the building, find out who is responsible for managing/ maintaining the property. The agent will make regular checks on the property. Arrange a mutually convenient time for these checks and make a note of it.

Responsibility for the property rests with you, the tenant. You will be responsible for making sure the building is secure and reporting any gas or electrical problems. If the property is leasehold, you will also be bound by any rules and regulations affecting all residents within the block contained in the head lease.

Ask for copies of all relevant safety certification (gas and electric). Keep all your documents (such as insurance policy, copy of tenancy agreement,safety certificates, inventory) together in a file. Keep this file in a safe place.

After you have signed the tenancy agreement but before you move in, contact your service providers (gas, electric, telephone). You may be required to pay a deposit before they will connect you. It is also worth noting that British Telecom carry out a credit check on customers before activating a line. Once you have moved in, make sure that you take meter readings and inform the relevant utility companies. You should also take a reading and inform the relevant companies when you move out.

As a tenant, amongst other things, you will be responsible for:

• Providing a television licence (regardless of whether the TV is owned by the landlord or not)
  
• Paying Council Tax direct to the local authority
  
• Maintaining the terms of your tenancy agreement
  
• Payment of utilities as agreed with your landlord

• Insuring your possessions
  
• Informing the police if there is a break in or burglary

West End Property