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Renting Your First Flat
Renting your first flat is exciting. You finally have your own space, your own keys and your own rules. But it can also be stressful, especially if you have never done it before. Here are some things that experienced renters wish they had known at the start.
First, work out what you can really afford. Rent is not the only cost. You may also have to pay for electricity, gas, water and internet, and sometimes for cleaning or repairs in the building. Try to make sure that, after paying for your home, you still have enough money for food, transport and some savings.
Second, visit the flat in person if you can, and look carefully. Turn on the taps, open and close the windows, look for signs of damp, such as dark spots on the walls or a strange smell, and ask how old the heating system is. If possible, talk to the neighbours. They often know things the landlord won't tell you, for example how noisy the street is at night.
Third, read the contract before you sign it, even if it is long and boring. Check how long the contract lasts, how much notice you have to give before you leave and who pays for repairs. If something is unclear, ask. A good landlord or agent won't mind answering questions.
Most landlords ask for a deposit, which you get back when you move out if nothing is damaged. To protect it, take photos of every room on the day you move in, especially of anything that is already damaged. Send them to the landlord by email, so there is a record with the date. When you leave, this can stop arguments about who caused a scratch or a stain.
Finally, keep all your documents in one place and pay your rent on time. Renting is a relationship, and like any relationship, it works better when both sides are honest and clear from the beginning.