Benefits and drawbacks of renting a home in Milton Keynes
Benefits:
- Renting offers you more flexibility than buying a property
- If any utilities break – for example, your boiler – your landlord may be responsible for the repairs
- There are fewer upfront costs compared to buying a home
- Renting a room instead of a whole house can be a sociable way to live and a good way to meet people in a new area
Drawbacks:
- Finding the right rental property in Milton Keynes for you will still take time, money and careful decision making
- Your rent may increase or decrease over time
- When you get a mortgage, the money paid towards that will eventually result in you owning the property. This is not the case when you choose to rent.
- Once your tenancy ends, your landlord could choose not to renew it
- There are rules that you must follow as a tenant, which would not apply to homeowners. For example, you may not be allowed to keep pets or make modifications to the property.
How do I find a property to rent in Milton Keynes?
- Search online and look on property rental websites
- Visit local estate agents in your area
- Check local newspapers and noticeboards
- Ask your friends and family
What questions should I ask when viewing rental properties in Milton Keynes?
If it’s your first time renting, you may feel overwhelmed by the amount of things you need to check before agreeing to rent a property in Milton Keynes. We’ve compiled a helpful list for you to keep in mind as you attend your viewings:
Questions about rent:
- How much is the rent each month, and how will it be paid?
- Does the rent include any of the bills? If so, which ones?
- How long is the tenancy? Will you be able to end it early, or renew it at the end?
- Are there any fees you must pay before moving in? For instance, letting agent fees or rent in advance?
- How will your deposit be protected?
- Are there any rules for the rental property – for instance, no pets or no smoking?
Regarding the property itself:
- Check that you are happy with all fixtures and fittings in the rental property – once you have moved in, it’s unlikely that you will be able to change them
- Check for at least one smoke alarm on every floor, and carbon monoxide alarms in any rooms that have a fixed combustion appliance
- Check the long-term flood risk of the property
- Check that the property is fit for human habitation – and if it becomes unfit to live in, does your tenancy agreement excuse you from paying rent?
- What is the energy efficiency rating of the property? Ask to see the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Any properties for rent in Milton Keynes must have a rating of E or above (unless exempt).
Regarding checks:
- You may need to show documents proving your right to rent in the UK – ask what documents are required
- Ask about what references are required – for example, current landlord or employer
Living in your Milton Keynes rental property
It’s your responsibility to:
- Pay the rent and any other bills on time – depending on your rental agreement, this may include water, gas, electricity or council tax bills.
- Take good care of the property. Ask for permission before decorating or attempting repairs.
- Report issues to the landlord, so they can organise repairs
- You may want to consider contents insurance for your things, as your possessions won’t be covered by your landlord’s insurance.
- Treat your neighbours with kindness and consideration.
- Before you take in a lodger or sub-let your home, check whether you require permission from your landlord to do so.
It’s your landlord’s responsibility to:
- Keep the structure and exterior of your rental property in good condition
- Keep the property free from serious hazards
- Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms where required
- Resolve any issues that arise with gas, electricity or water supply to the property
- Maintain appliances and furniture they supplied
- Carry out most repairs on the property
- Organise a gas safety check every year
- Organise an electrical safety check every 5 years
- If you have a long-term health condition or a disability, your landlord should address your requests for reasonable adjustments to the building.
- Ask for permission before visiting the home and give a minimum of 24 hour’s notice before visiting to carry out repairs. Landlord visits should be scheduled for reasonable times.
- Get a license for the property if applicable.
We’ve been connecting people with beautiful rental properties for over 25 years. As Milton Keynes locals ourselves, we are familiar with each and every neighbourhood in our gorgeous city. We’re confident that we have the expertise and the connections when it comes to finding properties to rent in Milton Keynes. Come and visit us to experience our friendly and relaxed service – we’ll be happy to help you find your ideal rental home.
View our selection of rental properties or contact us to see how we can help you.
