The Ultimate Checklist for Viewing Family Rental Properties

Are you on the hunt for the perfect family rental property in the UK? It’s no easy feat. With financial constraints tightening and rental prices expected to rise by 17.6% in the upcoming years, finding the ideal home in such conditions can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack. But fear not! You can find your dream family home with the right strategy and a well-organised checklist. So let’s get started!

How To Find Family Home Rentals?

Searching for a rental property marks an exciting new chapter in your life, making it crucial to approach it with precision and care. Follow along to create a personalised checklist to guide you on your journey to finding your dream family home:

Identify Your Needs

Start your quest with a clear vision in mind. Understanding your needs helps you paint a clear picture of your ideal rental property. Think about location, size, and the must-have features in your future home.

Remember, choosing a family home rental isn’t just about the here and now—it’s about planning for the future. Look for a place that fits your lifestyle now and in the years ahead to ensure long-term return on investment. 

What’s The Best Location To Rent A Family Home?

While jotting down your Family Home Rentals needs, zero in on the following elements to help choose the perfect location:

Ensuring Safety and Security 

Security and safety are top priorities for any individual, but they are even more crucial for a family. Ensure the door and window locks are secure and entryways are well-maintained and well-lit. Also, check for fire alarms, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and clear emergency exits. 

Regular property maintenance is essential to promptly address hazards like faulty wiring, broken stairs, or slippery floors. Extra security measures are always a big plus with surveillance cameras, burglar alarms, or intercom systems in place to deter intruders.

Family-Oriented Amenities

Unlike renting any other property, family home rentals require certain amenities that can greatly influence your purchasing decision. For instance:

Proximity to Schools and Parks

If you have kids, daily commuting to school is inevitable. Having a rental home near a good school can make life easier. Whereas, parks, walking or bicycle trails allow your family to enjoy outdoor activities without travelling too far from home.

Nearby Grocery Store

Imagine having to travel miles just to buy a carton of milk. Having grocery stores conveniently close to your family home rentals can save you a lot of hassle.

Community and Neighbourhood

A good community and neighbourhood can enhance your rental experience. Seek out neighbourhoods populated with families, community centres or libraries that foster social interaction and meaningful connections.

Pet Policies

If you’ve got a furry friend in your family it’s best to look into pet policies of the place you’ll be renting alongside access to neighbouring pet-friendly parks or trails.

What Exterior Features Should You Look For In A Family Rental?

Now that you know what you’re looking for, it’s time to get cracking. While house hunting, explore the outside of the property. Is it well-maintained? Closely analyse the sewerage system and visible parts of the roof. Assess the state of the garden, pavements, and fences.

Ideally, the property should have a driveway. If not, how far is the parking space and the traffic situation at different times and days of the week? Think about practicalities such as carrying groceries, managing young children, or using a pushchair.

What Interior Features Should You Look For In A Family Rental?

Stepping into the property, go through each room, and consider its maintenance and functionality, for instance:

• Insulation, heating and ventilation systems
• Number of sockets
• Windows, and door condition
• Plumbing and electrical systems
• Signs of dampness or mould. 

Evaluate the space and layout of the structure: 

• Ample living space and storage 
• For large families, a sufficient number of rooms and bathrooms
• Spacious hallway to easily manoeuvre with a pushchair
• If it’s a furnished property, what kind of furniture will be there and how old is it?
• If communal areas or gardens are shared, how often are they cleaned?

Look for kid-friendly features such as: 

• Bathtub for baby baths
• Safe staircases
• Oven’s safe distance from the floor
• Play spaces or playgrounds on the property
• Pools with covers or gates for safety
• Childproof outlets and cabinets 

Smart Budgeting Strategies for Family Home Rentals

Let’s say, you’ve found a rental home that perfectly fits your family’s needs. But it’s financially out of reach. This can be quite disheartening. To prevent this, start by setting a realistic budget that covers rent, utilities, and other living expenses. A good trick is to keep housing costs under 30% of your monthly income. However, even after you’ve found a property within your budget, take your time to market research so you know the rental is priced appropriately. 

Plan ahead by predicting potential worst-case scenarios and ensuring your landlord is adequately insured to prevent unexpected expenses on your end. Most importantly, don’t hesitate to negotiate. Flexible rental terms can make all the difference in finding a perfect fit without straining your finances.

Navigating Legal and Contractual Aspects of Family Home Rentals

Renting a property in the UK demands careful attention to legalities. Don’t rush into a good deal. Take your time in verifying ownership and lease terms. Conduct a thorough property survey and valuation to assess its condition and market value. Have a clear understanding of your Stamp Duty Land Tax obligations. To be on the safe side, consider engaging a solicitor who can guide you through legal requirements and potential pitfalls.

But that sounds like a lot of work, you might say. And we agree, that’s why we’d like to help. At Pink Elephant, we are committed to quality, affordability, and customer service, aiming to provide families with the perfect home that meets their unique needs. Save yourself the hassle and contact Pink Elephant today!