Renting is a great option for millions of the people in the UK, especially those moving to new cities, those not yet ready to commit to buying a house, and those who want the burden of maintenance taken away.
However, deciding where to rent is still a momentous decision, and there are factors that need to be considered other than the main two (budget and location). From available parking to on-site extras, we’ve listed the five essential things to consider when choosing an apartment to rent.
Is the Apartment Fully Furnished?
You may find your perfect apartment in a wonderful area for the right price, but if the property is completely unfurnished, you'll need to source your own furnishings, which can be particularly difficult to factor into a busy schedule and can be problematic if you want to move home quickly.
Make sure you check how an apartment is advertised on the market.
- Unfurnished apartments usually include curtains and some white goods (i.e. fridge, washing machine and cooker). You will need to prepare for the majority of furnishings yourself though.
- Part-furnished apartments include all of the basics listed above, along with items such as wardrobes and chairs, but not beds or sofas.
- Furnished or fully furnished apartments include all of the above, along with beds, sofas, tables and white goods (washing machine, fridge and freezer). Some landlords also provide items such as kettles, microwaves, toasters, crockery, kitchen utensils and lamps, but it’s worth asking for clarification.
Some of our apartments come unfurnished but most come fully furnished when you rent with us. We also provide additional homeware packages, including kitchen utensils, crockery and bedding, through our residents’ portal, which can be organised before you move into your new home.
Is Parking Included?
If you want to live the city life and have a car, you should check if your apartment building has available parking spaces.
Some apartment buildings will charge extra for parking spaces which should be factored into your overall budget. Some places don’t have parking available at all, and it can be a long and arduous task trying to locate one in city centre London. It’s worth checking the exact details of parking while looking for an apartment to save yourself time and hassle in the long run.
With London’s extensive transport links though, you may not need a car permanently.
What’s the Pet Policy?
If you already have a pet, of course this is something that would be in the forefront of your mind when renting. However, for people moving to a new city or renting for the first time, it’s easy to overlook this due to the eagerness to sign the contract.
If you think one day in the future you may want a pet (be that a dog, a cat or a goldfish) it’s worth checking out what kind of policy the building or landlord in question has before signing. Some places are fine with all pets, others are negotiable depending on the type of pet, and some others have strict no-pets policies – so make sure you are completely clear from the start.
We offer pet-friendly apartments in all of our locations, with a few floors dedicated to pet-owners. Simply let us know beforehand and we’ll make sure your apartment is suited to your furry friend too.
Are There Any Extras Offered?
With many apartments, you’ll simply get your apartment included in the price. With others, you’ll be offered a plethora of additional benefits, ranging from an internal gym with personal training sessions to unique social spaces like games rooms, shared outdoor spaces and even study and work spaces.
The added extras can make a place really feel like home, save you time and encourage a community feel. They are a great addition to a building and can be especially helpful if you’re moving to a new city where you don’t yet know anybody.
Does the Building Have an On-Site Team?
An on-site team may not seem like a necessary addition when you first start looking to rent, but when a building lacks one, it can mean delays in repairs, no point of contact, and a unkempt building.
A good on-site team will not only keep things clean and maintain your building, but will also help with moving in, repairs, complaints and emergencies.
At Essential Living, we partner with local businesses to offer convenient, affordable and trusted additional services such as dry cleaning, babysitting, grocery deliveries and removal services.
Consider Your Options
Just because you’re renting, it doesn’t mean you should settle for anything less than a place that feels like home. Take the time to look for an apartment building that has a sense of community and can offer exceptional customer service, so you know that you’ll be looked after if a problem does occur.
Here at Essential Living, we can offer you everything listed above, and more. With one of our apartments, you’ll be guaranteed exceptional professional service, reliability, convenience, quality and style. Take a look at how we’re different and have a read of our FAQs to find out more about the benefits of living with us.
With apartments across London, we can ensure you’re a part of the lively city atmosphere, but also have a beautiful place to relax in at the end of the day. If you have any queries, simply get in touch with a member of our team.
