webooks Launches Latest Online Book “The Tenant’s Survival Guide”

Oct. 10, 2008 - PRLog -- With prospective buyers and existing homeowners feeling the affects of the credit crunch, an increasing number of people are renting property rather than buying. So what are the processes and precautions would-be buyers need to take?

Beginning your search

Before you even start viewing houses, it’s important to identify the going rate for properties that match your needs. Log onto the internet, find newspaper adverts, and look in an estate agent’s window to get a feel of how much you’re willing to pay. This will give you an idea of how much your rent deposit will be, therefore enabling to count those pennies before moving in.

Viewings

Viewing property is a two-way process – the landlord or estate agent needs to provide you with the information you require. If the estate agent is unable to give you basic information about the tenancy agreement or advice on drawing up a property inventory, remember all the questions you need to ask and refer back to the estate agent or landlord directly. Conversely, if you meet a landlord who seems non-communicative, or not present at the viewing at all, the chances are that he/she’s unlikely to be around when something goes wrong in the property.

The Deposit

The deposit is usually between one or two months rent and covers the landlord of any damage or debt tenants may have incurred. A reasonable deduction may be imposed if there is any damage to the property or the whole deposit may be used if one tenant leaves. For example, if you break a door which is not the cause of wear and tear, expect to lose the bulk of your deposit. However, if you keep the property in good condition, expect to receive a full refund of your deposit. Simple.

Inventory

Intertwined with your rent deposit, it’s in yours and the landlord’s interest to write up an inventory. For more expensive properties, this is sometimes done by an independent company but it’s usually carried out by either the estate agents, or the landlord and tenant together. The latter is a great way to make sure that nothing is missed and both parties have the same information.

What do you enter into a property inventory? Anything that is present in the house that belongs to the landlord before you move in. Note any damages to walls, flooring, ceilings, and existing amenities and furniture. Look out for mould and damp. Use a digital camera and take pictures of the property. Once you’re happy with what’s on the inventory, sign and date it with the landlord. The accuracy of the inventory ultimately decides the fate of your deposit.

Webooks

At www.webooks.co.uk, users can read the full texts of over 150 books, at no charge or download the PDF or buy the hard copy of the book at our online store. Users can also sign up to the newsletter to receive alerts when new titles are added to the online library.

Notes to Editors

1. Webooks offers consumers free access to the full text content of a range of information-based non-fiction books across property, business, personal finance, education, lifestyle and travel sectors. Visitors can read all or part of any of our titles online, or download a PDF version for a small fee.

2. ‘We books’ is a joint venture between How to Books and On the Move Ltd.

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In partnership with How To Books Ltd, webooks publish free to read books online, including business, property, finance, education, lifestyle and travel.

We also house a diverse range of articles from our writers who write exclusively for Webooks.