Any property being privately let must meet minimum standards. The landlord or agent is responsible for carrying out a risk assessment and making sure that the 29 hazards outlined in the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) have been either eliminated or mitigated and that the property meets the legal fitness for habitation standards.

Luckily, we've put together a house viewing checklist so you can keep an eye out and protect yourself before you agree to rent.

Remember, if you let a property that doesn’t meet these standards, what else is it your landlord or agent isn’t doing to protect you? Are they really protecting your deposit? Will they complete any repairs if things go wrong when you have moved in? And, with a small amount of properties to choose from to rent, you could miss out on your dream home. It’s always best to rent legally from a professional landlord or agent.

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and Gas Safety Record

Possibly one of the most important things to check when viewing a property is that it has a valid EPC and Gas Safety Record. The EPC needs to have a rating of E or above and have been completed within the last 10 years. The Gas Safety Record needs to have been completed within the last 12 months, and all gas appliances need to have passed. Of course, not every property has gas. The ones with just electricity do not need to have a Gas Safety Record.

An EPC lets you know how energy efficient the property is and also lets you know the typical energy costs for the property. A Gas Safety Record will document everything that has been tested (by a registered gas engineer) and any defects they found, along with the next appropriate actions to fix these. This will allow you to see if the gas appliances in the house are safe and have passed their tests or not.

If you move into a property and the landlord does not supply you with the relevant records, this is a criminal offence.

Electrical Testing

Another thing you should ask to see while you view a house or property is the PAT testing report and an Electrical Installation Condition Report. All electrical appliances in the property need to have been PAT tested within the last 2 years and have passed the test. An Electrical Installation Condition Report needs to have been completed within the last 5 years. The landlord or estate agent should be able to provide you with these during the viewing to prove the safety of the electrics within the building.

Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

While you are viewing the property, be on the lookout for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. There should be at least one working smoke alarm on each floor, and you should ask to double-check that they are fully functioning.

The property will need a carbon monoxide detector if it has a gas supply. There should ideally be one on every level of the property. However, there needs to be one in the same room as any fuel-burning appliance, such as a boiler or a gas cooker. Like a smoke detector, you should ask to see if this is in full working condition.

Damp and mould

Another tell that the property you are viewing might not be up to scratch is obvious signs of dampness and mould. Things like peeling wallpaper can help you identify the problem, but sometimes it's harder to spot. Look in all the usual places, like bathrooms and kitchens, and see if you can spot any damp spots. In the worst cases, you might even be able to smell the dampness/mould in the property.

Ventilation

One of the reasons why a property might have a damp and/or mould issue is poor ventilation. Double-check the rooms where moisture might collect the most, such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, and the kitchen, and see if there is sufficient ventilation such as windows and extractor fans.

Appliances

It's a good idea to double-check that all the appliances that will be supplied by the landlord are in working condition. Don't forget to check the shower, too. Is there a good water supply with hot water working? Double-check the central heating - if the property has this, of course!

Furnishings

Just like checking the appliances that will be supplied by the landlord, double-check the furnishings too. You don't to move in and then notice that the sofa is broken. It's best to check these things during the viewing so you can make the estate agents or landlord aware (if they didn't know already) so that replacements can be put in place before you move in.

Make sure that all soft furnishings also have fire safety/match resistance labels attached too.

The interior

A good thing to check, which many people may not think about, is if the carpets are properly fixed in place. This is especially important around doorways and on the stairs. You don't want to be moving into a place where there are trip hazards!

On this note, also check the general condition of the interior and all floorings/walls. Make sure that it's well maintained and in good condition to live in.

Security

Check that the property is secure. Look for and check the locks on doors and windows to make sure they're easy for you to work and that they are not damaged. Have a look to see if there's any external lighting to help in the darker months or if there is any overgrown shrubbery that might be too close to entry points.

The Exterior

The exterior of the property is just as important as the interior. Make sure it and the surrounding areas are in good condition and look to be wind and water-tight. You want to make sure that you don't have a problem during bad weather.

Inventory check

This is something that you more than likely won't do during the viewing but will after you have decided the property is for you. Make sure there's a comprehensive inventory. Check every room and area to make sure you agree with the contents and conditions as described before signing it.

It’s also worth printing off a copy of The government’s ‘How to Rent Guide’ and the Lettings Industry Council’s ‘Property MOT Passport’ to use as a checklist for both the condition of the property and to make sure you are given all the legally required documentation.

If you do find some faults during the viewing bring them up to the landlord or letting agent. They might already be aware of the issues, and be working on a fix.

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