If you are looking for a rental, you have certainly already visited, with joy or disappointment! But be careful not to let your feelings get the better of you, you will have to visit the properties with great concentration. Directe Location, a live agency located in Bordeaux and Talence, gives you some tips to keep your head on your shoulders during your visit!
Take the time to discover the area
On the day of the visit, don’t hesitate to arrive early and stroll around the area. This way you will be able to take the temperature, see if it suits you. It is indeed an essential criterion for your well-being! You can also ask a few questions to the shopkeepers or even to your potential future neighbours to get a feel for them.
Pay attention to the means of access
Here again, you need to study the neighbourhood, but this time more about its accessibility: public transport, cycle paths, traffic fluidity… It is indeed important that your journeys are made easier, especially to get to your workplace.
Don’t be shy and ask questions!
Observing the property is not enough. It is necessary that you have access to certain information. Some of the points to which you should pay attention are the following:
- Charges: are hot and cold water included in the advertised rent? Is the heating collective? Are the charges real or fixed-price? These are all elements that can dangerously increase your costs if they are not included in the charges!
- The building: find out about the maintenance of the communal areas as well as the possible presence of a caretaker. Is there a bicycle room or a parking space?
- The accommodation: don’t hesitate to go into the smallest details. You need to know what to expect, especially when it comes to bills. To do this, find out about openings (is it single or double glazing?), sun exposure, property tax, energy consumption of the previous tenant, etc.
All of these elements will allow you to better budget your home. Moreover, also take the information on the possible remaining furniture, or on the presence of storage space (you will otherwise have to invest!).
You can also take a few steps to make sure that your furniture fits in the right place. Finally, ask the owner when the property will be available. You should also review the contract, especially its duration.
To put all the chances on your side, and to show the owner your motivation as well as your seriousness, come to the visit with your file: identity card, work contract, last three pay slips… This step will allow the owner to know you better and to be reassured about your situation. Above all, you will save precious time, and why not stand out from the other candidates! Also remember to take care of your appearance and your speech, the first impression will indeed remain in your memory!
