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Advantages of renting over buying

Many people spend their time striving to buy a house. Putting away every bit of money that they have over the years to hopefully one day land their dream home. But for many this is not the best option. Whether you just like to move around, or buying just isn’t a financially available option for you, owning a home may just not suit your lifestyle. Luckily, renting is a great alternative to owning a home. There are many benefits to renting a property as opposed to buying one. For some people those benefits make it more reasonable to rent than buy a property at all, but just what are the benefits of doing so?

Easier to move into and maintain

Whatever you decide to do, moving will likely be an expensive task. However, renting is by far the cheaper option when it comes to moving into a new property. For starters, the initial costs of renting are far lower than those for buying a property. There is no large down payment to get everything started and a lot less time and money spent sorting out extra fees and legalities for the long term payments that would be required for a mortgage. Instead, for renting there are a set of smaller fees that may need to be paid, initial renting deposits and the cost of movers but not much else. Making it much easier to swallow the cost. The ongoing payments aren’t too bad either. As you’ll be paying an agreed amount of rent, a payment which will be much lower than a monthly mortgage payment, leaving more money for you.

Lower maintenance costs

Another great benefit of renting is that the heavy weight of maintenance costs is off your shoulders. Whereas owners of a property are responsible for everything, renters are not required to pay for the fixes needed around the home. So when the boiler goes, the plumbing starts playing up or the roof gains some long term damage, you will not be expected to pay for the problem to be fixed. Instead, you can get in touch with your landlord or letting agents to arrange to sort the problem for you. As these kinds of maintenance costs and activities are generally down the landlord to get fixed, you should have no problem initiating this process. However be sure to check just what your tenancy agreement covers under damages and repairs. If you are letting through Complete Residential Lettings, we have an easy system where you can report a problem with your rental property.

Lower insurance costs

It is wise to always keep your home safe by taking out home insurance or renters insurance. As this protects your belongings inside the home in the case of fire, theft or any damage that may occur while in the property. This policy is personally arranged by the occupant of a property, but the costs of it do vary depending on whether you rent or own the property you are insuring. People buying a property will know that this can be a large expense to cover all belongings fully and effectively. However renters typically pay a much lower cost for renters insurance, as they are not the owner of the building they reside in. The cost of insurance is bearable as both a homeowner and a renter, however money will definitely be saved if you are renting your property.

Easier to move somewhere new

Nobody knows what is going to happen tomorrow, today you could love your home and tomorrow not so much. There are various reasons people decide to up and move home, including the requirement to downsize or upsize to accommodate their lifestyle, the need for a change of scenery or even a falling out with a roommate or partner and needing a new place to stay. If you can see any of these being a possibility in your future, then renting is definitely beneficial to you. As tenancy agreements tend to be short term, the ability to move sooner is always available to you. The process of leaving is much easier too, as you will not need to deal with real estate agents or spend time trying to sell your current property before you move on. Instead, simply give notice of your vacancy of the agreement ready for the end of the tenancy or alternatively speak to your landlord about finding a replacement for yourself sooner to keep the rental payments going and get you out quicker.

If these benefits have peaked your interest, then it may be time to switch your search to rental properties. Looking for somewhere to live in Coventry? Take a look at product listings within Coventry and see if there is a place you could see yourself living.

 

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What to look for when visiting a home

Are you looking to find a rental property that you would like to stay in long term? Finding something you love that meets all of your needs can be difficult. Especially when it also needs to be comfortable to live in and up to your standards before you move in.

Knowing exactly what you want makes the process of selecting a rental property easier, however before you commit there are a few things you should be checking out in your viewing, no matter how perfect it may seem from its listing.

Ensuring you aren’t hit with any hidden surprises further down the line.

Letting agents can help with any information you need, however there are a few key things you should always observe in a property viewing.

 

The surrounding area

Do you know the area the property is located in well? If not, it is worth getting a good look around at that too. Arrive at your viewing early to take a quick look around the area. Take a drive and see what is in the community, whether it has shops, schools or public transport near enough for you.

Or even if there is a local attraction that would cause extra noise or traffic in day to day life as well as anything else you would or wouldn’t like nearby. If required check if there is any parking included and see how accessible it is, whether it is far away from the property.

Essentially you want to ensure that the local area is a place you would like to be living in before setting your heart on a property. You can even ask your landlord or letting agent for their experienced take on the area.

 

The building itself

Once you start the viewing speak to your letting agent about the structure or the building, ask about any known about issues that may need fixing further down the line or before you move in.

Scout around for any damp on walls and noticeable cracks that could be expensive to solve. It is also good to take a look at the windows in the property to ensure they are installed correctly and open and lock as they should.

To make the space liveable, it is also good to ensure all plumbing and electrics are up to standard. Take a look for faulty sockets and run taps to check water pressure throughout the property.

Again, your letting agent should be able to help you with these queries. Any damaged items you see, note down as these may be things the landlord can get fixed before you move in.

 

Available space

Now you are assured that the building is structurally sound and operates as it should, could you see yourself living there? Are the rooms big enough to accommodate for your needs?

Check with the letting agent whether the furniture within the property is included, or if you will have to provide your own so that you can check if your existing furniture will fit in the required rooms.

Is there enough storage space in the property for the amount of tenants that will be occupying it and if not, is the landlord happy to let you install extra cupboards or shelving to accommodate.

Garden space is also notable for some people, check if there is enough room if you require the space for children or pets. First checking with your agent if you are allowed pets on the premises.

 

A second opinion

If you are sold on the rental property before your viewing it is a good idea to take someone with you, whether that be a partner, potential roommate or even a friend.

As they will be more likely to notice things you would not if you are already pleased with the property. Doing this also provides two sets of eyes and questions to get the relevant information from the viewing.

If after this you are still happy, get a second viewing of the property with your letting agent if they are happy to provide one, just to make sure you see it all the same a second time around. As things may not always be as you remember.

 

For any further questions you may have, you can speak to your letting agent about the information they already have on the property.

Complete Residential Lettings are experts in rentals for Coventry and can offer experiences advice about the area and value for cost. Be sure to ask everything you need to before discussing setting up a tenancy agreement and moving the process forward. 

 

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Cheapest places to live in Coventry

Cheapest accommodation  in Coventry

Looking for somewhere to live in Coventry as a tenant that doesn’t require a huge budget? Whether you are a student looking for some affordable accommodation to share or just looking for a new home on a smaller budget, there is somewhere for everyone.

Not all landlords are asking for unattainable prices. Take a look at four of the cheapest places to live in Coventry as well as what each has to offer you.

perfect places to live in coventry
Perfect places to live in Coventry

CV1 is the place to entertain

This area of Coventry is around 1.96 square miles, with a population of over 30,000. Making it one of the smaller postcodes the city has to offer.

Although it does have one of the highest average rental prices, the space is split into 4 sections with housing spaced out within that varies in price.

With some of them offering very affordable rental prices. However the low prices do not mean you skimp out on things to do in the area. Within this postcode there are plenty of places to visit such as the Coventry Transport Museum, St Mary’s Guildhall and Escape Reality escape rooms. So whatever you enjoy doing, there is something to entertain everyone.

CV2 is the healthy place in Coventry

With a population of over 60000, the CV2 postcode is a well populated part of Coventry. The five sectors within it, much like CV1 vary in price. But it does offer some of the cheapest rental accommodation if you look in the right places.

The postcode includes the University Hospital within its boundaries as well as the Coventry Music museum. There are plenty of places to go shopping, with multiple towns and sets of high street stores. With amenities always close by, you will never be left too far away from anything you need.

Be connected with more cities CV3

Covering a huge 13.41 square miles, with a population of 60000, this postcode is one of the largest and not very crowded. A huge part of Coventry that has six different sectors within it.

The postcode as a whole sits between the boundaries of both the West Midlands and Warwickshire, offering easy access to many other large cities. Within the space you can find the Midland Air Museum, the Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve, the War Memorial Park and Electric Railway Museum.

Providing you with plenty of places to visit near to home when you have spare time.

CV6 is around 7.77 square miles in Coventry

A more modest part of the city, the CV6 postcode sits at around 7.77 square miles, with a huge 7 sectors within it. Offering some of the cheapest rental housing to be found in the city, it does have quite a high population of over 86500 people.

The boundaries hold with them Coventry, Hawkesbury, Keresley, Newlands and Neals Geen. Although this is a smaller part of Coventry, it is larger than postcodes such as CV1. The space is also home to the popular Ricoh Arena, where many events take place throughout the year.

There are plenty of places to live in Coventry that don’t require a high price tag. Renting can be affordable when looking at the right places. Remember to look around any area that you are interested in for more affordable estates that suit your needs. Find properties to rent in Coventry.

 

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We now offer Client Money Protect

Let your money protected

Complete Residential Lettings are now a member of Client Money Protect. A client money protection service that ensures the safety of our clients money.

Any fees which are held by your property agent or professionals are covered and the scheme protects clients first and foremost.

The service makes it easy for our clients to make a claim, resolving any money problems or uncertainty between clients and letting agents. So you can be sure your money is in safe hands.

Protect your money
Protect your money

Dependable place to claim misplaced money

Client Money Protect offers a reliable place to claim lost money. There are a few requirements for the use of the service, but as long as we as a letting agent are a member, then all of our clients are protected. There is a three stage process to claiming lost money.

These are that there firstly must be money owed to the client, with proof. Secondly, the problem must have already been reported to the police.

Then thirdly, their claim form must then be completed to fulfil the claiming process. If you do put in a claim, and are found to be owed money, Client Money Protect will then reimburse you the lost funds.

Keep control your money

There are many benefits to our registration with the service. Mainly that money under our control or under our watch is completely secure. Simplifying the process of us handling landlord and tenant funds.

Client Money Protect also offer a legal helpline for advice, providing someone for clients to talk to if they are unsure about a problem.

There is no fee for our clients to join, as our membership covers them completely. It is purely a protection scheme that we have entered to protect you. So you don’t need to do anything to be covered by the scheme.

No stresses of losing money

This will have a positive impact on Complete Residential Lettings. Allowing us to now offer better protection for your money and a safer service when transferring fees.

Leaving you with no worries of losing out on money through misappropriation or other means. Paid fees with have extra protection by us offering a service where you are reimbursed for any unlikely misplaced funds.

Our membership with Client Money Protect purely protects our clients, not us. Ensuring that all liability is in the right place.

There you may interested more letting agents in Coventry with excited offer. Don’t forget to take advantages with money protection. Find the such properties in Coventry. 

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Places to visit in Coventry

Looking to move to a buy to let property in Coventry but want to make sure the area is busy enough to keep you occupied on your days off? Even if you are only visiting the city, there are plenty of places to visit as well as things to do. Ensuring you will never be bored as long as you have some free time to spare. Take a look at these great attractions suitable for any ages.

Coventry Transport Museum

Based in Coventry City Centre the Coventry Transport Museum is a great place to visit for all the family. Whether you choose to go with a partner or in a group admission is free, so you can enjoy the history with no concerns. Open every day of the week except for specific bank holidays the museum gives you a chance to look over the last 150 years of the motor industry. Covering both conventional cars and motorcycles the museum does an amazing job of documenting the changes within the motoring industry over time. Noting and displaying the advancements as well as the pitfalls it encountered through a large number of exhibitions that are still being added to. The Transport Museum offers a way to tell the story of motoring within the area around you as an enjoyable day out.

St Mary’s Guildhall

Only a few streets away from the Coventry Transport Museum St Mary’s Guildhall is based within the cathedral quarter of the city. With a fascinating history to discover a visit will take you on a trip through the last 700 years with a range of things to explore. Playing host to the public, weddings, private events and more, St Mary’s is a gorgeous place to spend some time. The free experience allows you to explore the building that was once used as the Mayor’s Headquarters, with additional links to names such as Shakespeare. Take a look around the building at the furniture and artworks that tell the story of its time and don’t miss its famous great hall. Which features a stunning display of stained glass that covers an entire wall. Once you have had enough exploring you can even visit the cafe on your way out or as a quick break to take in the scenery.

Ryton Organic Gardens

A key example of organic gardening at its finest, the Ryton Organic Gardens are based not far from the Midland Air Museum. Just five miles from Coventry itself. It offers a great outdoor experience that explores organic gardening. Learn about the processes and benefits of this kind of gardening. As a completely chemical free environment, the garden truly is completely natural. Take note of the vegetables growing throughout the garden, all suited to the season of which they grow in. Or spend some time relaxing in their sensory garden and learning the ins and outs of the organic gardening process. A day out here offers beautiful gardens and wide open spaces, all crafted to suit the plants growing within it. Perfect for a sunny day out with the family.

Still not sure if there is enough in the city to keep you occupied? Speak to your Landlord for more information on the area, they may even be able to give some personal advice on the subject. If these attractions only make you feel more sure about your move to Coventry then take a look at some rental property listings to get you on your way.

 

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Renting tips for new tenants

Are you renting property for the first time or have done it before? We know everybody could use a hand when comes to choosing somewhere new to live, whether your choosing you first rental property or your fourth. But unfortunately the stresses of moving don’t end the moment you secure your new home. So to make those first few months easier we have a few tips to save yourself some avoidable stress. Ensuring you are happy and comfortable in your new Coventry home

Be aware of your agreement

Depending on the agreement between you and your landlord what you can and can’t do whilst renting a property from them vary. Different tenancy agreements affect the rights you have while inhabiting a property. It is crucial to be aware of what kind of agreement you are involved in so you can understand what you are covered or reliable for. This is especially true in the case of shared accommodation.

Enquire as soon as possible

Get to know the property at a deeper level. Ask for all of the extra information at the first chance you get. Information such as the friendliness of your new neighbours, were the fuse box and power meters are as well as the location of the mains water stopcock. Asking any questions you need helps you feel more comfortable in the property, so you don’t have to worry about small things like when to take the bins out to be collected. If you do not have direct contact with your landlord, you can always ask their letting agents in Coventry for advice if they have one.

Take a look around

Check the local area of the property, become familiar with the place that will become your home. Collecting your bearings of the local area makes that last minute dash to the shops much easier if you realise you’re missing something at home. Find the local bus stops and train stations in case you need to take advantage of public transport in the near future. Whatever you need to do to feel like you really know the part of Coventry you will be living in.

Make it a home – with permission

When you are comfortable with the technicalities of your lease and house, and have explored the world around your building it’s time to make the house a home. Check with your landlord about your permissions to decorate the rooms as many buy to let properties require that rooms are not altered or if they are, that they be put back to their original state once your tenancy ends. Check you can paint the walls, re-carpet and even hang pictures on the walls. It’s better to be sure before you start.

Now with all the stress out of the way, you are free to relax in the place you now call home.

 

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Types of tenancy agreements

Sign up tenancy agreements!

If you are renting a buy to let property within Coventry, it helps to know about the kinds of tenancy agreements you can set up.

There are multiple different kinds of tenancy agreements that landlords can hold with their tenants. Each depend on both the living situation and the kind of tenant that has applied for the property.

The inside front cover tenancy agreements
The inside front cover tenancy agreements

Assured shorthold tenancy

An AST agreement is the most common form of tenancy agreement. This covers scenarios where a buy to let property is being rented out that the landlord will not also inhabit. The tenancy can be for an individual or multiple people such as students, but when renting individual rooms an ‘AST – Room Only’ agreement is usually more suitable.

Properties covered under this tenancy can include both houses and flats and most agreements are fixed term. Meaning the tenant has a set amount of time secured at the property.

The deposit made on accommodation with this kind of tenancy must be put into a protection scheme by the landlord, and the agreement becomes a rolling monthly payment unless another deal is signed after the fixed term has ended.

 

Non-assured tenancy

This kind of tenancy is used much less than Assured Shorthold Tenancy. This is because it only applies to living situations where the rent is under £250 per year, or that the property is not the tenants main living accommodation.

They can also be used for agreements where the landlord is living in the same property but they and the tenant do not share facilities. A tenancy of this kind does not require the landlord to put a protection scheme on the tenant’s deposit, and they are able to end the tenancy as they wish.

However, as long as all contractual terms are followed, the tenant does have the right to inhabit the property until the end of their agreed stay. Notice for the end of tenancy must be given by the landlord with good notice.

 

Excluded tenancy

In the event that the tenant is living within the same space as the landlord and sharing facilities such as a bathroom, kitchen and living space then an Excluded Tenancy agreement is used.

This covers circumstances where the tenant is using a room within the landlords home. This kind of tenancy does not come with the same kind of protection or rights as other agreements, such as a AST tenancy.

Eviction for the tenant can be done without notice or a formal court order as the agreement falls outside of eviction protection guidelines. This is as long as all terms of the tenancy are met. A deposit on this kind of property does not have to be protected by the landlord.

Month to month rolling tenancy

For many renting agreements, the tenant is not an individual but in fact a business or organisation. This kind of agreement allows a company to use a property for business use.

Under this kind of agreement all people using the property must be involved with the company of the tenancy. Eviction notice and deposit protection are different to residential tenancies in that the end to the tenancy must be announced through different means, but notice must still be given.

The agreements are usually monthly rolling tenancies, but the deposit on the property does not have to be protected by the landlord.

 

Month to month rolling tenure

For any further information, be sure to speak to reputable letting agents in Coventry to get the correct advice.

Guaranteed shorthold tenure understanding is the foremost common frame of occupancy assention. Feel free to contact us!

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What is landlord liability insurance?

Claim the cost by landlord liability insurance

Landlord Liability Insurance is something that every buy to let property owner should have. Insurance of this kind protects landlords from any claims that may come from their tenants or visitors to the property.

It does so by providing the cost of any compensation or legal fees that may be incurred so the property owner does not have to worry. Depending on how much insurance has been taken out, it may only pay for part of the money owed, as it will only pay out up to the limit the landlord set for the policy.

Landlord Liability Insurance is often a standard feature of most building insurance policies, but extra budget can usually be added onto these to give you extra cover if the property owner feels it is necessary.

agents-are-using-pens-pointing-to-insurance-contract
agents-are-using-pens-pointing-to-insurance-contract

Be secure having liability Insurance

The protection provided from having Liability Insurance is vast. The insurance can pay towards a wide array of claims including someone being injured on the property, damage to possessions at fault of the property and illness caused by property conditions.

So whether somebody trips over some uneven flooring or gets ill from an unnoticed problem such as mould, the insurance policy will pay towards any fees from a claim. Fees that are commonly covered are compensation and legal fees from the investigation and outcome of the claim.

For claims that involve injury or illness, the insurance will also cover any medical bills if necessary and any loss of earnings the claimant acquired due to their injury.

Liability insurance covering accidental circumstance

For a landlord to ensure that they are always prepared for a claim, and never left out of pocket it is wise to ensure that Liability Insurance is taken out.

Accidents and damage can happen at any time, being prepared for such a situation reduces stress and time involved in sorting out a claim as an individual property owner.

Ensuring that the claimant has the compensation they need and the landlord has everything dealt with for them. Leaving them to then get on with repairing any damage that may have caused the situation at hand, as any unkempt feature small or large a landlord can be held accountable for.

Don’t set your insurance amount

There is no set amount of insurance that any buy to let property owner should take out. The ideal amount depends on the property and just how covered the landlord wishes to be.

A decent amount is always needed if the insurance is going to be relied upon to pay all fees in the case of a claim, as the maximum an insurance policy of this type will pay out is the maximum amount the policyholder sets.

Large amounts of insurance are available as standard, with the option to increase the amount if it is required. Having landlord liability insurance means that property owners are covered for anything at any time, as accidents happen when they are least expected.

If you are renting out a property, speak with your letting agents in Coventry to be sure that you are fully covered for any eventuality.

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Finding The Ideal Rental Property | Lets Complete

Interested in property rental in Coventry but have no idea where to start?

Don’t go into renting blindly and end up living in a property you are not entirely happy with. Recognise and remember what it is you are definitely looking for within a rental property, as well as select certain features you are happy to compromise on. If you’re still not sure what to start with, we’ve put together a list of common features that make or break a renting agreement between tenants and landlords in Coventry.

Location

Is the property in the area you want? Letss Complete offer a huge range of properties within Coventry so you can find your new home within the town you love. Proximity to key places is also worth considering, for example if you study or have children, will you need easy access to local schools or universities? Checking the distance between these places and you new home can help you make a decision about whether the property is right for you.

Parking Space

Do you require somewhere to keep your car overnight? Not all buy to let properties come with parking space available at the residence. You may need to be prepared to leave your car in nearby streets or parking facilities so checking this availability is a must.

Garden

In need of some outdoor space? If you need some room for your pet to run around or simply enjoy a bit of gardening, a property without a garden may not suit your lifestyle. It is best to stick to looking at rental houses or ground floor flats if this is a feature you require.

Space

It may seem obvious, but having enough space for your lifestyle is important when choosing your place of residence. Take into account the amount of rooms you need, whether they are for family members or even office space if you work from home. The amount of space you require depends entirely on how you plan to use the home.

Furnishings

A majority of renters are looking for unfurnished properties, but are you? Knowing if you need a place with all of the basic features included or if you would rather add them yourself narrows down your property search dramatically. Allowing you to only see homes that fit into one category.

So while you are looking for a property in your local area, use the best Letting Agents in Coventry to ensure you are being provided with properties that are checked and suit your needs. Renting within Coventry is our speciality, so to find a property fast take a look at our property listings.