As leases expire at the close of the summer, the mad rush to find new flats begins. This article intends to help flat-hunting families with young children maintain their sanity amidst the craziness, and wind up with a property that suit their needs without draining their bank account.
Investigative research is the most empowering tool for a family on a flat-hunt. Once the basic needs are mapped out (how many bedrooms are needed, necessary furnishings, amenities, etc.), it's time to start digging for properties in a neighbourhood that is amenable to small kids.
The location of a flat, as is well known, is as important as the features of the flat itself. Researching neighbourhoods is an extraordinarily important step for families concerned about their children's schooling and cultural climate. Luckily, there are many resources available for these crucial inquiries. For example, The Office for National Statistics offers U.K. residents generous information about the crime rates and general affluence of neighbourhoods throughout the country. Real estate agents can also be a helpful tool in uncovering information about areas that is harder to quantify statistically, such as the social climate, quality of school district and quality of dining and shopping.
The best research tool may just be the oldest: word of mouth. If a family is interested in a property in a neighbourhood, they shouldn't hesitate to speak with neighbours about the street or neighbourhood it's located in. This is a great place to get first-hand experience in anecdotal form from other parents regarding the area. The current residents of the flat being considered are also wonderful resources, especially about the property itself. They can provide prospective tenants with information about the landlord (Is he/she flexible? Fair? Honest? Punctual and capable with repairs?) and the property itself. Current tenants may be far more forthcoming regarding a flat's flaws than will a landlord or a real estate agent who is motivated by a sale.
Once a suitable amount of investigation has been done, and a flat has been located, there are still many important things that families should be aware of, and steps they can take to protect themselves against future financial penalty or injustice at the hands of landlords. One of the wisest moves a new family can make when moving into a new property is immediately (stress on immediately) photograph every nook and cranny of the place to document every bit of damage, even the most trivial or minor blemish. This insures the family against future charges, lost security deposits and possible legal wrangling. The photographs should be submitted as soon as possible to property management, with duplicates kept for safe-keeping. Stories of landlord greed and deception abound, and it's better off to take all possible security measures than to become another cautionary tale.
Certainly, not all landlords are sleazy or deceptive, and it is important that tenants have as healthy a relationship as possible with their property owner so that repairs can be made quickly when needed, and any issues that come up regarding rent can be negotiated calmly and maturely. Families should empower themselves so as not to be taken advantage of, but by no means does the landlord have to be an enemy.
With the proper planning, research and patience, the right family flat will be located. If a young family is empowered through research and preparation, their living situation will fall into place with a minimum of headache and hassle, even amidst the mad-rush of flat season.
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