What to check before you sign

A video tour shows you the place. A visit is where you check that it works. Take this list with you.

Water

• Is there a tank, and how big is it?
• How often does the supply go off, and for how long?
• Is water on your own meter, or shared and split?
• Turn on the taps and flush the toilet while you're there.

Power

• Is there a separate, prepaid meter for your unit?
• Is there backup power, and what does it cover: the whole unit, or only lights and sockets?
• Try the sockets and switches in every room.

Security

• Is there a guard, and at what hours?
• Is the compound gated, lit at night, and covered by CCTV?
• Do the doors and windows lock properly?

The unit itself

• Look for damp or water stains on ceilings and walls.
• Check the bathroom and kitchen fittings work.
• Ask what's included: wardrobes, kitchen cabinets, curtains, a water heater.

Money and paperwork

• How much is the deposit, and how many months do they want up front?
• Which bills does rent cover, and which do you pay yourself?
• Get a written tenancy agreement and a receipt for everything you pay.

Booking through Nestly

When you book a property visit in the Nestly app, you pay the inspection fee and commission up front and Nestly holds them. At the property you and the broker both check in to confirm you met, and the broker is paid the inspection fee. You only pay the commission if you decide to take the place; if you don't, it comes back to you.