I feel a bit of a dolt asking but it's 45 years since I last rented privately, and I don't know how to go about it.
Short info burst: Oops, it wasn't short. Sorry,
Bought a house when I left uni, and subsequent houses as I moved jobs.
Finally became a vicar, which means living in the tied house, and not earning enough to save up for a property.
Reitred early on mental health grounds in 2015. The C of E scheme at the time was that retiring clergy could find a property up to a certain value, C of E would buy it and rent it back to them.
I'm in a perfectly pleasant little bungalow - but I want to move to the coast. There's only me and two dogs to please, and I've decided I want this adventure: if I hate it, I hate it but better that than be regretful.
I've contacted C of E but they have no properties there (I want to move to Fleetwood on the Fylde/Wyre Coast). They've also made it clear that even if they had, priority would be given to those approaching retirement, rather than me who just wants a change. That's perfectly fair.
I don't really understand social housing but as far as I can tell, it's for people who already live in or have links to the area. That's perfectly fair.
Although in both cases I could write a good supporting argument for my mental health needs and the speed with which I had to make decisions 6+ years ago.
So it looks like private renting is the way to go.
I've been scouring zoopla et al but agents don't seem keen on sending out detailed particulars, they want people to phone in to make viewing appointments Now. I've explained that at the minute what I'm trying to do is to see what my budget will get me but they're not keen to invest a huge amount of time in someone who's not ready to move yet.
I guess that's fair enough too but I find myself stuck, until I can get over for a couple of days and visit agents in person.
So my questions are: Is there a Renting For Dummies book? How do I get an idea for the responsibilities and rights of tenants? What sort of questions do I need to be asking landlords or agents to make sure I'm getting what I think I'm getting?
I'm giving myself a week there in the New Year, self catering in a holiday apartment. It may well be that seeing it in driving rain and 6 hours of daylight may make me re-evaluate but if it doesn't - well, any useful How To tips would be much appreciated.
Thank you.
