10 Questions to Ask at a Rental Viewing

A rental viewing can be exciting. You walk through the front door, picture where the sofa will go and start imagining yourself living there.

But before you get carried away, there are a few things you really need to know.

A property can look perfect on the surface, but the details you uncover during a viewing could make all the difference once you move in. From monthly bills and pets to decorating and repairs, asking the right questions now can save you plenty of headaches later.

So, before you say, “I’ll take it”, here are 10 questions to ask at a rental viewing.

Don't just budget for the rent.

Ask exactly which household bills you'll be responsible for, including gas, electricity, water, Council Tax and broadband.

Some rental properties may include certain bills within the rent, while others will leave you responsible for arranging and paying suppliers yourself.

If the current tenant is at the viewing, it’s worth asking roughly what they pay each month. It can give you a much more realistic idea of the property's running costs.

If you'll be paying your energy bills directly, ask whether you'll be free to choose your own supplier.

Tenants who are responsible for paying their energy supplier generally have the right to switch to a different provider if they find a better deal.

It’s a small question that could make a difference to your monthly outgoings over the course of your tenancy.

Think you could save money with a water meter?

Ask the letting agent before making any plans. You may need the landlord's permission to have one installed.

Whether it actually saves you money depends on how much water your household uses, so it’s worth doing the maths first rather than assuming a meter will automatically mean a cheaper bill.

4. Are the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in place?

Safety should always be near the top of your list when viewing a rental property.

Ask whether the required smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are installed and, where relevant, whether the appropriate checks and certificates are available.

In England, landlords have legal responsibilities around smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, including requirements relating to properties with fixed combustion appliances.

5. Who do I contact if something goes wrong?

Even the best-maintained rental property can have the occasional problem.

A boiler stops working. A tap starts leaking. You accidentally lock yourself out.

Before signing anything, find out who will actually be managing the property and who your first point of contact will be when you need help.

It could be the letting agent, landlord or a dedicated property management team.

6. Can you redecorate your rental property?

Already imagining a different colour on that living room wall?

Ask first.

Some landlords are happy for tenants to make minor cosmetic changes, while others prefer their properties to remain exactly as they are.

If you're hoping to paint, put up shelves or make other changes, get permission before doing anything. Any agreed changes should ideally be confirmed in writing.

A little clarity at the start could help protect your deposit when you eventually move out.

7. Are pets allowed in your rental property?

For pet owners, this could be the deal-breaker.

If you have a dog, cat or another pet, ask about the property's pet policy before getting too attached to it.

Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, which introduced new rules from 1 May 2026, tenants have a stronger legal right to request permission to keep a pet, although landlords can still refuse in certain circumstances.

“Furnished” can mean different things from property to property.

So don't assume everything you see during the viewing will be staying.

Ask the letting agent exactly what furniture and appliances will be included when you move in. Some of what you see could belong to the current tenant.

If there’s something specific you’re relying on, such as a wardrobe, fridge or washing machine, make sure you know whether it is included before making your decision.

9. How old is the boiler?

You don't need to be a heating engineer to ask about the boiler.

Find out roughly how old it is and when it was last serviced. You can also ask whether servicing records are available.

A boiler that's nearing the end of its life doesn't necessarily mean you should walk away from the property, but it’s useful information to have.

The Energy Performance Certificate, or EPC, gives you an indication of how energy efficient a property is.

Ask to see the property's EPC rating and take a look at the recommendations included within it.

Generally, a higher rating indicates better energy efficiency, which can potentially mean the property is cheaper to heat and run.

The viewing is your chance to ask

Take notes, ask questions and don't be afraid to raise anything you're unsure about.

And if you’re looking for a rental property in Nottingham, our team at Comfort Estates can help you find a home that fits both your lifestyle and your budget.