You've found a property you like. The rent is just about affordable, the location works, and you're hoping the landlord will accept your application.
The last thing you want to do is ask a question that might put them off.
So you stay quiet.
You don't ask about the damp in the bedroom. You don't question the deposit. And you certainly don't ask what happens if you lose your job or struggle to pay the rent.
Sound familiar?
The problem is that renting a home is a major financial commitment. You're potentially signing an agreement worth tens of thousands of pounds over time.
You wouldn't buy a car without asking questions, so why should renting a home be any different?
At DSS Select, we believe tenants should feel comfortable asking reasonable questions before committing to a property.
Here are ten worth asking.
1. Why Did the Previous Tenant Leave?
It's a perfectly reasonable question, although the landlord may not be able to share someone else's personal circumstances.
Perhaps the previous tenant bought a property, relocated or simply wanted somewhere bigger.
But sometimes there may have been problems with the property.
Ask how long the previous tenant lived there and whether any significant maintenance issues were reported.
A landlord doesn't have to tell you everything about a previous tenant, but they should not mislead you about material problems with the property.
2. Has This Property Had Any Problems With Damp or Mould?
Don't be embarrassed to ask.
Damp and mould can affect your health, belongings and enjoyment of your home.
If you notice staining, peeling paint or a musty smell, ask whether the cause has been investigated.
A fresh coat of paint doesn't necessarily mean the problem has been resolved.
Ask what repairs were completed and whether there have been recurring issues.
Landlords have legal responsibilities to keep rented homes safe and address relevant hazards.
You're not being difficult. You're making sure the property is suitable to live in.
3. How Much Will It Actually Cost Me to Move In?
Don't just look at the advertised monthly rent.
Ask for a written breakdown of everything you need to pay before collecting the keys.
In England, tenancy deposits are generally capped at five weeks' rent where the annual rent is below £50,000. Holding deposits are normally capped at one week's rent.
Most administration and referencing fees charged to tenants are prohibited.
Since 1 May 2026, additional restrictions also apply to rent demanded in advance for covered tenancies.
If you're being asked for an unexpected payment, ask what it covers and whether it's legally permitted.
There should be no surprises on moving day.
4. Where Will My Deposit Be Protected?
This is one of the most important questions you can ask.
For tenancies covered by England's deposit protection rules, your landlord must normally protect your deposit in a government-approved scheme within 30 days of receiving it.
They must also provide the required information about the scheme.
Ask which scheme they use and when you'll receive confirmation.
And when you move in, take photographs and check the inventory carefully.
It could make a big difference when you eventually move out.
5. Who Do I Contact If Something Breaks?
Imagine it's Friday evening, the boiler stops working and there's no hot water.
Who do you call?
Your landlord? The letting agent? An emergency contractor?
Before signing, ask who handles repairs, how you should report problems and what happens outside normal office hours.
Also ask whether any repairs are outstanding before you move in.
Good communication can prevent small maintenance issues from turning into expensive disputes.
A responsible landlord should welcome a tenant who reports problems promptly.
6. Will You Increase My Rent, and How Much Notice Will I Get?
Most tenants worry about rent increases, especially when their household budget is already stretched.
Ask how rent reviews will work and what happens if you disagree with a proposed increase.
For most private assured tenancies in England, landlords must now follow the statutory rent increase process, generally using a Section 13 notice and giving at least two months' notice.
Rent increases are generally limited to once a year under this process, and tenants may be able to challenge a proposed increase through the First-tier Tribunal.
Don't assume the rent advertised today will remain unchanged indefinitely.
It's better to understand the rules from the beginning.
7. What Happens If I Lose My Job or Struggle to Pay the Rent?
This is a question many tenants are afraid to ask.
They worry the landlord will immediately assume they're unreliable.
But circumstances change.
People lose jobs, become ill, separate from partners or face unexpected expenses.
Ask how the landlord or agent would prefer you to communicate if a payment problem arose.
A landlord is not obliged to waive rent, but early communication may help both sides agree on a sensible approach.
If you're eligible, Universal Credit or other housing support may help towards your rent.
Being responsible doesn't mean life never goes wrong. It means dealing with problems rather than ignoring them.
8. Will You Enter the Property Without Telling Me?
Once you're renting a property, it's your home.
Your landlord owns it, but that doesn't mean they can come and go whenever they please.
Tenants generally have the right to quiet enjoyment of their home.
For inspections and many repairs, landlords should normally give at least 24 hours' notice and arrange access at a reasonable time.
Emergencies, such as a serious water leak, may be different.
Ask how inspections are arranged and how often they're likely to take place.
You should feel comfortable and secure in your own home.
9. Are You Planning to Sell the Property?
Nobody wants to move into a new home only to discover the landlord is planning to put it on the market.
Ask whether there are any known plans to sell or carry out major building works.
A landlord selling a property does not automatically end your tenancy.
There are legal procedures and grounds that may apply if possession is sought, but a tenant cannot simply be told to leave overnight.
You may not receive a guarantee about the landlord's future plans, but asking the question could help you make a more informed decision.
10. Will You Consider Me Fairly If I Receive Universal Credit or Housing Benefit?
For years, many tenants have been nervous about asking this question.
Some assume that mentioning benefits will immediately end their chances of renting.
But receiving Universal Credit doesn't necessarily mean you're unemployed.
Many people work and receive support to supplement their income.
In England, landlords and agents must not apply blanket exclusions simply because an applicant receives benefits or has children.
They can still carry out reasonable affordability and referencing checks.
So ask how your application will be assessed and what evidence of income, rental history or references is required.
You deserve to be considered on your circumstances, not dismissed because of assumptions.
A Final Word From DSS Select
Asking questions doesn't make you a troublesome tenant.
It shows you're taking your responsibilities seriously.
Landlords have every right to expect rent to be paid on time and their properties to be looked after.
Equally, tenants have the right to understand what they're agreeing to, what they're paying for and what happens if something goes wrong.
A good landlord-tenant relationship should start with open communication, not fear.
And if a landlord or agent becomes annoyed simply because you've asked a reasonable question, perhaps that's something worth thinking about before signing.
At DSS Select, we're working to make renting more accessible and transparent, particularly for people receiving Universal Credit or Housing Benefit.
Because finding a home shouldn't mean being afraid to ask the questions that matter.
Your home. Your money. Your future. Don't be afraid to ask.
Find out more at https://dssselect.co.uk/.
This article provides general guidance for private tenants in England as at November 2026. It is not legal advice. Individual tenancy arrangements and legal exceptions may affect your rights.
