About to rent a place...

Pulse

But what should I be looking for in the contract etc?

I have a few Qs...

Should the owner and I both look over the property together for any problems it may have?

What should DEFINITELY be on there, and what should DEFINITELY not?

Is SHE responsible for telling the council or am I?

I was told to maybe take meter readings... Can anyone explain this a little bit further?


Anything else would also be a help

Alleycat

When you move in you should make sure you inform all the utilities i.e. gas, electric, water also council tax. You should take meter readings for the gas and electric so your bill is correct.

Regarding your tenancy agreement, it would be sensible to look over the property with your landlady and make sure that all the furniture/fixtures and fittings match up. Also in case there are any repair issues such as leaking taps. That way you can sure that everything that should be included is.

Usually a tenancy agreement will contain your monthly/weekly rent and how long the tenancy will run for. It will advise you of how much notice you are required to give if you want to move out. Ours also had stuff like the windows need to be cleaned every month (!), toilet and bathroom cleaned weekly and that we weren't allowed to hang our washing outside . I think it was just a standard agreement that they had used and some of it was rather obscure. Just make sure that if there is anything on it that you are concerned about you ask your landlady as it may be up for negotiation. I.e. ours said no pets, but we got the offer of a couple of cats when we had been there a year. We asked the landlords if it would be okay and they were fine with it.

britmark

Pulse wrote:

But what should I be looking for in the contract etc?

I have a few Qs...

Should the owner and I both look over the property together for any problems it may have?

What should DEFINITELY be on there, and what should DEFINITELY not?

Is SHE responsible for telling the council or am I?

I was told to maybe take meter readings... Can anyone explain this a little bit further?


Anything else would also be a help

Are you renting privatly or through a letting agents.

Pulse

Britmark - I am renting privately

Alleycat - Brilliant, thanks for the information. What readings exactly should I be taking? What sort of info will I need? Total newbie here!! Hehe

So I will be the one who needs to notify the council? Just a simple phone call I presume? Will they be open on a Saturday do you think?
Also, as for ringing the electric company, I was told that there would already be a supplier... Could I possibly change this for someone who may be cheaper? If not, how do I find out which provider to ring? Also, do you think they will be open on Saturday? (As we'll need power! haha)

You had some weird stuff in your agreement!!! But OK, will take a look. No interest in smoking or pets etc, so not a problem.

While I'm there, should I check all the water works, and electric works etc? Or is that something if it's broken when we move in, she can fix it, no disputes? Or could there be problems?

Notice to move out should be 1 month I presume, and if she wants me out, 2 months?

Also, what about her entering the property? Is it a legal requirement for her to give me 24hrs notice unless its an emergency repair etc?

Anything else I may need to look out for?

Omertron

If you have access to a digital camera, take photos of everything. Anything that is included in the agreement, such as furniture, utensils, etc, state of the carpets, walls, etc. This way, should a dispute happen, you have photographic evidence of the way it was when you moved in. I learnt for experience that some landlords are devious an will claim all sorts when it comes to getting your deposit back.

Omertron

Pulse wrote:

So I will be the one who needs to notify the council? Just a simple phone call I presume? Will they be open on a Saturday do you think?

It's your responsibility, plus you can make sure that they have the right dates. Also remember to call and tell them when you leave as well or you may be liable.

Pulse wrote:

Also, as for ringing the electric company, I was told that there would already be a supplier... Could I possibly change this for someone who may be cheaper? If not, how do I find out which provider to ring? Also, do you think they will be open on Saturday? (As we'll need power! haha)

There will already be a supplier, but make sure you note down the meter readings. You'll need a triangular meter box key if the meters are outside. The landlord should already have called the electricity company to let them know and they should then contact you direct. If not, chase him/her for the contact details.

Pulse wrote:

While I'm there, should I check all the water works, and electric works etc? Or is that something if it's broken when we move in, she can fix it, no disputes? Or could there be problems?

If you feel comfortable doing it, it's best to do it while you're looking round as it should help avoid problems later.

Pulse wrote:

Notice to move out should be 1 month I presume, and if she wants me out, 2 months?

Depends on the rental agreement, it should be specified in there.

Pulse wrote:

Also, what about her entering the property? Is it a legal requirement for her to give me 24hrs notice unless its an emergency repair etc?

Yes

Pulse

Good stuff, thank you Omertron!

I'll ask her today if she has the contact details for the Electric company, but perhaps ask her if they are going to call me on Saturday, to get all hooked up? I dont want to be left without leccy, hehe

If I dont feel right testing the water etc, especially for example, the power of the shower, will she sort it if I say its not acceptable? Or does it then become complicated?

Thanks for all your help so far!

Pulse

Oh, btw, does that 24hr stipulation have to be detailed in the contract? Something I'd like to make sure is there, just for personal comfort.

kingshir

Pulse wrote:

Good stuff, thank you Omertron!

I'll ask her today if she has the contact details for the Electric company, but perhaps ask her if they are going to call me on Saturday, to get all hooked up? I dont want to be left without leccy, hehe


If I dont feel right testing the water etc, especially for example, the power of the shower, will she sort it if I say its not acceptable? Or does it then become complicated?
Thanks for all your help so far!

Electricity Board won't ring you, you'll have to call them.

There's not a great deal the LL can do about water pressure.

If you complain too much from the very beginning, she may decide not to rent to you!!

britmark

I take it you will be signing a 'assured shorthold tenency' agreement.

Joannaclaire

Don't forget to get receipts for the deposit/rent in advance if it's a private rent so you can prove they've got your money...