Advice Needed: Stepping Into Tenancy

Stealthychimp

Hi everyone. I'd appreciate some advice as a first-time renter going into a slightly complex situation. A friend currently rents with one of his colleagues who has to leave (moving elsewhere) despite only being about 2 months into their tenancy, so I'm looking to step in as a replacement.

I could do with some ideas as to what I need to find out before I agree to anything? Is there anything specifically that I would become liable for from the previous tenant? Should I expect any special fees?

Also general advice as to whether this is a good idea or not?

Fire_Fox

Are you going to be an official sharer, names on the tenancy agreement or a subletting lodger? Is the six month (usual) tenancy starting again with your name on or continuing from two month in? Who is going to read the electricity and water meters? Are you getting any reductions in costs due to doing someone a favour?

Whether it's a good idea depends whether the property is convenient for your work and/ or social life, whether you can afford to live there (bills and all), whether you intended to move out of home soon anyway.