What do I do next?

SuaveStar

We found a flat to rent, paid the deposit, and the credit check fees. That was two weeks ago, and I called the other day to ask how my credit check was coming on, they said it was fine, and they only mention it to you if something is wrong.

Anyway, can someone explain for a first time renter what happens next.

When do I get to start moving my things in, when do I start paying the rent. How soon can I call to set up gas, electric, television(Moving TV in, finding wire) and broadband and all of that. And how do I know that I fully have the place.

Sorry if these are simple things, or things already answered and also not giving enough information. This is my first time going into the rental market.

clutton_2

you will not ha ve a "tenancy" until you have signed a tenancy agreement and until you have paid the first months rent and given over the deposit (in cleared funds) and got the keys .... only then can you organise utilities ....

cat10_2

If you are renting through a letting agent it is possible that they might arrange for the gas/electric meters to be read.

If you are moving into a furnished property it is usual for an inventory to be done on the day you move in (sometimes called a 'check-in').

The inventory should be paid for by the landlord and will list everything that is in the property at the time you move in (eg fridge, washing machine, rug, tables etc). It will also describe the condition of these items (eg new, worn etc).

SuaveStar

clutton wrote: »

you will not ha ve a "tenancy" until you have signed a tenancy agreement and until you have paid the first months rent and given over the deposit (in cleared funds) and got the keys .... only then can you organise utilities ....

The deposit has already been paid, which was 1 months rent, and £100 extra.

cat10 wrote: »

If you are renting through a letting agent it is possible that they might arrange for the gas/electric meters to be read.

If you are moving into a furnished property it is usual for an inventory to be done on the day you move in (sometimes called a 'check-in').

The inventory should be paid for by the landlord and will list everything that is in the property at the time you move in (eg fridge, washing machine, rug, tables etc). It will also describe the condition of these items (eg new, worn etc).

If they can take a reading on that day, that would be a real life saver. There will be an inventory of the furnished stuff in the flat.

I have to ask, one letting agency wanting to charge us £100 for doing an inventory, is this normal practice? The place we saw with this letting agent was horrible, the agent was half an hour late, the rent was too much for what you were getting, and the place was left in a poor condition for viewing.

G_M

SuaveStar wrote: »

The deposit has already been paid, which was 1 months rent, and £100 extra.
.

Unclear. Is this a deposit or rent - It can't be both. What is the £100 extra? The deposit? Or a charge for the inventory? Or something else?

You need to look at the receipts you've been given for this money, and the documents you've signed.

You should take meter readings yourself on the day you move in, to ensure you are not charged for earlier utility usage by the LL/previous tenant.

I have to ask, one letting agency wanting to charge us £100 for doing an inventory, is this normal practice? The place we saw with this letting agent was horrible, the agent was half an hour late, the rent was too much for what you were getting, and the place was left in a poor condition for viewing

Sounds like you made a good decision.

clutton_2

£100 For an inventory check in is a normal fee

SuaveStar

G_M wrote: »

Unclear. Is this a deposit or rent - It can't be both. What is the £100 extra? The deposit? Or a charge for the inventory? Or something else?

You need to look at the receipts you've been given for this money, and the documents you've signed.

You should take meter readings yourself on the day you move in, to ensure you are not charged for earlier utility usage by the LL/previous tenant.


Sounds like you made a good decision.

Sorry, that's the deposit, the deposit for them was the equivalent of one months rent, and an extra £100.

Should I use my camera and take pictures of the meter, as evidence as well.