Renting first property soon "a things to remember to do checklist"

rebrov2

hopefully this makes sense to you all

I remember seeing either in the weekly email martin sends or somewere a checklist of things you must do before moving(companies to ring e.t.c)

any ideas were i would find something similar?

all the best

noyk

- Remember deposit is probably 6 weeks rent
- Find out how much council tax you'll be paying and factor that in
- You have to pay deposit, first months rent and fees up front
- Take meter readings
- Don't trust Letting Agents
- Make sure a good inventory is taken, ideally with pictures
- Don't trust Letting Agents
- Negotiate Letting Agent extortionate fees
- Contact Utilities - Gas, Electricity, Water
- Remember that if your going to move in less than a year, some companies (Sky) will make you pay for the full 12 month term
- Don't trust Letting Agents

hopefully thats a start!

Lee_Herrington

if your rented property has a combination boiler i would recommend getting a service contract with british gas....its only about 15 pounds a month but could save you a fortune if the boiler breaks down and it keeps your tennent happy cos they come out within an hour to fix it:j

rebrov2

thanks for replies so far

currently have a contract with sky at parents house , saw the landlord had sky how does that work?

rebrov2

anybody thanks?

also any recs for some good deals on the utility companies? its a bit of a grey area, also the property has a telephone point so i presume broadband is pretty straightforward (already ona contract with orange do i just continue this?)

Many thanks

rebrov2

anybody else got any ideas things i need to do ?

thanks

ukdrummajor

broadband.........it is possible to get AOL SILVER for £9.99 a month. Ring them, say they`ve been recommended and ask for the deal.

rebrov2

i am halfway through an 18 month contract with orange so have no choice but to stay with them (they have been ok for me plus its free because i spend 30 on my mobile every month)

any other ideas hints? when and were do i start with the utilities/council tax? whose responsibilty is it to get these set up e.t.c ?

thanks

clutton_2

you need to read the gas and electric meters when you take over the tenancy and agree those readings with the landlord/agent. Phone up and get yoru own account set up - similarly with the council tax and water company.

noyk

You'll probably have to pay a fee to move the broadband as it's on contract, but as you get it (free i think?) with your mobile contract it's probably best to stay with them.

Check contract or ask specifically (or try to get in writing) about leaving/end of tenancy fees - sometimes you may be obliged to pay for cleaning or exit inventory.

Make friends with the landlord, it'll help. Also check for renewal fees after your first fixed term assured shorthold tenancy (AST) runs out, the agent may attempt to charge a fair amount - my case they tried to charge me £117 just for a photocopied bit of paper. Fortunately, due to me making friends with the landlord, i convinced him to ditch the agency so i moved onto what is called a periodic AST thus saving both of us the fees.