First Time Renter Query

can_it_be_different

Hi,

I am looking to rent a place of my own for the first time but I have a few queries and these relate to the agreement and right to get out. Basically this will be the first time I will be renting and living on my own and it will also be in a newish area. What happens if I do not like it - is there generally a minimum term that I must pay rent for and what timeframe are we speaking about? For example, is it ok for me to give one months notice that I want to move out after say 2 months of me renting the place. Or is it totally dependent on what lease agreement says?

Sorry if this is a very basic question but as they say on WWTBAM 'they are only easy if you know the answer'

Also any other general advice for a 'first time renter' (I think I may have made that term up ;-) ) is greatly appreciated.

Thanks, CIBD

rosysparkle

The minimum term is six months for an AST and you will be bound to pay the rent and other outgoings of the property (utilities etc) for that time. If you don't think you will be happy to stay in the property for that long, then don't take up the tenancy - don't sign what is a legally binding agreement if you don't think you can meet your obligations. Some agents might do a shorter agreement - a holiday let - but landlords are generally not keen on these and so it's unlikely.

Some AST agreements are for longer, so make sure that you are clear (before you sign) what your obligations are.

As a tenant, you have to give one month's notice to end the agreement (unless a different notice period is specified in the agreement). The notice should be in writing and must finish on the expiry date of the tenancy. If you are in the initial fixed term, you need to give notice at least a month before the last day of the tenancy.

Once your initial six months has passed, you may be invited to renew, and you may be offered another fixed term of six months, or you may go oonto a periodic tennacy (a month by month tenancy).

Anything else you need to know, just ask.

lynzpower

as far as I understand it the minimum terms of a tenancy is 6 months. Most ASTs are a year.

Id like to know the answer to this too - will keep watch

can_it_be_different

Thanks for swift responses. So when something says a short let it will probably mean six months then. Or may this mean something like 3 months

Is the situation different if you are just effectively renting a room - I assume this is no so formalised in terms of minimum period.

If it makes any difference I would be renting in Scotland.

can_it_be_different

Hi, got another query. Sorry I am a complete novice at this! But found a couple of properties with a 6 month tenancy which is what I want. But ideally I would be looking to get broadband or at least a phone connection. I assume that a phone line is not normally included with a rental property - and it is up to the tentant to get one. Is the case, and if anyone has got a phone line installed then is it worth the hassle for a 6 month period and is it likely to cause significant problems or issues. I would really need net access in a rented property. Thanks for reading my very basic query

lynzpower

hiya

Theres likely to be a phone line in the property.

I called BT on this point yesterday, they can tell you if theres a line in there
they can then tell you whether youd have to pay a re-connection fee or not.
Certainly, you wouldnt probably have to have a line installed, if you did, just rent somewhere else. It can cost about 200 quid I think ( not sure may have got cheaper) having a line installed is only if the house is brand new & no one has lived there before.

the rental of the line wont be incuded you have to pay that its about 11 a month with BT.

is that clear, I think i waffled and confused things there

rosysparkle

If there is no BT/cable line connected, you will have to get one (or rent elsewhere). It would be at your cost. Most rental properties have a line, although sometimes it's been disconnected. In my experience, landlords will often contribute towards the cost of a line installation, but they don't have to do so.

It's worth noting that neither an agency or a landlord can deal with BT/cable company once the line is in the tenant's name. So if you don't cancel it when you leave, nobody else can do so and you'll be stuck with the bill till you do cancel it.

roger56

can_it_be_different wrote:

Hi,

Also any other general advice for a 'first time renter' (I think I may have made that term up ;-) ) is greatly appreciated.

Thanks, CIBD

Yes, have a read of the ARLA website:
http://www.arla.co.uk/info/tenants.htm

and download the "Unfair tenancy terms - don't get caught out" from the Office of Fair Trading (it's the 3rd leaflet down the webpage):
http://www.oft.gov.uk/Consumer/Unfair+terms+in+contracts/guidance.htm

It helps being informed before you let your hard earned money go and sign your rental contract.


...and a new phone line is £124.99 with BT.

jennifernil

Where in Scotland are you looking, some places have quite a lot of private rentals available which could save a bit compared to going through an agent, but you do need to be careful. The minimum time for a "Short Assured Tenancy" as it is called up here, is 6 months. If you are looking at agents ads then a "short let" is probably 6 months.

can_it_be_different

I think I may have to reassess things. Phoned about a few places and they are way over my budget never mind the length of term, and that is even for bedrooms in a shared flat. May be lodging with parents a bit longer me thinks!

Thanks for all your help

jennifernil

What is your budget? You will not get even a room in a decent shared flat in a decent area for under £200 pcm in the popular areas, and that would be at least 3 sharing. A 1 bed flat maybe £400 if you are lucky. If you go it alone, for bills you might be £10-£15 pcm for each of gas and electricity, £12 each for phone and TV licence, £15 for broadband. Council tax will depend on where you are. You will need some insurance for your stuff too.
Then there's food..............
Hotel of Mum and Dad sounds good!!