Renting a flat

petabear

Hello!

I was hoping someone could help me out. My boyfriend and I are looking at flats and we want to rent but I have some questions on it.

What does the deposit cover?
What happens if say your contract is for 6 months but you decide after 2 months to move?
My boyfriend is nearly 20 and has been in the RAF for 2 years, i'm 21 in a few weeks and dont have a job at the moment but i'm looking hard, would we be able to rent?

Thanks for your help:o

Annisele

Have a read of this post.

Deposit: held against damage/losses that you cause to the LL (landlord).

If contract is for 6 months and you decide to leave after 2: you can leave the property whenever you want - but you're liable for the rent for the whole of the contract whether you live in it or not. If you can find a replacement tenant who is acceptable to the LL, they'll usually let you out of the contract early.

Can you rent: I don't know - how much deposit do you have saved, how much is your joint income, and what are rental prices round your way?

petabear

Thank you so much for that it's helped me alot

bettyB_2

most of the time, regardless of the length of the contract, you can leave with 1 months notice. So long as they or you can get someone else to take on the flat when you leave. I have rented a few flats and have always haelped my landlord get new tenants after giving my 1 months notice by letting agents and potentials renters look round before i go.

Also - make sure the deposit goes into the landlord deposit scheme it keeps it safe and ensures that you get the agreed amount back after you leave (ive had a dodgy landlord keep the deposit in the past )

Bloomin_Freezing2

I'm helping a friend look for a new place, and the majority of landlords we've dealt with want 2 months rent as deposit plus the first months rent when move in so 3 months rent in total is needed before you get the keys.

RAS

bettyB wrote: »

most of the time, regardless of the length of the contract, you can leave with 1 months notice. So long as they or you can get someone else to take on the flat when you leave. I have rented a few flats and have always haelped my landlord get new tenants after giving my 1 months notice by letting agents and potentials renters look round before i go.

Also - make sure the deposit goes into the landlord deposit scheme it keeps it safe and ensures that you get the agreed amount back after you leave (ive had a dodgy landlord keep the deposit in the past )

Landlords are not legally required to let you out of a contract. If it is a 6 month contract, you are liable for the whole 6 months even if you move out on the second day.

Also peta, rental agreements are joint and several liabilties like Council tax; if you bust up with your boyfriend or he does not pay his share, you are legally liable for the whole debt, not just half.