Renting for the first time

JamesMorgan88

Myself and my partner have decided to start looking at flat`s, Were viewing one tomorrow in the evening.

We both work stable jobs, but we want to know things we should look out for e.g bills, IF they are all included etc.

Just want a view hints and tips.

Thank you

Lady_strange

I would say make sure that you can afford to live on one persons wages, so rent, bills, food etc, incase anything happens, say redundancy or illness. Makes life so much easier.

BearAssCheek

Hi - ive been renting for some time now... just what i've observed.

Flats - I would probably go for a top floor one if you can stand the stairs every day. At least that way you only have someone living beneath you not above also.

Bills - few landlords will pay your utility or insurance bills (particularly as they're going up 30% :eek:)

Look for somewhere with a garage in the block, not just space to park. You'll need somewhere to put one of your cars if you have two in the household.

I personally don't have a flat that has security entry but I would recommend you go for one if suitable. It just adds that extra security factor.

When you move in, get the locks changed and give your letting agent a key. You never know who else still has a spare key.

Do an inventory BEFORE you move in. Take photos, note everything that is wrong or doesnt work. Submit to the letting agent prior to moving in and ask for confirmation of receipt of this. It saves trouble later with the deposit etc.

Good luck!

Werdnal

You will be asked to undergo credit checks and references. If you are both being named on the tenancy agreement (most LL's will expect this), then you will both need checks, and you will be espected to pay your LL/LA for this service - could be up to £200'ish if you rent through and agent, which is extortionate considering I don't use and agent and got my current tenant checked through a vetting service for £40!.

You will bet expected to pay a security deposit (1 - 1.5 months rent) and the first month's rent in advance, so make sure you allow for this in your finances. Deposits must now be protected in a scheme and LL required to give you the confirmation documents for this scheme within 14 days of the start of tenancy.

You will be given an inventory to sign, covering all items in the flat, and each room's current condition. Check this thoroughly BEFORE you sign it, as this will be the document your LL uses to decide how good a condition you have returned the property in at the end. Any discrepancies at the start should be discussed with the LL, otherwise you may be asked to pay at the end.

Ask to see a draft of the tenancy agreement before you sign it. It is very difficult to thoroughly read and understand all the clauses when someone is hovering over you with a pen. You need to fully understand every point, as once signed, it is binding. If you have any queries, raise them with the LL or seek legal advice BEFORE you sign anything.

It is usual for LL/LA to contact each utility company and council tax giving your details and meter reading at the start of the tenancy. Make a note of the meter readings yourself, to ensure you agree with them. I include meter readings on my inventory, but some LL's may not.

If there is a gas supply to the property, ask to see the gas safety certificate.

Ask the LL whether they have a mortgage on the property, and if so, ask for proof in writing that they have consent to let, or a BTL agreement. Otherwise, their mortgage company could repossess and evict you.

Ask for written receipts for every bit of cash you hand over, and before you give them the credit check money, ask what happens if you or the LL changes their mind (do you get it back?).

If you are keen on a property, go back and sit outside at various time of the day to see how busy the traffic is, how noisy the neighbours are, what the parking situation is like, whether there are any pubs, clubs etc kicking rowdy punters out at midnight!

CIS

It is usual for LL/LA to contact each utility company and council tax giving your details and meter reading at the start of the tenancy. Make a note of the meter readings yourself, to ensure you agree with them. I include meter readings on my inventory, but some LL's may not.

Don't wait for the landlord to contact the council - do so yourself otherwise your potentially storing up trouble (from experience it can get very expensive for you)

clutton_2

there is one huge sticky thread at the top of this section about renting.....

called A tenants guide to renting.......