Renting a flat for the first time...

Aphrodite

Hello! (I'm a long term lurker but haven't posted much before)

I'm wondering if people can help me. Basically... I'm in the process of renting a flat with my boyfriend. This is the first time either of us have done this and we're having a little bit of trouble working out everything that needs doing!

We've manged to get through the finding a flat stage (which was quite difficult given the joy that is estate agents!) and we've put down a holding deposit on it. We now have to get together our references and then send them over.

It's the bit after that I'm a little confused about... once we've passed over our references I assume we have to pay for a credit check? Then if we pass that we will be sent a tenancy agreement? Or will we sign this when we move in? (move in date is March). I assume before we move in, at some point we have to pay the security deposit and 1st month's rent so that this clears before we move in?

After we move in... I'm guessing we have to call the utility companies and ask to swap the accounts over to us? Also that we need insurance? Tenancy or just contents?

I'm sure there's a lot more that I'm missing as well...

Thanks in advance for any help!

BitterAndTwisted

Aphrodite wrote: »

We've manged to get through the finding a flat stage (which was quite difficult given the joy that is estate agents!) and we've put down a holding deposit on it. We now have to get together our references and then send them over.

This holding deposit: under what exact circumstances would you get this back? What is it paying for?

It's the bit after that I'm a little confused about... once we've passed over our references I assume we have to pay for a credit check?

Yes, you'll pay for the credit checks. How much have they quoted you for them?

Then if we pass that we will be sent a tenancy agreement?

Not always. Some agents seem very reluctant to let prospective tenants have sight of this very important document until about five minutes before they're expected to sign it. Ask them to provide you with a draft contract when you hand over the credit-checks fees.


Or will we sign this when we move in? (move in date is March). I assume before we move in, at some point we have to pay the security deposit and 1st month's rent so that this clears before we move in?

Normally, the rent in advance and the deposit is handed over when signing the contract. The payment forms part of the contract. About when to sign it: this all depends on how far in advance they want the money and whether the property is currently occupied. I would warn you in the strongest terms possible to ask for another viewing after the current tenants have moved out and before you sign the contract.

After we move in... I'm guessing we have to call the utility companies and ask to swap the accounts over to us? Also that we need insurance? Tenancy or just contents?

The day you move in you should take meter readings. Take photos of the meter readings. You will probably be told who the current utility suppliers are and you should phone them and supply the readings with your details.. Once you take over responsibility for them you can choose who your supplier is regardless of what the agent tells you about not changing suppliers. Some agent are on commission deals by having the contracts with very high tariffs.

Insurance: contents only,. If the agent demands that you take out a policy to protect the landlord's property they are trying to con you. Your deposit it supposed to be used to compensate the landlord for damage.

I'm sure there's a lot more that I'm missing as well...

Thanks in advance for any help!

Deposit: Your landlord or the agent on their behalf is legally bound to register your deposit with one of the three approved schemes: DPS, TDS and MyDeposits. They should tell you which scheme it has been registered with.

Inventory: You should be supplied with one at the very beginning of the tenancy. This needs to treated with respect and you should check every single detail to ensure you agree with the contents of the description of everything before you sign it. This will be the measure used for when your tenancy ends.

Any more questions pop over to the "Housebuying Selling & Renting" forum. There are experienced landlords over there who can advise you about almost anything.

There's a sticky over there for guidance as well.