First Time Renting Properly

anothermoneysaver522

Hi everyone,

Myself and my partner are moving in together after 5 years, and although I have lived in students halls, and staff quarters in hotels, I haven't rented a whole house before. It's always been a small room and shared communal rooms with others.

I'm basically looking for any advice and money saving tips for when we do move in. We've placed a securing deposit on a property which is fully furnished and are waiting to hear back from the estate agents about the credit checks.

I have some debt on credit cards, about £2500, but I will have a big income boost as of September, and am hoping to be able to pay it off by January/February at the latest.

Any tips or advice on moving in and saving money in the next few expensive months of setting up home for the first time properly would be greatly appreciated!

princeofpounds

LA credit checks only pick up major things like CCJs. It's not the same as what a financial institution like a bank can do.

Understand deposit protection rules and make sure you immediately report, photograph and amend any issues where the inventory on entry is not accurate.

mrputney08

1) EA are very expensive to use when sourcing a property. There are sites out there that charge waay less to get you a decent landlord and property, just ask and I'll PM you.

2) As already rightly observed make sure you get the landlord to run through the Inventory with you and don't be afraid to say 'can you leave it with us for a few hours to check we are happy with everything on the Inventory' to the LL, do not be rushed into things here. Same with the Tenancy Agreement, read through it 1st, preferably ask your EA to read a copy of it BEFORE the day. If anything is not right on Inventory point it out to LL and get LL to correct and initial it both on your copy and LL's copy. if anything needs explaining to you on the TA ask, any decent agent or LL should not rush you on what is essentially the legalities of the contract.

3)Get EA or LL to note down at the bottom of the TA or Inventory the METER READINGS and get EA or LL to initial them that you both agree on this. Important in escaping any sticky messes, esp' if the previous tenant may have lapsed on payment.

4) Once settled check you are on the best energy tariff for YOU, you are entitled to do this.

5)Insulation: Are you entitled to any deals. Check for any nasty draughts that should not be there, invest in heavy curtains where at all poss, get long ones and take them up lo0sely (don't cut them) so that when you move you can adjust them easily to suit bigger/smaller windows.

6) Where at all possible MEET your LL. As some agents (not all please note) can be as useless as a chocolate teapot when you need them the most it pays to be able to deal with the LL direct or at least have their contact details should you need to contact them if you found the EA was not as forthcoming as you'd hoped.


This list is not exhaustive but if you do nothing else read through the TA thoroughly beforehand and check Inventory, both photographic and written, is completely accurate, many a times disputes can happen over this.

anothermoneysaver522

The EA so far have been great to deal with, really prompt with everything and really helpful. The are enrolled with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme and the EA themselves have excellent reviews overall. Unless I have missed something completely (I read through all the paperwork thus far too) I can't see any charges other than the regular deposit for the property and first month's rent upfront. Should I question them and double check there won't be any other charges? I'm very new to this!

There are decorative things in the property as well (ornaments/lamps/bedding etc) which I'd actually really like to box up and keep safely away in the attic - I don't want to risk breaking/damaging anything. Am I being a bit too overly cautious?

dimbo61

I would take photos of everything when you move in and email to Letting agents so MMS size on your mobile or camera.
If you photo everything in position so you can return all items to same room/Spot.
Take photos of any damage when you move in such as holes in walls, marks on worktops, marks/damage on furniture.
Meter readings ( contact Utility companies with readings and set up DD)
Report any problems to letting agents first by phone, follow this up with email and then letter ( keep copy)
Remember you now have all the bills to pay, Council tax, gas/electric/water/TV licence/Broadband+home phone, Contents Insurnace etc