What advice would you give to first time renters?

Darnoah96_

Hi everyone, 
My Family and I will be moving into rented accommodation soon, this is all new to us as we have never done this before. 
What advice does anybody have for those renting for the first time I.e. ways to save money in the home? Recommended broadbands, tv packages etc.

Thank you!

A_Lert

Expect the landlord to fail to meet their legal obligations, and to try and keep your deposit on flimsy grounds.

No, not all landlords and all that. But expect the worst and hope for the best.

FaceHead

When buying, few people offer the asking price straight off the bat. When renting most people do. The rental price asked is an asking price, so feel free to offer less. If the landlord think you'll be a good tenant (stable job, likely to stay around for a few years)  they may well accept your offer. 

PRAISETHESUN

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/mortgages/rent-a-property/

The very first thing you do once picking up the keys is to inspect the inventory/condition report and make sure the condition of the property matches what is stated. If there is no report, make one and provide it to the LL. You'd be suprised how often small things are overlooked on the condition report only for them to be noticed on checkout, and the tenant be deemed responsible for fixing them. Additionally, take readings of all meters and submit these to your suppliers - you don't want to be liable for any usage from the previous tenants. 

Also make sure your LL protects your deposit - they can be fined big money if it isn't.

Kakiste

Make sure you take pictures before you move anything in showing any bits of damage/wear. (Especially to carpets) that way when you're moving out you can use pictures to support your appeal if your landlord attempts to claim damage by previous tenants is yours and keep you deposit (Happened to us 3 out of 4 times we've moved on from a rental and each time the deposit protection service has agreed with us because we had pictures showing the damage prior to us moving our stuff in) 

dimbo61

Take photos of the property on the day you move, check every light, oven, cooker, heaters, boiler, shower etc.
Run the water and see how long it takes to warm up.
Check to see if the LL has registered your deposit within the 30 days required by law, have you got the prescribed information ? Right to Rent leaflet, How to Rent leaflet, GSC ( Gas Safe Certificate ) EICR ( electrical inspection and condition report ) PAT testing if the LL supplies a fridge/freezer or washing machine, 
The property needs a EPC and you should read it ! 
B or C is good D and E is poor so higher heating bills.
Take a good look round and look for damp, take a socket checker, tape measure, does it look safe, 
A good LL will have a Video inventory or full photo gallery of the house.

Darnoah96_

Thanks alot everyone, that's very useful to know! Much appreciated!

[Deleted User]

Prepare for viewings and think about whats important to you. 
Energy efficiency - If the property is solid brick and the double glazing is old prepare to be less comfortable and expect bigger bills.
Boiler - An inefficient old boiler would exacerbate the above problems. Even a good landlord is not going to replace a mediocre but still working boiler.
Showers - Worth testing them, who wants a mediocre shower
The point being, a property can look nice with a lick of paint, but dig a bit deeper and then your choices are well informed. 

theartfullodger

A_Lert said:

Expect the landlord to fail to meet their legal obligations, and to try and keep your deposit on flimsy grounds.

....

Indeed: And that you don;t need 1/2 a brain nor training nor qualifications nor criminal records check to be a landlord or agent (In England: Other countries are more sensible).

Remember landlord is only in it for the money.

The_Man_In_The_Pub

What advice does anybody have for those renting for the first time 

• Change the locks when you move in. Otherwise you have no idea how many ex-tenants (& dog) have copies of your door key. This is a very easy job you can do yourself, instructions on You Tube.
• Take gas and electric readings

The above apply when moving anywhere, not just when renting.

youth_leader

I recommend Octopus for your electricity, monthly readings keep your bill up to date, and no exit fee. 

In my tenancy agreement extra keys should not be cut without prior agreement from the landlord, I would not recommend changing the locks.