What advice would you give to first time renters?

The_Man_In_The_Pub

In my tenancy agreement extra keys should not be cut without prior agreement from the landlord

It is none of the landlords business how many keys you have cut or who you give them to! Whatever next, a landlord who tells you what company you may keep!

I would not recommend changing the locks.

Why ever not? You are perfectly entitled to do. Not changing the locks is madness from a security & safety point of view. The landlord has no right of access without your consent (and 24 hours notice) so it is none of his business if you change the locks. Just put the old lock one back when you move out. 

coffeehound

PRAISETHESUN said:
 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.

Special mention to take the water meter reading as it's one that is often missed since it can be hard to find.  It might be on the ground outside the building, on pavement beside the road, or inside the building somewhere obscure.  Check that the meter identification numbers match up with those on bills.

Also, before you move in, if the LL promises to fix something or do a 'professional deep clean', make it clear you will only sign the paperwork once it has been done -- don't take these things on trust.

Norman_Castle

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/

MaryNB

Your tenancy agreement might refer to a certain energy supplier but you are perfectly entitled to chose your own if you are responsible for paying the bills. You will need to register with the existing supplier before you can change.