Renting

andyrules

Morning -

Daughter is off to look for rented property for next year at uni. with mates. They have a few which they think suitable but none of us have a clue about agreements, rights, deposits etc. I've done some searches on here, but am getting no results, must be a blip this morning. What does she need to be aware of? Looking at some of the problems people have there are many pitfalls and they are very green!
Cheers

deary65

Have a search on here, They are all very helpful.

clutton_2

most importantly ask
which deposit scheme the landlord is using
will he provide an inventory on move in and move out
how long has he been a landlord
how man properties has he got
is he a member of a professional landlords association
has he been vetted by the university accommodation office

andyrules

Thanks

Most of the ones they are viewing belong to a property developer and seem to be newly converted/updated, new carpets, boiler in some. Should they ask to see evidence boiler was fitted by corgi and can they take away agreement to read carefully before signing? What kind of deposit schemes are there?

We've rented in the past between buying, always through an agent and the whole thing was very depressing.

Can't get into the landlordzone, found the site but getting timed out so will try later.

Cheers

clutton_2

oh i forgot - you need to see the CORGI landlords gas safety certificate before they more in - this certificate proves that all gas installations are safe and is a legal requirement annually.

the landlord must now put tenants cash into one of 3 deposit schemes - if the landlord does not know what you are talking about here - walk away.

a property developer may be a great builder - does not mean to say he is a good landlord ...

msmicawber

It may be a good idea for your daughter and her friends to contact the Students' Union at the college to see if they have a list of local lettings as some agents/landlords won't touch students. Also, they're likely to have an information sheet containing all the information you're asking for.

speedtwin

Remember if she is going to share normally they will be joint tenants which will mean if one doesnt pay the rent the others are legally liable. If you are to be guarantor try to get the doc worded so you are liable for only your daughter % of the rent otherwise you could end up paying for the other tenants.