First Time Renter

moneysavinmonkey

Option 1 isn't going to work - or else the landlord will just massive overbudget for the utilities to cover themselves so you are better of paying directly.

You can find out the exact costs of a lot of the bills by routing around on the internet.. e..g most councils allow you to find out the council tax rate for a particular property if you know the postcode.. you can use the uswitch website to estimate the likely water, electricity + gas costs...

you've got the main ones covered.. other things to consider are tenants content insurance, phone/broadband and parking space (if not included)

iolande

Keep an eye out for all the extra charges agents can include - we were looking for a rental about a year ago and there were several charges that seemed superfluous - like a moving out fee and an inventory fee - and worst of all, an extension fee (one weeks rent just to extend the lease!). All up for a year it was about £1000 extra (or £85 a month).

Star2018

Right, just spoke to the estate agents, they want a £95 holding fee and then when i move in they want a months rent in advance and a deposit which is the same amount and im seeing it on saturday!!

:j

ncooper1974

katieg543 wrote: »

• Water Meter - £20

The service charge on some flats includes the water rates. However, you should check this with the EA beforehand - if they say yes, might be a good idea to get this in writing!
A new tenant asked my EA if the water rates were included in the service charge and the EA told him "i think so" without actually checking with me. Turns out it wasn't, but as no-one saw fit to ask me it was for the EA to do the groveling apology!

Star2018

cheers, il ask when i go in this afternoon.

Now say i move in on June 1st for example, where do i start with bills, would it already have suppliers (its brand new) or would i have to ring myself and get them sorted. And when you start paying bills do you recieve your first one straight after or the next quater (so in 3 months time)?? just wondering as the 1st month is gonna be quite tight anyway!:rolleyes: