A Tenant's guide to renting

brighton_bear · 24 March 2010 at 1:47PM

Great post and suggestions from everyone!

I've rented a few times now but definitely good pointers for next time!

MissMoneypenny · 31 March 2010 at 6:13AM

When viewing a property, check to see that pre paid gas and electric metres have not been installed. A previous tenant or the landlord, may have had bad debts when they lived at the property and the utility providers then installed pre paid metres.

JoeA81 · 31 March 2010 at 11:43AM

MissMoneypenny wrote: »

When viewing a property, check to see that pre paid gas and electric metres have not been installed. A previous tenant or the landlord, may have had bad debts when they lived at the property and the utility providers then installed pre paid metres.

As a general guide to the conduct of the previous tenants/landlord, that is definately good advice. But I wouldnt completely dismiss a property just because it had a prepayment meter. What I would say the is best rental property I ever lived in, with the nicest most considerate landlord I have ever had, initially had a prepayment elec meter when I moved in. I was able to change it for a normal elec meter within the first month, and had no problems at all.

Try and find out why the prepayment meter was installed. Turned out in my case that there had always been a prepayment meter as the property was ex-council, but the previous tenant had been too lazy to change it, even though he had been there 6 years!

tbs624 · 31 March 2010 at 2:55PM

Premier wrote: »

You would be required to give one clear months notice to terminate the tenancy agreement, and any termination usually ends on the last day of a rental period ... in your case that is monthly and presumably ends on or the day before the day the rent is due.

Not necessarily. The rental period for a Statutory Periodic begins the day after the expiry date of the original Fixed Term - that may or may not be the same day as a Rent Due date. The poster may now have sorted themselves out but it's a point worth noting for others in a similar situation , because Lettings Agents don't always get it right.

calebdylan · 4 April 2010 at 6:28AM

it takes more time to read your post better keep it short and simple by providing the key points ..... it will be useful thank you..............

nmluser · 26 April 2010 at 12:01PM

Hi,
I am going to rent a furnished flat; Do I still need to have Tenants Insurance?
I thought as it is furnished, LL insurnace covers the furnituere, fixings, bath tub, wash basin, curtains and carpets. My agent has recommended me to take tenants insurace! I am just worndering is it really required! or just a recommendation in general practice.

FYI I am a short term overseas visitor and don't have any personal expensive contents with me. Your advise will be much appreciated. Thank you.

smurf22 · 5 May 2010 at 9:19PM

I am renting and have been for 3 years, my toilet is blocked and has been since friday, my LL came to the property on sunday and said he can't find a problem yet there is now sewage puming through the sink :mad: I have told him I will be deducting money for each day it is out of action. He has told me someone entered my padlocked garden without our permission yesterday and could not find a problem. Legally where do I stand what are my rights as a tennant, I know him giving permission for someone to enter was illegal. Please help;)

venus_in_furs · 7 June 2010 at 6:40PM

Hi, just hoping someone can help me (providing i am asking this in the right place) I have viewed a property with my boyfriend which is absolutely perfect....i love it and we went to put an application on it and have been told we both need to do a credit check (i thought it would just be one person and then he could do it) anyway, i am really worried i wont pass it. I did have debt with a debt company after i got into trouble at uni a couple of years ago and took a credit card out (my parents were not helping me out and i was working full time at uni to cope with the costs...not good!). I have paid the whole debt off earlier this year and have no more debts now to my name. I was late occasionally paying it, but mostly on time. I now have a job as a civil servant and am getting a decent wage. Do you think i will pass or fail on this info? I have never had a CCJ or been bankrupt.

I would be gutted if i didnt get this place as i have fallen in love with it.

Thanks in advance for any help.

bongal · 9 June 2010 at 12:17AM

Great post. Its a minefield out there.

KHH · 9 June 2010 at 1:44PM

We have been renting a property on a 12 month contract, and are now trying to renew the contract. The estate agent was only involved in the intial set up and we have always dealt directly with the landlord with any problems with the property etc. The estate agent has now sent us a letter asking for £150 administration fee to renew the contract, when all they have to do is print us a new contract! Is there anything we can do to avoid paying this completely unreasonable charge?