Top lettings tips to remember for the first-time renters
ARLA Propertymark has shared its top tips for renting to help the process run as smooth as possible.
Phil Keddie, President of ARLA Propertymark, says: “Tenants who haven’t had to go through the lettings process at all, or at least haven’t since 2016, might be unaware of new legislation that has come into force since then. When signing a new tenancy, it is important you keep on top of the costs, as well as your rights and responsibilities.
“There is certainly a lot to consider. That’s why it’s important to have a reputable letting agent or landlord by your side to guide you through the renting process.”
Work out your finances:
Firstly, work out a budget and research the areas you can afford a property. Remember that on top of rent, you will also need to budget for gas, electricity, water, phone, broadband, TV licence and council tax.
Virtual viewing:
It’s likely that before viewing the property in person, the letting agent or landlord will suggest a virtual viewing. Then, when viewing the property in person, you may be asked to wear a face covering, you will need to keep your hands clean and you may not be able to view the property in a group.
Before you sign your tenancy agreement, you will be asked to provide proof that you have the right to live in the UK so make sure you have your passport to hand. After you sign the contract, you must be given a copy of your new home’s Gas Safety Certificate (if the property has gas), Energy Performance Certificate, the Government’s
How to Rent Guide, your Deposit Protection Certificate, any licence issued by the local authority (if the property is subject to any
Know your rights:
form of local authority landlord licensing scheme), and an Electrical Safety certificate.
Ensure you are protected:
Make sure you’re clear about what kind of tenancy agreement you’re signing before putting pen to paper. You are entering a legally binding agreement so take your time and read the contract thoroughly. Ask as many questions as you want until you are comfortable that you understand everything it contains and if you’re not happy, ask for any changes or amendments you want.
If you are using a letting agent, ask if they are members of ARLA
Propertymark and have Client Money Protection. Without this, your money is not protected. Letting agents are required to display on their websites and prominently in their offices all fees they charge and the redress scheme to which they belong. Should you have an issue which you don’t feel has been satisfactorily dealt with, you can complain to the redress scheme and get up to £25,000 compensation. If the agent can’t provide you with this information, don’t use them.
Sort out the bills and insurances:
If this hasn’t been done by your agent, notify the utility companies and give them meter readings, your move-in date and the names of all the tenants. Make sure you also have contents insurance. The landlord is required to insure the building and their own contents, but you need to cover your own belongings.
Lets with pets:
If you move into a property that doesn’t allow pets, do not get a pet without your landlord’s permission. There will likely be a clause in your tenancy agreement that says you cannot keep pets. If you break this, it can be used as grounds for eviction.
Smoke alarms are required on all floors and carbon monoxide detectors in any room where solid fuels are burnt.
Safety first: