Don’t lose money when renting!

Whether you’re a long-term tenant or saving for your own place, we asked the experts everything you need to know – and how to cut costs

THINK BEFORE MOVING

“Due to the pandemic and working from home, many people are considering leaving big cities to save money,” says Kadir Kadir Bulgurcu of Tatewood Estate Agents. “This can be appealing as rentals are cheaper, but travel costs could increase if your commute into work takes longer – the average train season ticket is £3,000. If you don’t know for sure that you’ll be working from home for the next two to three years, I wouldn’t advise taking the plunge yet. Instead, ask your landlord for a reduction in rent, or search for a new property nearby, as many rentals in big cities are now on the market for 20 per cent less.”

PROTECT YOUR DEPOSIT

Just moved in? Protect your money. “Make sure your deposit is registered with a tenancy scheme like DPS or Mydeposit within 30 days of your contract start date, and ask for evidence of this from your agent or landlord,” says Kadir. “Any deductions at the end of your tenancy must go through the deposit scheme and evidence must be provided on why you’re being charged. That way, if a deduction is deemed unfair, they can help you.”

CHECK THE INVENTORY

Your landlord should provide you with an inventory, listing all the items in the property. “Double-check that there is nothing missing in this checklist at the start of your tenancy,” says Kadir. “When moving out, if an item is missing or broken, replace it with a like-for-like. Otherwise, tell your estate agent or landlord so that a reasonable deduction can be made from the deposit.”

LOWER OUTGOINGS

“If you’re struggling financially, try asking your landlord for a reduction in rent,” says Paul Gibbens of Housebuyers4u.co.uk “A drop of just £20 a month could save you £240 a year. To support your request, point out any minor flaws. If you’re good at DIY, offer to fix minor issues in exchange for a rent reduction – you can repaint a room or fix a leaky tap. If you’re not feeling bold enough for that, reduce your energy usage to cut bills. Turn off appliances not being used at the plug, swap to LED bulbs and time your heating. Consider switching energy suppliers or broadband deals, as these are all in the tenants’ name.” If you need a new meter, let your landlord know as a courtesy.

NEVER MISS A BILL

“If bills aren’t paid and the supplier is not informed, this debt does not transfer to the landlord or property owner, notices for payment arrears will go to you. If you’re moving, contact your utility company, and if you have unpaid bills, set up a payment plan. You can apply for benefits to help if you’re struggling,” says

Jenny Zabubenina, General Manager at SmartHost. Check if you’re eligible for the Fuel Direct Scheme and don’t be afraid to speak to your supplier if you can’t afford your bills. Since COVID-19 hit, they have extra measures in place to stop people getting disconnected.

DRAW UP A BUDGET

“If you want to buy, set a budget and be strict with it”, says Paul. “Realising where you spend your money helps you save, and you could cut back on things like gym memberships or TV subscriptions. Consider downsizing, too. If you rent a house, work out how much you could save by moving to a smaller one or renting a flat for a short time and decide if you think the saving is worth it – the money you save could go towards a deposit. Check for government schemes such as Help To Buy, which has been extended to 2023, and can help you save towards a new-build home. You could also consider moving in with family for a period to boost your deposit.”

SORT PEST ISSUES

“Pests are a common issue with rentals. If there was an infestation prior to the rental, it would be the landlord’s responsibility, but if the issue arose during your tenancy and a pest control expert confirms it was caused by the tenants, this would be your responsibility,” says Kadir. “The average cost for pest control is anywhere between £90-£200, depending on how severe the issue is.” If you have mice, decent humane traps cost about £15 (there are cheaper options, but they’re usually far less humane). Check them every few hours.

FIX BREAKAGES

“When it comes to getting the deposit back, landlords look for broken doors, handles, kitchen units, taps and shower heads,” says Kadir. “Check these are

functioning before you move out, and if something breaks, tell your landlord immediately. Unless it’s stated in your tenancy agreement, it’s best not to hang frames or pictures as this can be noticed during an inspection. Instead, use nail-free picture hangings, which you can find in DIY stores. If it’s too late and you’ve hung pictures, fill holes before you leave. Use as little filler as possible so you don’t have too much sanding to do and buy the correct colour paint to cover the filler.”

LEAVE IT CLEAN

A common reason to lose some of your deposit is leaving the place dirty. “Before you leave, ask local cleaning companies for the cost of a professional clean. Letting agents often have good deals for end-of-tenancy cleaning services because they use them regularly,” says Jenny. If you can’t afford a cleaner, do it yourself, but make sure to clean carpets, curtains, windows and floors so that everything is left in a state that someone could move in the next day.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

“It’s illegal for your landlord to harass you, lock you out of your home or force you to leave without giving you the required notice or having a court order,” says Andy Parnell, Housing Adviser at Shelter.

“If you’re being pressurised by your landlord, you have every right to stay in your home. The evictions ban has now ended, but landlords must still follow proper procedures. They have to give tenants written notice to leave, and only when that notice period expires can a landlord apply to the courts to evict you. The amount of notice a landlord has to give depends on the type of tenancy. For most private renters with live-out landlords, and social tenants, it’s six months if the eviction notice was issued after 29 August 2020 – and three months if the notice was issued before 29 August 2020. However, you could be given just four weeks’ notice if you have more than six months’ rent arrears, and little or no notice if you’re facing eviction for antisocial behaviour.”