This is the first-ever I rent a place from a private landlord and live my own. I have found a nice place that I will likely take it. But no parent (abroad), no friends here (most of them are living in university / student accommodation) so dont know where to start.
Could anyone advise me what to do step by step, such as
- what should I suppose to provide to the landlord for record when I sign an agreement? What kinds of stuffs should I pay attention to?
- Once I moved in to the house, what kinds of items should I check? If the previous tenants havent settled bill payments, what can I do?
- how to set up telephone line and broadband?
- when and where to pay water, electricity, gas rate?
- etc. etc....
Sorry as I am panic and really look silly now. In the past, I can always rely on my parents / caretakers. But I know I should take this first step forward, or I will always be just a little kid!!
Hope someone may help.
Will you be renting through a agent or just private?.If with agent they will give you a sheet that lists room by room and it will be up to you to check what they have put (eg) wallpaper rip or anything like that. Make sure you check each room carefully. If private i would go with the landlord get him to wright a sheet saying of any problems,then get him to sign it.The gas and electric and phone just look in the phone book,ring them up when you know you will be taking the place and tell them that you will be there from that date.They may ask you to take a reading from meter and tell them.Good luck in your new venture i@m sure you will be ok,we all have to grow up some times as long as we do not make to many mistakes as we go,so with a little help from others hope we dont make to many mis.
Originally posted by kymama
- what should I suppose to provide to the landlord for record when I sign an agreement? What kinds of stuffs should I pay attention to?
The landlord should provide you with a tenancy agreement, generally it will be an Assured Shorthold tenancy agreement you should have time to read this thoroughly before signing it (I give my tenants a minimum of 24hrs but usually longer) this sets out what you and your landlord are agreeing to do. It will contain details of how much the rent is, how often it should be paid, the property address and how long the tenancy is for etc.
If you're paying a bond/deposit make sure you get a receipt!
You should also get an inventory that details what is in the property and what condition it is in, check this thoroughly before you sign it to ensure all the details are correct.
- Once I moved in to the house, what kinds of items should I check? If the previous tenants havent settled bill payments, what can I do?
The previous tenants bills are not your responsibility, I always advise my tenants to return anything received in previous tenant's names to the sender (just cross out their name & address on the envelope and write "return to sender - not at this address") and then stick it in a post box when you're passing.
- how to set up telephone line and broadband??
Contact BT or Telewest or whoever you decide you want to set up an account with and ask them their procedure for a new account.
- when and where to pay water, electricity, gas rate?
Contact Yorkshire Water to tell them you've moved in and ask them to send you a bill this will contain details of how to pay (same with the Council for Couincil tax - remember you're entitle to a 25% discount on C/tax if you're living in the property by yourself)
For gas and electric take a reading on the day you move in and contact the suppliers (Landlord should be able to give you details of which company supplies) and then contact them to set up a new account.
When to pay all of these things depends on your income (ie. when you get it), generally though a monthly direct debit is best as you don't get a large bill to pay all at once. Jyst remember to provide the suppliers with your own readings regularly and then you can be sure you're paying for what you're using and not under or over paying.
Sorry as I am panic and really look silly now. In the past, I can always rely on my parents / caretakers. But I know I should take this first step forward, or I will always be just a little kid!!?
Post again if you want more info, the more clued up you are the better prepared you'll be.
Plain Talker
19-04-2005, 18:12
a very important thing is the gas safety check
the landlord is legally obliged to have any gas fire/ boiler/ cooker etcetera checked for safety
AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR
Make sure you have a current safety certificate. and if not, raise hell!!
people have died because the landlord has not carried out the safety checks. I nearly died because the landlord I had was lax about the checks. I now use a wheelchair, because i suffered neurological damage because of it.
PT
Thanks Plain Talker, Musey and Peril.
Your information and sharing is very useful. I feel more confident now as I know how and where to start.
Hi, Plain Talker, I am so sorry to hear about your story. I dont quite understand why some people cannot do a little bit more in order to reduce accident. Thanks for reminding me. I will have a good chat with the landlord so as to find out if he is a reasonable and reliable landlord. Hope everything is fine with you in the coming days.
Million thanks again!!
Originally posted by Plain Talker
a very important thing is the gas safety check
the landlord is legally obliged to have any gas fire/ boiler/ cooker etcetera checked for safety
AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR
Make sure you have a current safety certificate. and if not, raise hell!!
people have died because the landlord has not carried out the safety checks. I nearly died because the landlord I had was lax about the checks. I now use a wheelchair, because i suffered neurological damage because of it.
PT
That is such a good point, it is extremely important that the gas is safe. Also important is that the electrics are safe, they should be checked for safety every 5 years.