If you’re going to be moving into rented accommodation, then you can make life much easier by going through a few simple preparatory steps. Let’s look at some of the more important of them!

Can you afford it?

Before you sign the rental agreement, you should try to ensure that you can actually afford the monthly bill. If you can’t do so comfortably, then you might be setting yourself up for a lot of stress. If you’re hoping to one day buy a place of your own, then the more affordable your accommodation, the more easily you’ll be able to save.

Where is it?

Your home should be within easy commuting distance of your work. But it should also provide other amenities, and generally be a pleasant place to live. Make sure that you’ve scouted not just the property itself, but the surrounding area.

Do you have the correct documents?

You’ll need to provide the landlord with proof of your identity, immigration status, and credit history. Have all of the required documents to hand, so that you can provide them when they’re requested.

Are you dealing with the landlord?

It’s worth establishing whether you’re dealing directly with the landlord, or an intermediary such as a letting agent. This will effect your dealings with them later on, so it’s always worth knowing where you stand.

Do you have the right to rent in the UK?

You can prove you have the right to rent in the UK via one of two different checks. There’s a manual check, or a digital one via the home office’s online service. 

Notifying a change of address

You’ll need to notify a few organisations that you’re living in a different place. This covers just about anyone who might send you post. The DVLA, your bank, and your telephone provider all need to be informed. You might also set up a forwarding address with the post office. There’s always the chance that you’ll overlook someone.

Cleaning the Property

As soon as you move into the new property, you’ll want to clean it from top to bottom. This will provide you with assurance that the place is actually clean. Also, it’ll allow you to identify any problems and document them. That way, you’ll limit the risk of losing your deposit later on.

Setting up Broadband

You’ll need to set up your broadband ahead of time, especially if you’re working from home. It takes around eight days to make the switch, on average. If you need to cover yourself during this time, then you can use your mobile phone as a wi-fi tether, but this is an imperfect solution. Better to get the ball rolling earlier.