It's easy to feel overwhelmed if you're about to rent and step into your first residential rental agreement. Whether it is a long-term rental agreement or a short term rental agreement, there are many dos and don'ts when renting.
In this article, you will find out everything that you need to know about what to do and what not to do if this is your first time renting an apartment in the UK:
The Dos
1. Take Your Time to Read the Tenancy Agreement
Many tenants barely read their lease even once before signing it. This can be a bad idea and a bad start too.
It is important to carefully read your tenancy agreement and make sure all the points written are clear. This will clear out any future confusion that may happen with the property manager or the landlord.
There may be similarities between tenancy agreements, but there will be certain major differences too. Every rental apartment comes with different points mentioned in the lease.
For example, it might be mentioned on the lease that tenants may be required to maintain the landscaping or have their rugs professionally cleaned before the end of the lease. In this case, your security deposit is at risk if you don't study and abide by the agreement.
2. Safeguard Your Down Payment
You're likely to pay at least four to five weeks’ rent in advance as a deposit. Within 30 days of receiving your security deposit, your landlord must legally deposit it into one of the three Tenancy Deposit Protection Schemes authorized by the government. Make sure they give you evidence of this deposit.
3. Ask About Redecoration
Renters who have experience as homeowners may find this to be a problem. Most renting homes have simple, streamlined decor that is universally appealing. However, this can also indicate that they are not in the theme that a tenant likes.
Tenants should always check with their owners before making any major changes to the property. Even if you wish to do minor decor to make the place more appealing, letting your landlord know is important.
Remember that even if they agree, they may attach conditions. For example, the condition that you must restore the property to its original state before you move out.
4. Change Your Energy Supplier
As a new tenant, you may assume that you will be able to use the same energy provider as the past tenant. This is not the case at all!
According to energy experts, no tenant should be 'unreasonably prevented' from switching, even if your tenancy agreement states you can't. You can save hundreds of pounds by switching gas and electric suppliers.
So, do your research as soon as possible after moving in and get a new energy supplier asap.
5. Get Your Stuff Insured
If you're renting an unfurnished apartment, your owner is responsible for insuring the building itself, but you are responsible for insuring any personal items you keep there. You can do this with the help of renters' contents insurance.
Moreover, if you are a student, it is strongly recommended to purchase belongings insurance. Nearly three out of ten students, according to the Association of British Insurers' study, do not have property insurance.
The Don’ts
1. Don't Ignore Your Bills
It is your responsibility to pay all the bills unless it is mentioned in your agreement that it is not your responsibility. Be it a council tax, TV license, and phone expenses, everything is included in your bills.
Keep in mind that even if you rent, you may be eligible for a 25% reduction in your council tax if you are living all alone with no other adults.
2. Don’t Sign the Inventory without Complete Satisfaction
If you're not satisfied, never sign the inventory. Your landlord will conduct a check-in inventory of the rental property before you move in.
After you leave, this inventory will be compared to another one to check. It will let the owner know if any deductions need to be made due to harm or excessive wear and tear that you caused.
So, make sure everything is in working condition before you sign the inventory.
If the check-in inventory doesn't detail any damage you caused to the property or anything present in the apartment (like furniture), you may be liable for fixing it when you move out.
3. Don't be a Noisy Neighbor!
You still have some major responsibilities to your landlord, even if your tenancy arrangement is only for a limited time. Or, in case, you signed a short-term rental agreement.
One of the important responsibilities includes not being a nuisance to the people who live around you. Your owner may have grounds to evict you if you break the terms of your tenancy agreement.
For example, if you play loud music past a reasonable hour or host noisy parties that last until the early hours of the morning, you might be kicked out!
4. Don't Move Out Without Letting Your Owner Know
A tenancy arrangement is signed for the benefit of both, you and your landlord. Due to the fact that the length of your lease is specified in your tenancy agreement, you should not move out of the apartment before the end of the fixed period. It is very important to discuss your moving-out decision with the landlord first.
If you are having trouble making your rent payments or if you are stuck in an unfortunate situation, and moving out is the only option, always communicate with the landlord.
Most landlords would like to help, but if you merely quit paying rent and leave, you'll end up with even more problems and expenses.
