Once you’ve found your perfect property through krispyhouse.com and considered whether you can afford the rent proposed, you should check some basic information.
Ask These Questions
- Am I eligible to rent in the UK?
- What deposit should I pay?
- How long is the rent tenancy?
- What documents do I need?
- Do I need a rent guarantor?
- Are there any additional fees to know about?
- Am I entitled to any housing benefits?
- What are the rules on pets or smoking?
- What bills do I need to cover?
- Do the living arrangements suit my needs? (E.g. for those with mobility issues)
The agent or landlord might need to ask you more questions to properly answer your queries, but after this, you can begin the next steps.
You might choose to rent directly through a landlord or with a letting agent. Ultimately, as long as all the proper steps have been taken and all the responsibilities of a landlord are understood, it shouldn’t affect you too much either way.
Some finer details will need to be examined, like whether the correct smoke alarms and carbon monoxide monitors have been installed, also if the fixtures and fittings are safe, but an agent would know this and tell you if not.
If you’re a potential tenant, make sure you don’t pay beyond the Deposit Cap you’re protected by, which is 5 weeks’ rent (or 6 weeks if the yearly rent is over £50,000). You should ensure your deposit is protected by the landlord or agent, you’ll receive it back after your tenancy.
Before Moving In
Now that you’re all set, let’s go through some crucial details. The basics to perform include:
- Double-checking your tenancy agreement
- Agree on an inventory with the landlord
- Check your meter readings when you first arrive
- Ascertain the right contact details
- Check if there’s a code of practice
- Ask for your How to Rent Guide
- Get your gas safety certificate
- Ask for a copy of the deposit paperwork
- Get an energy performance certificate
- View the electricity installation report
- Check the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors work
There might be one or two more questions you have, but that’s it in terms of the essentials.
Your Responsibilities
As you’ll be aware, you need to make your payments correctly and on time to stay within the agreement. If you’re liable for any other bills, they’re your responsibility too. You need to take care of the property as if you owned it, but we’re sure you would as it’s where you’re living.
Think about the neighbours and their rights where they live too i.e. being considerate with noise, parking, rubbish etc. You legally can’t sub-let or take in any lodgers either.
We’d advise that you regularly check the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors for safety, tell the agent or landlord of any repairs needed, get the right insurance for your possessions, and check you know how all appliances work.
What The Landlord and Agent Need to Do
Repairs that are needed must be carried out in a timely fashion when recorded including those relating to gas, water, and electricity. The structure of the building is the landlord’s responsibility and any hazards endangering people must be prevented. Maintenance of all appliances and furniture, fittings, and fixtures that were provided by them. Also arranging checks of gas and electricity when required.
They must provide sufficient notice if they want to visit the property. The landlord should make sure the property is insured against fire or flooding. If you want to renew your tenancy, this should be discussed by you and the landlord/agent in good time also.
Hopefully, this checklist better prepares you for renting. Visit krispyhouse.com today to see what we do.