These are some of the points you may want to carefully consider before you start looking for a place to live and before you sign an agreement:-

Where do you want to live?

a) Do you want to live near to your place of work or study?
b) Do you want to live near to the City or Town Centre?
c) Are there any other considerations regarding location?
d) Do you have a limit on the rent you can pay?

The amount of rent you can afford will normally affect the area and/or the condition of the property you rent

e) Do you have your own transport?

Decide on the maximum rent you can comfortably afford to pay before you start

Who are you living with?

You will be jointly and severally liable for most tenancies that you are offered. This means that you are responsible not only for your own actions but also those of your fellow joint tenants. This will mean:

You are liable for all rent arrears during the tenancy
You are liable for the rent if one or more tenant leaves
You are liable for any damage to the property caused by the tenants

Be sure you are happy to share

House Hunting Checklist

There is a lot to remember when looking for a place to live and you may have to act quickly to secure the property you want. This checklist will help you make the right decision without delay………………..

N.B. Unless otherwise stated you will be taking the property as seen. The landlord will only need to carry out repairs and maintenance that are required by law.

Inspecting the Property

Gas & Electricity

Is there adequate heating in each room of the house? Does the cooker work? Have you asked to see a copy of a Gas safety certificate for the gas appliances?

Plumbing

Do all of the radiators/heaters work? Have you tried all of the taps? Does the toilet flush? Are there any signs of leaking pipes (damp patches)?

Security

Are the doors and windows secured? Are all the external doors solid? Do all the ground floor windows have window locks? Are smoke detectors fitted?

Furniture

Is the furniture fire retardant? Does the house have sufficient furniture for the occupants? Is there sufficient space in the kitchen to store and prepare foodstuff? Is any of the existing furniture the property of the existing tenants? Is all the furniture in good condition?

Services

What services is the owner providing for you if any? e.g. Window cleaning, gardening, lighting of common parts, dustbin and refuse disposal

Money

What are you paying for in your rent? How does it compare with other rents?
Have you paid a deposit?
Have you a receipt for what you have paid?

Outside the Property

a) Does the roof look sound?
b) Do the gutters have plants growing out of them?
c) Are the drains clear?
d) Are the communal areas (if any) well maintained?
e) Is any of the woodwork rotting or unsafe?
f) If you have transport is there adequate parking available?

Your landlord or agent will usually need to make routine checks to be sure you are a suitable tenant. The checks are to make sure:

• You have sufficient funds to pay the rent
• You have a good payment history
• If applicable you have been previously been a reasonable tenant

Credit referencing will be carried out through a third party and you will pay a charge to cover this and administration costs when you apply for a specific property.

A deposit is paid at the start of a tenancy to hold against any damage other than fair wear and tear that may happen during the tenancy.

A deposit can be used to compensate the landlord if the tenant:

• leaves the property owing rent
• damages the property
• does not pay their bills

A deposit should be paid when you sign the contract. Do not pay a deposit to hold a house as you could lose it if you decide not to sign.

However be aware that the contract will not be legally binding for either party until consideration (money) is received by the landlord.

If you pay by cash get a receipt for the deposit you pay, or pay by bank transfer or card and keep your proof of payment (on your bank statement) in a safe place.

Before you move in the landlord or agent should draw up an inventory of furniture, kitchen equipment and other items in the property as well as detailing the condition of the property. You should both agree on the list’s contents by signing and dating the inventory.

All deposits must now be protected by one of the government-approved tenancy deposit schemes. This means your deposit will either be held by an independent body who will arbitrate in the event of a dispute, or it will be held by an agent that is approved and regulated by a governing body such as A.R.L.A.

Agreements

• Do you know what the contract means?
• If so, what type of contract is it?
• Have you been given a copy of the contract that you have signed for?
• A contract is a legally binding document. When you have signed a contract you do not normally get the chance to change your mind.

A contract can be:

• written or verbal
• joint or individual

N.B. Insist on a written contract. Both parties will know what is expected of them and it is difficult for the owner/agent to add conditions as the tenancy progresses. A verbal contract is legally binding, however it is difficult to prove what was agreed.

Tenancies

Landlords and Agents will normally give you an Assured Shorthold Tenancy. This will grant you a tenancy to occupy the property for a fixed period of time.

• Ask for 24 hours to read through any contract.
• Do not sign anything you do not understand.
• If you are not sure about any conditions in the contract seek advice before signing. You can get free advice from the local Citizens Advice Bureau.

N.B. if you are sharing most tenancies will be joint and you therefore will be responsible jointly and severally with the other adult members of the household for all rent payments and damages throughout the tenancy.

Butlin Property Services is a member of the Association of Residential Lettings Agents (ARLA) a professional membership and regulatory body for letting agencies in the UK.

arla-logo

Membership of the Association is through formal qualification ensuring that ARLA member agents have the knowledge and experience to guide you through your property transaction as smoothly and painlessly as possible.

Operating under strict rules of conduct, members must meet certain standards relating to professional and ethical practice. Under the rules, agents are required to protect and promote their client’s interests, while at all times acting in a fair and proper manner.

As a Licensed ARLA agent clients are guaranteed:

We have attained professional qualifications in all areas of property management

Health and Safety, Security and General Law Legal Aspects of Letting and Management Residential Property Letting Practice Residential Property Management Practice

• We are kept up to date with changes in legislation and good practice
• We achieve a rigorous level of continuing professional development to ensure we are fully up to date with current good practice and legislation
• We are covered by the ARLA Client Money Protection (CMP) Scheme
• We have Professional Indemnity Insurance
• We are bound by the Code of Practice and Rules of Conduct laid down by ARLA
• We are a member of the Property Ombudsman Scheme required by ARLA members to provide an avenue for complaints

You can be sure you are dealing with an experienced and professional agent, by choosing an ARLA member.