Citizens Advice Charnwood offer advice to people renting for the first time.
I’m moving and will be renting somewhere on my own for the first time. It feels like there’s so much to think about, I’m worried I’ll forget something important. Do you have any advice on what I should do when looking for a new home?
Most properties available for rent are listed online or with letting agents.
If you have the chance, renting directly from a landlord might be a bit cheaper before you move in, as they may ask for fewer references and you might not need to do a credit check. But you’ll have to deal with them directly if any issues arise during the tenancy.
It’s worth noting some landlords use a lettings agent to find their tenants and then manage the properties themselves. If an agent is managing the property then you’ll deal with them rather than with the landlord directly, for instance if you need to get any repairs done.
Remember, never pay any money before you’ve seen the property as this is a common tactic used by rental fraudsters.
If you can, take someone with you for a second opinion when viewing properties.
If repairs are being done when you view a property, it’s a good idea to take pictures. Follow up after the viewing with an email so you’ve got a record of the issues and that you were told they’d be sorted before you move in.
Things often happen very quickly when trying to find somewhere to rent so always ask the landlord or letting agent some key questions to make sure properties you’re considering are safe, affordable and meet your needs.
Key questions to ask include:
- How much is the rent? Is it payable monthly or weekly?
- How long is the tenancy for?
- Are bills included in the rent?
- Are any appliances or furniture included?
- Is there a break clause allowing any fixed term to be ended early, if needed?
- Does the landlord need you to provide a guarantor?
- Is there a tenancy deposit, how much is it, and how will it be protected?
It is also worth finding out how much notice you would need to give if you wanted to end the tenancy. You will need to let your landlord know in advance if you want to end your tenancy and you have to give notice in the correct way. If you don’t, you might have to pay rent even after you’ve moved out. You might also have to pay other bills – for example, council tax.
It’s also good to ask whether the tenancy is for a self-contained property, or whether there are shared facilities, whether or not it’s a joint tenancy with other people and, if relevant, if you can have pets. Make sure you’re happy with the arrangements.
Check if you’ll need to pay a holding deposit while the landlord carries out pre-tenancy checks. A holding deposit can’t be more than a week’s rent and should be returned to you at the start of the tenancy.
You should also ask your landlord or letting agent what documents you’ll need to provide when you agree to rent the property, including evidence of your Right to Rent.
Avoid ‘subletting’ which is when you rent directly from an existing tenant, as they might not have the landlord’s permission to rent to you. This could cause problems further down the line.
If a tenant is showing you around the property on behalf of the landlord, they should give you the landlord’s contact details.
If a landlord refuses to rent to you because of who you are, this may be discrimination – for example because of your race, religion or sexual orientation.
A ‘no kids’ policy or refusing to rent to you because you get benefits could also be discrimination. You only need to tell a landlord or letting agent you receive benefits if they ask.
More detailed information can be found on the Citizens Advice website – https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/housing/starting-to-rent-from-a-private-landlord/preparing-to-rent-from-a-private-landlord/
Remember, if you run into any problems, or need help, you can ring our Local Enquiry line and ask to speak to one of our Advisers.
Our Local Enquiry Line is 01509 649605 and is open Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays 9.30am-3.00pm. We will be closed on public holidays and info about this and details about us and the services we offer can be found on our website https://www.charnwoodcab.org.uk/