Tenants: Top 11 Tips For Tenants

Top 11 tips for tenants

1) Negotiate.

Rents and fees are negotiable; so don’t be afraid to negotiate. Even if you can get £5 off a week, that would be an extra £260 in your pocket by the end of the year. Weekend mini-break to Wigan anyone?

2) Don’t be afraid to ask.

If you don’t ask, you don’t get. Want that redundant decrepit television removed, or that box of old linen thrown out, ask the landlord or agent. This applies to everything really, from having the property professionally cleaned before you move in, to having the old black sealant around the bath renewed. The worst they can say is no, and who knows, they may even say yes.

3) Inventory.

People tend to remain divided on this subject, is it all just a little unnecessary? Well that depends really, a good inventory can protect you from those unscrupulous landlords trying to syphon off your deposit at the end of your tenancy. In essence, it is an insurance policy. But beware, do check the Inventory thoroughly and include all necessary amendments before signing and returning it to the agent or landlord. Oh, and make sure that you keep a copy for your own records.

4) Check the small print.

Check the contract. It may feel very tedious, especially all that small print but believe me, it will empower you- not in the sense that it will give you superhuman powers like being able to cut the perfect slice of cheese, but believe me, it will.

5) Where’s my deposit?

For any assured shorthold tenancy starting after 6^th April 2007, landlords are obliged to place your deposit in a tenancy deposit protection scheme (TDP). There are 4 such schemes (further information will be available on the site shortly):

-  Deposit Protection Service (Custodial and Insured).

-  MyDeposits.

-  Tenancy Deposit Scheme.

-  Capita Tenancy Deposit Protection.

The deposit must be put into one of these schemes within 30 days of receiving it.

Make sure to check this, as this offers some protection over your deposit- an amount usually a bit more substantial than a weekend mini-break to Wigan!

6) Promises.

Agents and landlords will often promise the world if it means you’ll sign on the dotted line. Professionally cleaned- sure! Replacement of the battered sofa with a brand spanking new one- hey, why not, I was going to replace it anyway! A fat free skinny latte with soya milk and extra cinnamon every morning delivered to your doorstep- well, your place is on the way to work- it would be stupid not to! Okay, maybe not the last one, but you get the idea. Whatever promises are made, make sure these are added to the contract- demand it!

7) Arriving at your rental property for the first time.

Okay, so you’ve finally picked up the keys and you’re ready to move in. STOP!!! Only joking, please feel free to move in. Once in however, make sure that the property is habitable, for example make sure that the heating, hot water, W.C., shower/ bath etc are all working. Also, make a point of checking that all those promises that were made have been adhered to- if not get straight on the phone. ‘Where’s my latte?’

8) Safety.

Always check that your rental property has a gas safe certificate. These annual inspections make sure that all gas appliances in your rental property have been certified as safe. Also, make sure there is a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector in the property- if not, then demand them.

9) During the lease.

Want to put up a picture hook or a shelf- get permission. If agreed verbally also get some kind of written verification even if it is just an email sent to the agent or landlord.

10) Repairs.

These fall in to 2 main categories, those that the tenant is responsible for and those that the landlord is accountable for. Please note, that the tenant is responsible for changing light bulbs and changing batteries in smoke alarms for example. If your rental property requires critical repairs to heating, water supplies, damp damage or anything else along these lines, then the landlord does have certain obligation to carry out these works. Further information can be found at Shelter.

11) Getting your deposit back.

At the end of your tenancy and assuming you are up to date with your repairs and there is no damage you should get your deposit back within 10 days. However, if it is deemed that there are some damages (also known as ‘dilapidations’ in the trade), ask your landlord or agent for an itemisation of these charges. There are rules governing what a landlord can charge for, further details can be found at Shelter’s website. In the event of a dispute, depending on the type of scheme your deposit is protected by; there will be a respective resolution service in place to resolve any disputes.