Finding your new home
You might use an accommodation agency. If you do, remember it can only legally charge a fee when it finds you somewhere to live. It's against the law for an agency to ask for payment for putting someone's name on its list, taking details, or providing a list of properties available for renting. They can, however, take a deposit upfront which will be returned if no suitable accommodation is found.
But once you've signed the contract to accept a tenancy, the fee the agency can charge is unlimited - so ask first.
Checking out the agreement
The tenancy agreement is a contract between the tenant and the landlord. It may be written or oral. It should tell you things like how long you can stay, what the rent is and when it is to be paid, who is responsible for what and what will happen at the end of the tenancy. Most new tenancies are Assured Shorthold Tenancies which means that if you pay the rent and do not break the terms of the agreement you can stay for at least six months.
There may be an inventory given to you before you move in. This is a list of the furniture and other contents that have been provided in the accommodation by the landlord. Check this carefully and if you agree, sign and date it. If the landlord does not draw up an inventory, it's a good idea to do one for yourself and get it signed and dated by an independent witness – ie, someone who is not a close friend or relative.
Furniture
If the property is let furnished, you should expect
to find the basics to live reasonably in the accommodation
but any upholstered furniture must comply with fire
safety regulations. If you find furniture inadequate,
you're within your rights to ask the landlord to
provide essentials. Click
here for more.
Gas and electricity
The tenant is responsible for paying for what's
consumed. The landlord may include this in the rent
or, more usually, you'll get the bill yourself.
Make sure you have meters read when you move in
and move out, or you may find yourself being pursued
for fuel you have not used.
The landlord is responsible for ensuring that any electric or gas appliances and fittings are safe. A check must be made by a registered supplier at least every 12 months.
What happens at the end
of the tenancy
If you find yourself in an unfortunate situation
where the landlord decides he wants you out before
the date you originally agreed, these are the facts:
1. How the landlord can get possession of the accommodation
depends on the type of tenancy. 2. Once a landlord
has given notice this doesn't necessarily mean the
tenant can be evicted. 3. In nearly all cases, a
court order is needed and further notice of court
proceedings is often required. Whether the court
allows the eviction will depend on the kind
of tenancy and the reasons the landlord is seeking
eviction.
In some cases a court
order may not be necessary. For example, if you
share accommodation with your landlord. This could
include sharing with parents – so be warned
– if you 'treat this house like a hotel'
too often, they could chuck you out quite easily.
If you do find yourself on the verge of being
chucked out, in whatever situation, get in touch
with the charity Shelter.
They don't just deal with problems of homelessness,
but all legal aspects of housing rights
and where you stand with regard to the law.
Getting your deposit back
Not being given your full deposit back at the
end of a tenancy can be a common problem –
landlords are particularly fond of finding an
excuse to keep some, or all, of it. Click
here for more If you've been asked
to leave the accommodation by your landlord before
your lease is up, or have not had your deposit
returned, you should consult an experienced advisor,
for example at a Citizens Advice Bureau. Take
a look at their
website to find a branch in your
area. Take a few precautions and you'll find living
on your own quite hassle-free but if you do run
into trouble, ask for help. Housing law is very
complicated and you'll need expert knowledge.
Advice agencies are there to help and CAB is free,
confidential and impartial.
— Bob Jackson 17.10.00
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