From taking photos to THIS contract clause, the 5 things you need check before signing a tenancy agreement
Here we round up the best ways to protect your interests before taking on a new home
MOVING home can be one of the most stressful things anyone can do and renting can make it very complicated.
From signing tenancy agreements, to saving up for a deposit, we asked some experts to help explain what to look out for before you move into your new home.
Always read the fine print in your tenancy agreement
Tenancy agreements can be tricky legal documents to read and truly understand.
As it's binding, the contract is a key document in the final negotiations before moving in, so make sure to read it through thoroughly.
Things to look out for would include if it has a break clause, which is a time in the contract where you are free to vacate the properly before your lease is up.
It's also important to find out all of the charges you are expected to pay including service charges, council tax, parking and the total of any admin fees.
What questions should tenants ask before moving in?
EXPERTS at consumer group Which? gave us the lowdown on what to ask when renting a home.
- How much are the letting agent fees? It's a legal requirement that letting agents in England and Wales clearly display all their fees at their business premises and on their website.
- How much is the security deposit and which scheme will it be protected with? Your landlord is legally required to place your deposit into an authorised deposit protection scheme within 30 days of receiving it.
- How much will a tenancy renewal cost? The government plans to ban tenancy renewal costs - on the grounds that it's an ''unfair charge'' - but it has not been passed yet.
- What kind of tenancy agreement are you signing? Find out if it's shorthold or longhold, which determines how long you can rent for. If you are renting out individual rooms then normally the Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement – Room Only is appropriate.
- Before moving into a rented property find out what additional costs you'll be expected to cover, such as service charge, energy, council tax, and water.
- Find out who the energy provider is and when it was last switched. You may find that you can save on your monthly bills by using a comparison website to compare prices, such as Which?'s or Uswitch.
How to get your deposit returned in full
Make sure any deposit given is paid into an accredited tenancy deposit scheme, protected under one of the three government-approved Tenancy Deposit Protection Schemes.
Make an inventory of anything that is in the property when you move in and any damage to walls, surfaces, windows, etc.
This will help you avoid dispute at the end of your tenancy.
Your landlord must return your deposit within ten days of you both agreeing how much you get back.
What to do if your rent increases after you move in
Landlords are allowed to increase your rent according to their discretion if it's in your contract.
But it's key to remember they are not legally required to and haggling the price should be attempted.
Compare the rent being charged at similar properties in the area to make sure you're not going to be overpaying.
If your landlord has increased your rent and you think it’s excessive, you have the right to apply to the Rent Assessment Committee.
Rent haggling: top tips
HERE are some tips on how you can try and get your rent reduced by speaking to your landlord.
- Get your paperwork and finances sorted in advance so you know what you can afford to pay and what you can’t.
- Do a bit of research into comparable rents so that you have some leverage when it comes to haggling with your landlord.
- If your landlord wants to put the rent up ask if you can have a conversation about improvements to the property.
- If your landlord is unwilling to keep the rent the same, ask if they can meet you half way, or knock just a bit off each month.
- Landlords fear bad tenants just as much as tenants fear bad landlords. Being a reliable tenant is a valuable asset.
A spokesperson for affordable renting campaigners, Generation Rent, Dan Wilson, said: ''Competition for homes is different across the country – in some areas homes will get snapped up and there’s little room for negotiation over the rent.''
''There are regional measures of rent inflation – from the ONS, for example – which can help tenants work out how fierce competition is. It’s worth noting that in London inflation is nearly zero so tenants could get relatively good deals compared with last year."
Do a full inventory of the property
Take pictures of everything, yes everything, this way you can be sure that you have evidence of any damage to avoid end of tenancy disputes.
Dan said: ''To maximise your chances of getting your deposit back, it’s best to take photos of anything that looks damaged: carpet stains, broken freezer drawers, misted up window panes, etc.''
''That way you can flag it up with your landlord over email at the very start.''
''And even if they do nothing you can prove to the protection scheme that the damage was there when you found it.''
What can and can't your landlord take money off your deposit for?
KNOWING what your landlord can't take money out of your deposit for could save you a bundle. Your landlord CAN take money out of your deposit for
- Rent you might owe.
- Property you have damaged like marks on the walls or a coffee stain on the carpet.
- Something that you have lost or broken that was in the property when you moved in like cutlery or an ironing board.
Your landlord CAN'T take money out of your deposit for:
- Replacing something like an old carpet or paintwork that has naturally worn down with time.
- Fixing any problems like a leak which you told them about but they did not fix.
- Using your deposit money to decorate an entire room that just had some scuffs on the wall.
End of tenancy must-knows
Your landlord should return your deposit within ten days of you both concluding how much you get back.
If you choose to end your lease early you may be forced to pay the remainder of the rent in FULL.
But if you can come to an agreement with your landlord, you may be able to pay the balance over time or allow them to keep your security deposit.
A deep clean may be required for your flat and 56 per cent of deposit disputes surround cleaning.
But it may already be in your contract - and payment could have been already paid via fees - for a deep professional clean.
You can ask to do an inventory checkout with your landlord, to ensure a discussion is had if you are concerned.
Things to remember when you are leaving a property
- Landlords can't force tenants to use a cleaning company but can request the same level of hygiene as it was documented in the move in inventory report.
- If you don't clean prior to vacating the property your landlord cannot overcharge you.
- If furnished: Remember to use your check in inventory as a guide to making sure you leave everything that is not owned by you personally.
- Be mindful of deadlines, once you move out the landlord can refuse you entry, so make sure you have everything covered BEFORE leaving
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