Questions for private renters, letting agents

[Qwerty19]

We've taken the scary plunge of giving up out LA property to go privately due to lack of space and a 7 plus Yr wait for a bigger property.
We've found a house. They're letting us decorate within reason.. Just a fresh coat of paint.. It doesn't NEED it we just prefer to do it, it doesn't cost much and would make it feel more homely iyswim.

My questions are.

Would there have been an end of tenancy clean? Or do I need to go and scrub rather than a quick antibac down.. I know the previous Tennants caused lots of issues in the area and have heard they did drugs so would need to know its clean.

Will the agent know the electricity and gas supplier? Or do I have to ring around. I don't want to stay with mine as found cheaper deals.

For any inspection, gas safety checks etc can I be there? I have a massive fear of people coming in my home without me there

Have you already given up your secure social housing tenancy? If there's any way of staying where you are, please stay put.

Private renting is extremely insecure.

If it's definitely too late to stay, I wouldn't spend too much on decorating. Obviously a lick of paint if you're allowed and want to. It's not a secure tenancy like social housing. You don't want to spend a large amount of money and then have to move out.

Cleaning. It should be cleaned before you move in but be prepared to do a clean yourself in case not. Take photos of everything, how it is, before cleaning so when you move out they can't claim damage you're not responsible for.

Arrange gas, electric, etc yourself. A lot of agents get commission from certain energy providers to sign up new customers. Usually these are more expensive than other providers.

Legally they should let you know in advance of any visits unless it's an emergency. I think you're entitled to be there. There's a Shelter clinic on MN next week. Check with them.

I hope it all works out for you

There's more knowledgable people than me, but hopefully these help:

For the end of tenancy clean, I would refer to the contract. If it states you should provide one on move out then it's reasonable to assume there will have been one. However, if there have been problem tenants there before it might not have happened. Raises any cleanliness or repair issues in your inventory, and make sure you take pictures.

If the agency are managing everything they should be able to tell you who the current utilities are with. But tenants have the right to change their supplier so do shop around for the best deals.

You can be there for inspections- stuff like this should always be arranged in consultation with you.

Shelter's website is brilliant for this stuff though.

Do not leave your secure tenancy for an insecure private tenancy. Have you looked into transfers?

Tried to transfer for 2 yrs. We're near a massive hospital I can see from my.flat., new build but well Built its immaculate etc etc. But no luck. There's such a shortage of houses
When moved here it was me and ds never imagined meeting someone after a bad past.
We had a dd via treatment as. We knew we would have space for 1 more and not be over crowded.
His ex had stopped Contact with his dd and a huge battle after Many of her lies and her dissappearing for 1 years, we couldn't track her. We now have her a lot. Which is great but SS recommend her being here FT. but she must not share with my ds as a permanent situation. Totally understandable
Even without it permanent it's not fair for a 7 Yr old and 13yr old ds to share.
Dd is in with us.
We were told we'd never concieve without treatment again and by a stroke of luck it happens and we wernt trying.. And of course we're over the moon
So it's impossible to stay here. Our notice has been given
So here's its Me dh, 13 Yr old ds, 7 Yr old dsd, 2 Yr old dd and a baby

We can't wait 7 years plus. Its just not doable. The bedrooms are small so no room to switch about.

I know it's a massive risk but we have to take it for kids sake.
I hear horror stories online etc and it scares me. But also know many people who have good landlords. I just hope We're one of them.
It was just some random things and questions I had in my head :)

The agent said the previous Tennants were there 4 years until the antisocial behaviour and drugs started so he evicted them. It was rented to a Company, via the letting agent that dealt with homeless and disabled people. It started well but the last Yr another person moved in and caused the issues.

So he wanted it to go to a family and he said we sounded down to earth and didn't mind its only dh that works atm.
He didn't even want references for us as such just for the zero deposit scheme.

I really hope it works out the house, location and everything is perfect.

We've always been lucky that we've had landlords who rent long term. We've been in this house a year, but the people before us were here for 8. The house I've rented have never been cleaned before I've moved in, always done it myself before unpacking. Make sure you take pictures of any damage etc and email them to the letting agents. When we moved out once the agent tried to charge us for damages carpet, luckily we had the email & pictures to show that it was there when we moved in& we had told them! We've always been told who the energy suppliers are by the agent. Yes you can be there for all checks etc. Our agent has a key, but whenever they arrange something they always ask if we will be there or whether they need to let themselves in.

Thank you that's a great help.
Were changing the locks but giving them keys.. As I feel more comfortable that was given the history of previous tenants.
Yeah I'll be going round with a fine tooth comb.. I'm mega fussy so I'll spot everything and photo and note down. Email. Is a good idea and print a copy for proof.. Ill definitely do that.
They said its an independent company who do the inventory and to rectify anything that's missed.

OP we are happily privately renting for 6 years so far so hopefully yours work out too - your landlord sounds approachable which is always a good sign.
You can ask your letting agent if an end of tenancy clean has been done and if not why not. It is usually standard. An inventory company would have probably done an inventory before you 'check-in' and they will send you a copy of the photos and report. Again, you can ask your letting agent. The LA will also know who the utility suppliers were so you phone them up and start the accounts on your name. There is usually someone at home for gas checks etc. I see it as you're the customer and you're paying the LA for a service so feel free to ask them!
Best of luck with the move