Moving into rented for first time - what do I need to know?

[Pinkfizzy]

Hi I'm moving into rented for 6 months whilst a big renovation occurs at home.
Not done this in over 20 years - what do I need to do? Landlord is an accidental landlord, so new to the whole thing as well.
I am keeping services at house apart from virgin package which i can move temporarily. I will need to organise to take over gas & electric, water & council tax. Do I get contents insurance only? Presume that the landlord does buildings insurance.
What would you ask before signing the contract? It's an elderly parents' home with associated decor; doesn't bother me but am a bit at the sheer amount of carved carpet up the sides of bath etc? I'm hoping that they will strip out & vinyl it...
Also no white goods at all, which is fine as I can take mine, saves storage, I know that they work well etc.

Any advice you care to share! Thanks!

Make sure you have the deposit scheme details and the gas safety certificate. Yes to insuring your own possessions and contents. Ask about service contracts for heating etc.

Make sure you do an inventory yourself. Or, if they've done one, double check it and add to it. I tend to take photos of any slight thing that could possibly be considered a fault (so if there's a crack in a bathroom tile, a stain on the carpet) to make sure it's documented as being there when I moved in.

Does your lease allow for a rolling month by month period after the 6 months? The renovation may take longer than you think.

It seems unlikely that they'll change the decor if you're happy being a tenant as is, so if you do want something changed ask for it before you sign anything. If you're renting it furnished, make sure to ask if there's any furniture you don't want to be there. If you want it unfurnished, make sure they actually supply it unfurnished!

You'll only need contents insurance, and that tends to come out a bit cheaper if there is window locks, I've always asked for them to be fitted if they're not there already.

They'll probably sort out the gas electric etc, but it's worth checking. You'll most likely be the one that has to sort it out at the end (i.e. making sure they all know when you're moving out and settling the final bill).

Know who you're to contact if there are any problems - is it them or a letting agency? Do a basic check to make sure everything is working when you first move in: hob, oven, grill, shower, central heating (you might need it six months from now!)

the shelter website will tell you a lot.

yes, you pay all utilities and council tax. And yes, you get tenant's insurance, covering your stuff. Also a good idea to include accidental damage cover for his stuff, many tenant's policies do.

you must have from the landlord:

• up to date gas cert
• protected deposit and the information on where it is
• inventory and schedule of condition

a written tenancy isn't actually essential but it is an EXTREMELY good idea. Confirm notice periods on both sides, legal min is 1 month you to him, 2 months him to you except in case of breach. For this situation, sign up for six months fixed - he can't evict you before then anyway.

as for the carpeted bath (which I agree is a little retro...) no point hoping for things to change. You can ask but if it isn't a functional issue, why should the landlord go to the expense? You can negotiate with a business deal. BUT I would check taps work, shower works, boiler ok etc etc before signing because it may not have been repaired in a LONG time.

My main advice would be to get an inventory and print it out.

Take a pen, camera, and another person, and check it carefully, room by room, from the top down. Note down every mark, scratch and chip you find. You are obliged to return the property in the condition you received it, minus fair wear and tear.

This way, when they try to charge you for a new kitchen work surface to be fitted because of one tiny chip that was there when you moved in, or a new carpet because of a tiny mark that was there when you moved in, you can prove it was in that condition when you arrived

I've had agencies, accidental landlords and new landlords and the agencies have always been far more devious and dishonest than the landlords (so far..!)

Gosh that is brilliant - plenty of things to double check...
Yes it will be a proper assured short hold contract with 6 month break clause so we can give notice when the picture is clearer - quite prepared for the builders/ weather delays.
I will check for deposit scheme. I know that there will be an inventory check in (being charged) so i will be present & take loads of photos.

Great point re door locks/ window locks.

Shower flow weedy but it's only for a few months. I will check hob, lights & do contents insurance only.

Thank you - keep it coming!

'they' cannot charge you for a new carpet unless you wreck a BRAND-NEW one the moment you move in. Landlords are expected to absorb wear and tear.

remember that your contract is with the landlord, not the agency. You are legally entitled to his/her contact details.

also ask for arrangements in case of boiler breakdown or other problems. If this happens while the landlord is on holiday, who will cover? You don't get instant fixes (as you know from being an owner) but you cannot be expected to wait a week before anything happens.