Renting a property for the first time, advice needed please....

[brazenhussy]

I am moving out of the family home into rented accomadation in two weeks with my 4 Dc.

This will be the first time I have rented. We have found a lovely 4 bedroomed unfurnished house 5 minutes walk from Dc school.

The previous tenants left the house in a very bad state of repair so consequently the landlord has had to replace the kitchen, bathroom, all the white goods and replaster and decorate throughout.

I have signed a years tenancy agreement but am hoping to be in the house for as long as possible (excellent location, fair rent and big enough for all of us plus huge summerhouse to me to use as storage - I'm a childminder do masses of toys and equipment to store)

Now my first question is; how much do tenants do to their houses to make them feel like their home? I mean, would it be ridiculous to invest in expensive light fittings, wall coverings or fitted blinds that you wouldn't/couldn't take with you when you move out?

Would it be better to buy budget items and invest only in the items that aren't 'fixed'?

I would be grateful for any tips or ideas you have.

I am a lone parent so don't have unlimited funds and although I will take some furniture, soft furnishings from the family home with me, I will have to leave a certain amount of furniture behind for when Dc stay with their Dad who will be moving back in when we leave.

TIA

Brazen I think you should talk to your landlord.
My previous tennants wanted to do loads to the house and I was happy for them to pretty much make it their own. They wanted to take up the carpet in the bathroom (NOT MY TASTE) and replace it with lino - It is what I would have done in time so we did it and I offered to pay they insisted on us going halves.

they painted their bedroom because they didn't like the colour and changed the loo seat because they didnt like the one I had..

I'd go for spending money on things you can take with you. We have lots of posters/pictures on the walls, and some beautiful wall hangings. Also rugs, lamps, cushions.

Check the tenancy agreement for what you are allowed to do - it may be that you can't decorate or change light fittings etc anyway.

Also - you may want to check you are allowed to do childminding as my tenancy has a clause saying I can't use the house for a business without permission from landlady. Not that I can see it being a problem but maybe best to check?

The most important thing you need to make sure of IMO is that the landlord/agent puts your deposit into a Govt approved protection scheme ASAP - they are obliged by law to do this but don't always comply.

I live in rented and it does feel like my home. WHen I moved in it was a state, the walls were all sorts of wacky colours but one week and lots of cheap magnolia sorted that out. I replaced the curtains too because they were horrible, but I have kept them to rehang when I leave. I hate feeling I am in someone else's house and my landlord is a bit of a star in that he has always made it clear that its his house but it's my home so we are allowed to do anything within reason. One thing I'd suggest doing when you move in is to take pictures of the house, sign and date them with a witness. And make sure meters have been read. Good luck, enjoy your move

Ooooh thanks, hadn't thought of lots of those things!

Greyskull - landlord isn't bothered what i do as long as any damaged caused because the house is a working home, is sorted before we move out.

AnarchyAunt - there aren't any light fittings or curtain poles so presumeably I can fit what i like.
The childminding isn't an issue either as have already cleared that with landlord.
Will chesck about the govt approved scheme

littlelamb - taking photos is a good idea and hadn't thought about meters either - you can tell i'm new to this, can't you

Tenancy Deposit Protection

I am currently having to take my landlady/agent to court to get them to comply - so do make sure!

Please take photo's of the house we ended up giving our ex LL £1,600 because he claimed we ruined the carpets, we didn't and DH couldn't prove it though so he got free carpets throughout from us

Also, go through the inventory carefully when you move in, and make sure it accurately describes the condition of everything. So, for example, if there's a crack in a wall, or a door is scratched, ask for that to be noted. That way you can't get blamed for pre-esisting faults.

Ask your landlord about things like curtain rails and light fittings - you might well find he'll put some up for you.