First Time Renting... Help!

[Skilid]

So we're moving into our first rented house and we're a little confused with some of the things that need to be done. I was wondering if anyone could give us their advice/experiences as I'm sure many of you have been through this already. It is a private rental.

1) Bills.

Current tenants move out the end of this month, and we don't move in until the end of next month due to work being done on the house (double glazing, decorating etc). Who is responsible for paying the bills in the interim, and what is the process for changing details with the suppliers? Do we need to read meters etc?

Do the current tenants pay a month in arrears, otherwise are we taking over their bills for the last month of them living there?

2) Council Tax.

Is this literally a case of ringing the council and telling them that we have just moved in? Do we need to complete any forms etc?

3) Address changes.

As we will have a new address, who do we need to notify? Obviously the bank and the DVLA, but not sure of who else?

4) Locks

Would you recommend having the locks changed? Or would you just leave it?

5) Is there anything else that we may have overlooked, or anything that must be done asap?

Thanks in advance!

 

[86JR]

I would change the locks definetly, the windows as well, and the garage if needed. Otherwise what is stopping the previous tenants nicking everything?

 

[lemzip]

take a meter reading for gas/electric/water when you move in, choose supplier and setup payment, simple as that...all previous is the other tenant and the landlord for the bit between, its not your responsibility before that.

Ring the council when you move in and they will ask the date your agreement started and work out what you owe..some councils you can complete this online, some not.

New address...simple...notify who you need to let know...credit cards/insurance/banks/store cards/work/people you give a damn about etc..

Forgot to mention...take the agents/landlords reading with a pinch of salt... know this yourself ON THE AGREEMENT start date (i have had a landlord try with a full weeks heating on 25deg 24/7 while they dried the painting when they redecorated...i was not paying for that! If you switch supplier to other that is currently providing the utilities, you will owe the bit between to the current supplier on the standard rate they have or the agreed rate they had setup with previous tenants..depends on supplier.

Good luck

 

[matthab]

1) When you move in the agent should give you the readings and let you know who the providers are. Sometimes they will inform the utilities for you, but you may need to call them. Before you move anything in read the metres yourself.

2) Ring the council let them know when you moved in and they will start the process, you will receive a statement in the post. Then ring them up to make a payment.

3) You will need to tell anyone who writes to you. Setting up a royal mail redirect can save some time.

4) Agents don't take kindly to you changing the locks. Personally I never have. Something you need to discuss with your agent.

5) When you move in before moving anything in take photos, check any damage against you inventory you will be given. If something is damaged and isn't marked on your inventory tell them. Make sure the deposit is put into the government ran scheme.

 

[Maccapacca]

1 not you
2 yes
3 whoever communicates with you by post
4 you can ask the LL to change but some locks are quite expensive to change, I've never changed any on my rentals and no one has asked
5 take meter readings the moment you get in. Agree the condition. Say hi to your neighbours, Buy a bottle of wine and enjoy.

 

[Russinating]

Don't forget to register on the electoral roll, too.

 

[dowie]

1) Bills.

Current tenants move out the end of this month, and we don't move in until the end of next month due to work being done on the house (double glazing, decorating etc). Who is responsible for paying the bills in the interim, and what is the process for changing details with the suppliers? Do we need to read meters etc?

When does your rental agreement start? Are you taking possession of the house while this work is being done or when you're planning to move in?

Do the current tenants pay a month in arrears, otherwise are we taking over their bills for the last month of them living there?

how they pay is irrelevant - you just need to take down meter readings and contact the suppliers when you get the keys - your bills whether monthly, quarterly, whenever... simply need to start from those readings

2) Council Tax.

Is this literally a case of ringing the council and telling them that we have just moved in? Do we need to complete any forms etc?

yup - do this when you've moved in... I had an overlap with properties where I'd bought one property and was still renting in a flatshare for a couple of months... so paying council tax in a different borough - guy at the council just started the payments for my new place from the date I moved in

As we will have a new address, who do we need to notify? Obviously the bank and the DVLA, but not sure of who else?

anyone who needs to know... do you have an employer? I think they would like to know your address etc...

4) Locks

Would you recommend having the locks changed? Or would you just leave it?

wouldn't bother myself

 

[Skilid]

Thanks for all the answers so far, really helpful.

This is a completely private rental. The landlady is a member of the family and we don't really have any 'agreements' as such in place at the moment. There are no agents involved.

As for possession of the house, she lives in another Country, so I guess we would be taking possession? We would have the keys, we just wouldn't be living there until the work is complete.

 

[Blackjack Davy]

I would change the locks definetly, the windows as well, and the garage if needed. Otherwise what is stopping the previous tenants nicking everything?

If you rent via a letting agents they do this automatically? They have at the places I've rented, private rented may be diffrerent

This is a completely private rental. The landlady is a member of the family and we don't really have any 'agreements' as such in place at the moment. There are no agents involved.

if theres no tenancy agreement then you won't be able to obtain housing benefit, not saying you need to, but just to make it clear

 

[Liquid_Entity]

Take photos of everything, they will do an inventory but take pics of everything just as it is when you move in

 

[dowie]

As for possession of the house, she lives in another Country, so I guess we would be taking possession? We would have the keys, we just wouldn't be living there until the work is complete.

I think you'd best take over the utility bills when you get the keys then... Alternative is the landlord covers them for that month but if its a family member and you're getting a good deal then...

re: council tax phone them up and explain when you're going to be living there - you might not have to pay until you actually move in, at least I didn't in a similar situation

 

[Phantom Shadow]

Is this an informal thing or have you signed any contracts? I would suggest some form of contract being drawn up and signed by you and the landlady so it's clearly set out who is liable for what etc.

Last thing you want is a family disagreement or something and she then kicks you out with no notice, or an argument over who is liable for something.

 

[LOAM]

Bills and all that are important but what you really need to do first is to purchase an Olympus digital voice recorder and find out if your new home is infested with whispering demnons.

 

[Skilid]

Is this an informal thing or have you signed any contracts? I would suggest some form of contract being drawn up and signed by you and the landlady so it's clearly set out who is liable for what etc.

Last thing you want is a family disagreement or something and she then kicks you out with no notice, or an argument over who is liable for something.

Good advice. Already had this in mind. Protects both parties.

Bills and all that are important but what you really need to do first is to purchase an Olympus digital voice recorder and find out if your new home is infested with whispering demnons.

Right'o. Thanks.

 

[LeeUK]

I'd change the locks. You don't know how many previous tenants have had keys to the property over the years, or who still has spare sets etc. Some landlords/agencies might take a dim view of this, but keep the old locks and swap them back when you move out. Nothing they can do after that.

 

[bledd]

Take photographic evidence of meter readings with a dated newspaper page in the same photo. (or some Hovis). Call your chosen energy supplier on the day you move in. Any time between you moving in and the previous tenant moving out should be paid for by the landlord.

Also, take photos of any damage around the place.

 

[Maccy]

If your estate agent is half decent, they'll arrange for the utilities to go into your name, take a meter reading and contact the council on your behalf. Ours did pretty much everything for us, I was pleasantly surprised!