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!

 

[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.

 

[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.