A brief summary..
Renting a property can be a minefield, from finding the right place at the right price to organising insurance etc. With all this to think about before signing the contract, you’ll might want to get on top the rules while renting.
The most important thing to remember is that once you sign the tenancy agreement and move in, you’re still bound by it.
Your Letting agent will help you understand the small print in your contract, but here are five things to remember before becoming a tenant..
1. You can save money by changing energy supplier.
If you are paying the energy bills ( in other words they are not included in your rent), you have the power to switch suppliers. You can often find a cheaper fixed tariff if you shop around, so it’s worth taking the time to do so. Double check your tenancy agreement as some contracts include a clause which means you need to inform the landlord.
2. Decorating – Landlords usually aren’t always happy for tenants to start redecorating their properties – but there’s no harm in asking. You need to seek permission to install extra shelving, hang things off the walls or anything which could damage the property. You’d also need to ask if you’d like to paint anything, or replace the cupboards.
3. Your furry friend.
If you have a pet, it’s really important to be upfront about it when you’re looking for a property. Some landlords won’t allow them at all, but many will be fine with pets, although you may need to pay a higher deposit to cover any potential damage – just make sure this is clearly stated in your contract if you agree to it. If you find a property and the landlord won’t allow pets at all, your letting agent can help you find another suitable one.
4. Smoking cannabis! Cannabis is illegal in the UK and there will probably be uncomfortable consequences if you’re caught smoking it behind closed doors. There’s usually a specific clause in rental contracts which says tenants must not consume illegal substances in the property and, subject to the landlord’s consent, most contracts prohibit any smoking in the property at all.
5. Running a business. Although it is legal to run a business from a residential property, you must ask your landlord for permission if you want to do so; but remember there are various things they will need to consider before agreeing. They would probably have to inform their mortgage provider, as well as getting permission from the freeholder if the property is in a block of flats. They’d need to update their insurance and make sure they are not breaking any licensing conditions the local authority has placed on the property too. General wear and tear could also be an issue if the business wasn’t just desk-based and they need to make sure the business wouldn’t disturb neighbours if people are coming and going throughout the day
