Guide to renting a property

Affordability: Factor in the monthly rent plus additional costs like Council Tax, utility bills (water, gas, electricity), and TV licenses.
Permitted Payments: Under the Tenant Fees Act, landlords can only charge for rent, a refundable tenancy deposit (capped at 5–6 weeks’ rent), and a holding deposit (capped at 1 week’s rent).
Right to Rent: Be prepared to provide ID (such as a passport) to prove your legal right to live in the UK.

Viewings: Check the property’s condition, including fixtures, fittings, and safety features like smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
The “How to Rent” Guide: Landlords in England must provide you with the most current version of the government’s How to Rent checklist at the start of your tenancy.
Tenancy Agreement: Read this document carefully. It should clearly state the names of all parties, the rental price, the deposit amount, and the start/end dates.

Inventory Report: Always complete a thorough inventory and take photos of the property’s condition on move-in day. This is vital for getting your deposit back later.
Deposit Protection: Your landlord is legally required to place your deposit in a government-backed Tenancy Deposit Protection (TDP) scheme within 30 days of receipt.
Safety Certificates: Ensure you receive copies of the Gas Safety Certificate, the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), and the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

Rent and Bills: Pay rent on time and in full. You are also typically responsible for daily maintenance, such as changing lightbulbs and keeping the property clean.
Insurance: While the landlord insures the building, you are responsible for insuring your own belongings with Contents Insurance.
Reporting Repairs: You must notify your landlord or letting agent immediately if repairs are needed to prevent further damage.

Notice Period: Check your agreement for how much notice you must give (usually one to two months).
Cleaning and Repairs: The property should be returned in the same condition as when you moved in, excluding fair wear and tear.
Deposit Return: If there are no disputes, your deposit must be returned within 10 days of you both agreeing on how much you’ll get back.