Tenancy 101: Our 4 Step Survival Guide for First Time Private Renters!

Are you moving into your first private rented property? Here's our guide to ensure you know your tenancy rights and what to do when you've moved in! With this list, we'll make your experience a residential dream, rather than a nightmare...

1. Your Deposit

Legally all landlords and agents are required to register your deposit with a third party tenancy deposit protection scheme. If the deposit is not registered within 30 days of the funds being received your landlord or agent is liable to pay you up to 3 times your deposit amount and cannot issue a Section 21, eviction notice, until this is received.

The three government-backed Tenancy Deposit Protection (TDP) Schemes are:

• Deposit Protection Service

• MyDeposits - including deposits that were held by Capita

• Tenancy Deposit Scheme ( TDS)

2. Inventory Report

Make sure you go through the inventory report provided to you on the day you move in. Ensure you take photographs of the condition of the property on the day you move in. Take extra precaution to photograph evidence of any damages to the property that was left by the previous tenant and don't forget to send this through to your landlord/agent in an email! Once you move out and have tidied the residence ensure to take photographs of the property once again. This will make things easier if a dispute occurs between yourself and the landlord/agent in regards to your deposit and any property damage.

3. Meter Readings

If you are liable to pay the electricity and/or the water bills for your property ensure you take meter readings on the day you move-in and pass these onto your providers. This will ensure that you are not made to pay the previous tenant’s final bill.

4. Documentation You Must Receive:

You landlord/ Agency must provide you with:

• How to rent: The Checklist for renting in England, either as a link or a printed copy.

• A Gas Safety Certificate. One must be provided each year if the property has gas installed.

• Deposit Paperwork, as discussed above.

• The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC ) Except for House in Multiple Occupation known as HMOs.

If you're a tenant looking for support, Ariston Property is here to lend a helping hand.