Deposits
Once you’ve found a suitable place to rent, most landlords and letting agents will need you to pay a deposit and may also ask for a guarantor before they draw up a contract. They may also ask you to pay rent in advance.
Don’t hand over any money until you’ve had a good look around the property: check for obvious signs of disrepair, damp, badly fitting doors or windows, or anything that could compromise your security.
It might also help to take someone else with you to get their views on the property.
Deposit Protection
With effect from April 2007, it is a mandatory requirement for any deposit taken under an Assured Shorthold Tenancy to be protected and the landlord must provide you with ‘prescribed information’ as to how your deposit is protected within 14 days of payment.
The scheme was designed to ensure that tenants get all or part of the deposit back when they are entitled to it and to make it easier to resolve disputes surrounding the deposit between landlords and tenants by giving tenants an equal say in the matter. For more information, visit www.mydeposits.co.uk
Paying on Time
It’s your responsibility to pay rent, not the landlord’s responsibility to chase it. Make sure the rent arrives on the due date, not leaves your account when it is due. It will make life hassle free. It is important to remember that witholding rent is not a legal way of protesting against your landlord not fulfilling their duties regarding repairs or other tenancy matters.
