Tenant FAQs
1. If I find a property I am interested in, how do I contact the landlord?
Each search result contains a link to view details, which when clicked will often give you the landlord’s name and telephone number and a further link to Email the landlord, whereby a form will appear which you can fill in to request more information or arrange a viewing
2. How can I be sure that a landlord is genuine before I hand over my deposit?
Before signing a tenancy agreement, you should ensure that it refers to how your deposit will be protected and the process for repayment.
You should meet the landlord first and view the property before handing over any cash. Before handing over money you should insist on written proof that the landlord belongs to a Government-approved deposit protection scheme. Landlords must protect your deposit by law using one of these schemes. You should make your landlord aware that you will be expecting a written receipt from the scheme within 14 days of handing over the deposit.
Ask for the landlord’s details, including full name, address and a landline phone number. If they refuse to give you these details and only a mobile number or email address then treat them with caution. Be aware that anybody can obtain a pay as you go mobile phone number and they do not need to register their details with the mobile phone company. Furthermore, it is very easy for anybody to set up an e-mail address online. Try to confirm viewings with a landline number instead of a mobile number if possible.
Ask the landlord if they are part of an accreditation scheme such as the NLA or RLA.
If you want to be extra careful you can check the Land Registry to make sure that the landlord owns the property. There is a small charge for this.
If you should come across a property advertised on this website which you believe to be a scam listing, then please drop us an email and let us know and we will ensure that it is removed from the website.
3. What is an assured shorthold tenancy agreement?
This is a legally binding contract between you and the landlord. Each agreement is individually written to ensure that both you and the landlord are happy with the tenancy. It is designed to protect both of your interests.
4. What are my obligations as a tenant?
• As Tenant, you are reasonably expected to:-
• Carry out all day-to-day cleaning
• Dispose of all rubbish
• Carry out all internal window-cleaning
• Change lightbulbs
• Carry out general household and garden maintenance, such as the cutting of grass if the garden is part of the property
• Report any water leaks or other maintenance issues
• Safeguard all keys issued
5. What are the landlord’s responsibilities?
The landlord must allow you "quiet enjoyment" of the property, which means that you should be able to live without interference, the landlord cannot enter the property without your consent (except in an emergency), and the property will be maintained in proper condition for the term of your tenancy. The landlord will insure the property itself, but does not have to insure the contents. The landlord is responsible for maintaining the property, but should you cause damage, then you will be liable to reimburse the landlord for the cost of repairs.
6. Will my deposit be safeguarded?
Deposits taken before 6 April 2007 do not need to be protected. However, as an existing tenancy is renewed and a landlord agrees a new fixed-term tenancy, the initial deposit taken must then be lodged with a tenancy deposit protection scheme by the landlord. From 1 October 2010, when the threshold will be increased to £100,000, any deposits taken on tenancies with an annual rent of under £100,000 per annum must also be protected. For further information, please see our section on tenancy deposits.
7. What happens if I break something or accidentally cause damage to the property?
We recommend that you insure your contents and incorporate accidental damage insurance, as if you break or damage any of the landlords property or possessions for which you are responsible, you will be liable for the repair or replacement. This may result in some or all of your deposit being retained by the landlord to cover the damage.
8. Do I really need tenant’s insurance?
Yes, it is important to ensure that your personal possessions as well as the property’s contents and items that you are held responsible for are fully protected. No matter how careful you are, if anything gets damaged, even if you are not at fault, you may have to pay to have things fixed or replaced. Further, your landlord’s insurance policy will not cover your own possessions. Therefore, we would highly recommend that you take out a Tenant’s contents insurance policy. For further information, please see our section on tenant insurance.
9. Who is responsible for all the utility bills?
The tenant is usually responsible for paying the utility bills such as gas, electricity, water, and TV licence during the course of the tenancy.
10. Can I save money on my utility bills?
Thanks to our affiliation with energyhelpline.com, we can offer you the opportunity to save money on your bills. energyhelpline.com is an independent price comparison service which compares all major suppliers in the UK to help find the best deal. Please see our energy comparison section in quick links
