10 Tips For Tenants When Renting Property
Published / Last Updated on 13/03/2023
Tenants Guide to Renting - 10 things to look out for when renting
- Get a formal, written tenancy agreement with full terms and listed inventory.
- Check your credit score.
- You will need ID proof that you can live in UK.
- Have previous landlord references.
- Make sure your geposit is paid into an official Deposit Protection Scheme.
- Get copies of Gas (annually), Electricity (every 5 years) and Fire safety test certficates (now important after Grenfell).
- Check Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) – it must be a minimum E and above but increasing to a C for new tenants in 2025 and existing tenants 2028. Roof and wall insulation? Energy efficient lighting? Energy efficient room and water heating etc.
- General standard of accommodation: Damp? Poor decoration? Does it look like the landlord looks after the property. Is the landlord a member of any Landlord groups or associations e.g. Landlords Association or e.g., in Cornwall - Cornwall Responsible Landlord Scheme?
- Fire Action Plan notices? Fire blanket and small extinguisher, fire exits marked.
- Video/photograph conditions of property when you move in and take meter readings when the landlord is present.
