| A | B | |
|---|---|---|
1 |  | 0/10 completed |
2 | ✓ | Task |
3 | Deposit Cap Ensure that the rental deposit requested does not exceed five weeks' rent where the annual rent is under £50,000, or six weeks' rent where it exceeds £50,000. | |
4 | Deposit Protection Verify that any deposit you pay is safeguarded under a government-approved scheme such as the Deposit Protection Service (DPS), MyDeposits, or the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS). Landlords must protect your deposit within 30 days of receiving it. | |
5 | Tenancy Length Standard rental contracts are usually set for fixed terms of 6 or 12 months. If you seek more stability or plan to stay in one place for an extended period, you may ask for a longer term with your landlord. Alternatively, some landlords offer rolling contracts after the initial fixed term, which allow you to stay on a weekly or monthly basis but still require at least six months' residency. | |
6 | Smoking and Other Regulations Check for any rules regarding smoking and pets, as well as other regulations such as bicycle storage, waste disposal, and recycling. | |
7 | Utility Bills Ascertain who is responsible for utility bills. Utilities such as electricity, gas, water, and council tax are usually the tenant's responsibility. | |
8 | Fixtures and Fittings Ensure you are satisfied with the fixtures and fittings as these typically cannot be altered after you move in. | |
9 | Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors Confirm that there is at least one smoke alarm on every floor used as a living accommodation and carbon monoxide detectors in all rooms with fixed combustion appliances used as living spaces. | |
10 | Safety Make sure the property is safe to inhabit. Use the "How to Rent a Safe Home" guide from the government to help you identify potential hazards. | |
11 | Fitness for Human Habitation The property must be safe, healthy, and free from serious hazards. Otherwise, you could potentially take your landlord to court under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018. Also, check if your tenancy agreement includes a clause that exempts you from paying rent if the property becomes uninhabitable due to events like fire or flooding. | |
12 | Flood Risk Investigate if your area is at risk of flooding. Check the government’s long-term flood risk information for your postcode. | |
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