Tenancy Information - Private Renting

Before you move in, you should try to get a written tenancy agreement and a rent card form your landlord. The landlord does not have to give you either by law, but if you are not offered them, ask why not.

If the landlord does not live in the property with you, they must give you written information about:

• The date the tenancy starts
• The amount of rent you are expected to pay
• The date you should pay your rent, and how often you need to pay
• Whether your stay in the property is for a fixed amount of time
• The date the rent is due to be reviewed.

This is a 'statement of terms', and your landlord has 28 days to provide you with this information. If you are having problems getting this information from your landlord, contact a solicitor, Housing Aid Centre or Citizens Advice Bureau for advice.

If you have a tenancy agreement, read it carefully. Pay attention to the parts about responsibility for repairs, and the list of furniture. Check that the inventory of contents is correct before you sign it, this can save disputes later on.

Check that gas appliances are serviced annually by a CORGI registered engineer and that you have a copy of the gas safety inspection report - it is your landlord's responsibility to make sure these checks are carried out.

Before you agree to move in, check that the property is warm enough (central heating and double glazing will help). Is the house in a good state of repair? What is the security like - are there window locks, door locks etc?

BEFORE YOU SIGN:

• If you are entitled to Housing Benefit, and know how much the rent is on the property you want to rent, check the Local Housing Allowance rates to make sure the property is affordable.
• See the Housing Benefit Department at the Cuoncil - they will help you work out how much assistance you are entitled to and how much rent you will have to pay yourself.
• Read your tenancy agreement carefully, and make sure you and your landlord agree on all the terms and conditions.
• The landlord is resposnible for making sure the property has water, gas, electricity, heat and sanitation. If you are told these will be fixed before you move in - ask for confirmation in writing.
• Make sure you have contact details (including emergency contact details for evening/weekend emergencies) for your landlord.
• Take meter readings from the gas and electricity meters when you move in.
• If you are receiving benefits, make sure you have informed the Benefits Agency of your new address.