Your guide to renting, what you need to know
If you’re planning to rent a property, there are a few things you need to know so you can ensure that the whole process goes smoothly and you know all of your rights and responsibilities.
Ideally, your landlord will already have purchased some cheap landlords insurance from HomeLet, but tenants also have responsibilities when it comes to insurance as well.
Many landlords are unaware that there is a difference between home insurance and landlords insurance, so this is something you may want to discuss before you sign on the dotted line. If the landlord owns the house outright, they won’t legally need to purchase this insurance, although it’s definitely recommended that they do. If, however, they have a mortgage on the property, the lending institution or bank is likely to have insisted that they have landlord insurance.
As a tenant, it’s your job to ensure that everything is going according to guidelines. That means making sure that both you and your landlord have signed the tenancy agreement, and you have a copy. This is essential, since the tenancy agreement grants you certain rights that will make the whole experience easier.
You’ll be given the right to live in a property that’s safe and in a good state of repair, and you won’t be expected to put up with sudden rent hikes or rent that’s simply not fair. Crucially, it will also prevent you from going through an unfair eviction. You also have the right to be undisturbed while you’re living in the property, and landlords and property managers must give you prior notice and gain permission before visiting. The tenancy agreement also ensures that you’ll know who your landlord is as well.
The tenancy agreement allows tenants to see the energy performance certificate for the property they’re renting, which is helpful information since it can give you a good indication as to what to expect for your power bills, and help you decide which appliances you will use frequently. If you’re planning to have a fixed-term agreement for three years or more, expect to receive a written agreement which stipulates that you’ll be receiving your deposit back once your tenancy has ended (it will also state which terms in the tenancy agreement must be met in order for this to happen.
As rents continue to rise in the UK, it’s becoming even more important that both tenants and landlords are on the same page, and understand both their rights and responsibilities, and those of the other party.
Speak to your landlord about their insurance, as they’re also likely to be more relaxed about the whole process if they’re covered for emergency assistance, legal expenses, and building and contents protection. For tenants, you also many not be aware that it’s up to you to insure your belongings, and it’s also a smart idea to get insurance so that your rent will be paid in the event that you are suddenly unable to work.