MONEY UP FRONT

Make sure you have details ready of who is going to provide your references (for example, employers, previous landlord or agent, bank account etc)

If you are paying a 'reservation' or 'holding' deposit whilst your application for a tenancy is processed, make sure you get a receipt which sets out the circumstances under which you may or may not get your money back.

Subsequently, you may need to pay a minimum of 1 month's rent in advance, a damages deposit bond (usually equivalent to 1 1/2 month's rent) plus any additional charges, of which we will inform you. Make sure that you find out what this amount will be and arrange to have that amount available in 'cleared funds' (banker's draft, cash, building society issued cheque).

THINGS TO FIND OUT, PLACES TO BE...

Before you arrange a date and time to sign the tenancy agreement, make sure that you (all tenants) have seen a copy and read it through, so that everyone understands their obligations. Ask questions to clarify anything that you are unclear on. All tenants must sign the tenancy agreement before that can move in.

Make sure that you are present to check the inventory when you move in and out of the property so that you can agree to any amendments. We recommend that you keep a signed copy of both the checking in and checking out inventory. This document will form the basis of any compensations claimed against you by the landlord.

WHAT DOES THE LETTING AGENT DO?

Our obligations will vary from property to property. We will inform you of our responsibilities regarding the property.

We will make regular checks on the property and arrange a mutually convenient time for these checks.

LOOK AFTER THE PLACE

Responsibility for the property rests with you, the tenant. You will be responsible for making sure the building is secure and reporting any gas or electrical problems. If the property is leasehold, you may also be bound by any rules and regulations affecting all residents within the block contained in the head lease.

ONCE YOU HAVE SIGNED...

Ask for copies of all relevant safety certification (gas and electric). Keep all your documents (such as insurance policy, copy of tenancy agreement, safety certificates, inventory) together in a file. Keep this file in a safe place.

GET YOURSELF CONNECTED

After you have signed the tenancy agreement but before you move in, contact your service providers (gas, electric, telephone). You may be required to pay a deposit before they will connect you. It is also worth noting that British Telecom carry out a credit check on customers before activating a line. Once you have moved in, make sure that you take meter readings and inform the relevant utility companies. You should also take a reading and inform the relevant companies when you move out.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

As a tenant, amongst other things, you will be responsible for:

Providing a television licence (regardless of whether the TV is owned by the landlord or not)

Paying Council Tax direct to the local authority

Maintaining the terms of your tenancy agreement

Payment of utilities as agreed with your landlord

• Other things that you should bear in mind are:
• Insuring your possessions
• Informing the police if there is a break in or burglary

All of this advise is subject to change at may not represent the exact service we are in a position to offer at the time of letting.