Sage advice for first timers

Published on Thursday 4 January 2007 11:52

A NATIONAL letting agency has issued a warning to students moving into new flats at the start of the year.

Belvoir Lettings, of Morningside, said students should be vigilant when signing agreements with private landlords and agencies for the first time.

The company has issued an advice list for students:

Tenants should make sure they…

• For personal safety, they are accompanied by the agent when viewing a property or have the landlord's details in advance so they can confirm who they are meeting.

• Sign a proper Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement

• Get a written receipt for the deposit – and make sure they understand the terms. If all bills, including rent, are paid on time, any damage is put right and the property is maintained properly, there should be no problem getting a deposit returned when the tenancy ends.

• Agree a dated inventory, possibly illustrated by photographs, which clearly describes the condition of the property, furnishings and fittings.

• Make sure you see the safety certificates for gas appliances and electrical wiring and ask to see furniture fire regulation labels for furnished properties.

• Agree a schedule of repairs and improvements to the property before the tenancy begins.

• Set up their own gas and electricity accounts with local suppliers (and water if applicable).

• Make a note of meter readings when they move in and as they move out.

• Don't forget to take out personal insurance covering theft and damage to their own belongings.

• And it's a good idea for the agent or landlord to be there to check the property over when they move out.

• If the property is managed by a letting agent – which generally provides a more accessible contact point during the tenancy - ensure they are accredited by the government's National Approved Letting Scheme.