Looking to rent in the private sector can be a very daunting time. Take a look at some useful guides to help you decide which property to rent and what your legal rights are. Before signing a tenancy agreement, read it thoroughly to ensure you understand and agree with all the terms. It is a legal contract between yourself and your landlord.
If you sign an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST), your deposit must be protected within 30 days of receiving it in a secure deposit scheme. If they fail to do this, you could claim back up to 3 x the value of the deposit through the courts. Failure to secure the deposit can also prevent a landlord from using a section 21 eviction notice also.
When a tenancy starts, landlords and tenants should ensure that the following information is provided:
Although not required by law at the time of signing up for the property, you may wish to see the electrical safety certificate. If the above required information is not supplied, it can mean that any notice to quit (Section 21 notice) is not valid. In addition, all rented properties must have a smoke detector on each occupied level of the property. If solid fuel is used, there must also be a carbon monoxide detector installed. Failure to have these in the property is a criminal offence
There are apps available that may help you with what to look for when finding rented accommodation - such as the one available from Homestamp.
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