Since I moved out of my
childhood family home where I lived with my mum and sister at the age
of 18, I have rented a number of properties. Over the 14 years or so
(eeek where does the time go?) I have experienced renting a few
different properties from very different landlords.
Thankfully I have never
had a nightmare landlord and not had any major issues when renting
but the experiences have been very different and over the years I
have learnt a lot about renting. My experience with renting has
helped me learn how best to rent smartly so that I am aware of my
rights and responsibilities which help make renting easier for a
hassle-free and happy home.
Whilst I have not had
any horrific renting experiences personally I have known a few
friends who have had terrible times renting and had nightmare
landlords. One friend who was not savvy about renting with it being
their first time renting a property on their own had a landlord who
did not use Tenants Deposit Scheme and she had him refuse to pay any
of her deposit back when she moved out in spite of there being no
cause not to return it as she had left the property immaculate and is
it was the day she moved in. Another friend had major problems
getting his landlord to fix any issues or problems in the home even
though the landlord was responsible for fixing them and keeping the
house in a good state of repair as per their contract.
Whilst I have never had
landlords who do not keep to either end of the contract and follow
through with their rights as a landlord, my first landlord was a
friend of the family and renting from him was very casual and not
very professional. Even though thankfully we had no issues renting
from him in hindsight I had not protected my rights very well with a
contract, getting receipts for rent or ensuring my deposit was paid
into a Tenants Deposit Scheme. Thankfully I know better now and our
latest renting experience was very professional and all done
correctly - we have a contract, a thorough inventory was taken
before we moved in, we have a record of our rental payments and our
deposit was paid into a Tenants Deposit Scheme.
Knowing what I now know
and having heard terrible experiences of renting from others I think
it is a great thing that all landlords in Wales must register with
Rent Smart Wales.
Here are a few things to
remember when renting a property so that you can rent smartly and
ensure you know your rights and responsibilities -
* Read your contract
thoroughly so that you know exactly what your responsibilities are
when renting the property and what you landlord is responsible for.
If there is something not included that you think should be ask for
the contract to be amended. Likewise if there is something you don’t
understand don’t just sign before you fully understand it. After
signing ensure you get a signed copy of the tenancy agreement.
* Ensure that a full and
detailed inventory is taken before you move in. If you notice any
issues or damage that is not included in the inventory make sure that
it is included to cover yourself and prevent the landlord declaring
you caused the damage or problem.
* Make sure that your
landlord is part of the Tenants Deposit Scheme. You should get a
receipt to show that your deposit is in a scheme so that it is
protected.
* Double check safety of
the property beforehand so that if there is any issues you can ask
for them to be rectified before you move in. Safety check such such
as whether appliances have had safety checks (PAT tested), are there
smoke alarms and carbon monoxide, and checking gas safety record
helps you ensure the property is safe and secure.
* Make sure you have
contents insurance so that your belongings are covered. The landlord
is not responsible for insuring your belongings, contents insurance
is up to you.
For more useful
information and advice about your rights as a tenant along with
guidance for landlords and lots of information about insurance check
out the infographic below created by HomeLet.
* Collaborative post *
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