For the first time in your life, you’ll have to deal with a wide range of issues while renting a home in the private leased sector.
Nothing is more intimidating than renting a home for the first time – particularly if you don’t know your legal responsibilities.
If you’re relocating, here are some things to keep in mind:
What Is Included in the Agreement?
It is common for tenancy agreements to be lengthy, difficult to understand, and full of legalese. If you’re rushing to get your belongings, it’s easy to rush through the document and just sign it. Spend some time having your contract reviewed by an expert—this may be essential in ensuring no loopholes exist. Depending on your school, you may get this service via your student government or college administration.
How Is the Condition of Your New House?
To ensure your new home is ready for occupancy, your landlord should give you a thorough inventory. This should include a description of the condition of every piece of furniture and fitting in each room. If you didn’t get one, create one on your own and provide it to the agent or landlord.
As soon as you get an inventory, question it immediately and include proof of your claims: always snap photos and send a copy of them to the agent or landlord.
How Much Money Do You Spend on Fees?
Agent commission laws vary from region to region. Northern Ireland does not have to disclose fees on its website or at its offices, unlike England and Wales. You may inquire.
Are Your Possessions Insured?
Investing in content insurance for your accommodation is a good idea in the event of a disaster, so be sure your phone, laptop, camera, and other valuables are protected. It is pretty uncommon for landlords to provide insurance.
Does Your Landlord Have a License?
Students may rent several apartments from landlords who have a reputation for overcharging. Several best practice programs operated by local authorities and students’ unions include landlords who have signed a code of conduct. Student groups may also run their own non-profit lettings agency that solely works with prescreened landlords.
For your landlord to enter your home, they must give you at least 24 hours’ notice; if they fail to do so, you have no responsibility to let them in. This is why it is encouraged to find the best student apartments in Lubbock, TX, who will have a licensed landlord.
Do You Have a Copy of the Energy Certificate?
Before signing your lease agreement, this should have been made available to you so that you could see how energy-efficient your house is. Your energy expenses may be significantly affected by this.
Do You Understand the Eviction Policies?
In order for landlords to evict renters, they must first go to court and go through a well-defined series of protocols. The same holds if you’ve agreed to pay a predetermined rent for a specific length of time.
Have You Signed Up for a Tenant’s Union or Activist Group?
Private tenants’ associations are common in many communities, and they serve as a vehicle for organizing campaigns, providing information and assistance, and serving as a voice for their constituents.
If one exists, join a renters’ union, association, or other similar organization. The more people you know, the more probable it is that you will be able to join with others to fight everything from rent rises to the pickup of trash in your neighborhood. There is a list of groups on Generation Rent’s database.
Bottom Line
Student life is liberated when they have their first place of their own. You’ll be on your own for the first time, so you’ll need to plan and prepare. Everything from finding a place to live near the college to packing up your belongings involves many moving components.
Services and whether or not you need a roommate will need to be set up. An excellent method to remain on top of your to-do list and avoid missing critical information is to refer to this article often.
AUTHOR NAME : ALISON LURIE