Moving in

To do list

Before you relax, take some time to check everything is in order. Completing this arrivals to do list will help you in the long term.

Check Essential Documents

Confirm you have all your essential tenancy documents.

Essential documents

If you have an Assured Shorthold Tenancy check that you have been provided with the following documents:

• A copy of the signed tenancy agreement (if there are parts crossed and amended after you’ve signed it, this is not a valid contract)

• Check-in inventory

• Gas safety certificate

• Electrical safety certificate

• Energy Performance Certificate (landlords are required to achieve a minimum of an E grade)

• How to Rent booklet (landlorrd obligated to send this as well

• Deposit protection information

CHECK INVENTORY

Check item descriptions and take photos throughout the property.

TAKE A METER READING

Take meter readings for all your utilities to provide to suppliers.

SORT BILLS

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Inventory

Taking an inventory is a crucial first step when moving into any property. The inventory should consisit of a detailed list of items in the property, the condition they’re in and a review of the cleanliness of the property.

Take time to ensure that the inventory process is done well – you and your landlord will need to be able to compare the condition of the property at the start and end of the tenancy.

If an inventory hasn’t been organised, you can create one yourself, then send it to the landlord or agent within seven days of moving in.

Example of an inventory:

Item Condition

Lounge sofa Not new, a few years old, worn with coffee stain on the arm

Lounge carpet Not new, general good condition

Lounge walls Painted a few years ago, mark by the window, dent near door frame

Top Tip

When you move in, check the inventory and note discrepancies. Take photos and email the agent/ landlord with updates. Keep all photos and correspondence.

How To Rent Booklet

The government has provided a guide for tenants and landlords to help establish their rights and responsibilities. bit.ly/gov-how-to-rent

Insurance

Landlords are responsible for insuring the building and their contents within it. It is your responsibility to insure your personal possessions by taking out contents insurance.

Many companies offer student deals. Look out for clauses that deem your possessions uninsured if the property is unattended for a specified period of time.

Gas Safety

Safety

Be aware and take care

• London can be a large and intimidating city. Stay alert! Taking the right precautions will improve your safety and allow you to enjoy your time here.

• Keep your personal belongings with you at all times.

• Always let a friend or flatmate know where you are or going.

• Be aware of scams. If a situation makes you feel uneasy, trust your gut.

• Get insurance for your belongings

• Lock all windows and doors before you leave your property.

• Never leave cooking or appliances unattended.

Safe And Secure Guide

Read more about keeping safe in London and on campus bit.ly/safe-and-secure-guide

Landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that all gas appliances are checked each year by a registered Gas Safe Engineer.

However, it is not a legal requirement for the property to have a carbon monoxide detector. You can ask your landlord for one to be installed or you can buy your own from around £20.

Electrical safety

Private landlords must make sure that inspections and testing are carried out on all electrical installations before the start of your tenancy.

You can request to see the Electrical Safety Certificate from your landlord.

If you are a lodger in a property with a resident landlord they are not required to carry out electrical safety checks.

Report any electrical issues to your landlord right away. It is then their responsibility to ensure that the necessary electrical work is carried out.

Bills

All residents are jointly responsible for paying utility bills. Some landlords insist that you do not switch utility companies. Please check before doing so and be aware of utility companies who try to persuade you to switch.

Make a note of your meter readings on the day you move in and inform the supplier as soon as you can to avoid paying for the previous tenant’s bills.

Useful tips

• Arrange an area where bills and correspondence can be left for each other to see

• Keep records of all letters and correspondence that you have had with suppliers. When a bill comes in, pay your agreed share immediately

• Start a money pot for household essentials, e.g. toiletries, detergents

• Get the Splitwise app where you can easily find out how much you each need to pay

TV licence

If you watch live TV, or stream movies, you will need a TV licence. How you will pay for your licence will depend on the type of tenancy agreement you have.

The current licence fee is £159.00 per annum, and if you are caught without a TV licence you could face prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.

If you are away during the summer period you may be eligible for a refund. For more information go to: www.tvlicensing.co.uk

DO I NEED A LICENCE?

If you are in shared accommodation, with a TV in your room, and you have a separate tenancy agreement, you will need your own licence

If you have a joint tenancy agreement for an entire house or flat, you’ll just need one licence to cover the whole property

Council tax

Council tax is a property tax which local councils use to maintain services within a Borough.

Students living in a property which is only occupied by full time students are exempt from paying council tax. There are a few steps to be taken in order for the property to be exempt from council tax.

Step 1: Find your local council. You can do this using your postcode and visiting gov.uk/pay-council-tax

Step 2: Gather the correct documents and submit them to your local council.

• Each of the tenants will need to submit a Statement of Registration which can be found on your My Imperial.

• The council may request your tenancy agreement. This must include all tenants’ names.

Details regarding how to submit these can be found on local council’s website. Make sure you keep copies of the documents for yourself.

You are required to pay Council Tax if one or more of the tenants are not full-time students however, you may still qualify for a discount.

Seek advice if you receive a notice relating to Council Tax or you think that you have been wrongly refused an exemption.

Council tax charges

All full time students = Full council tax exemption

One is not a full-time student = 25% discount

2 X full time students

1 X part time student

1 X non-student = Full council tax is payable