n I g n i v o M
Yes
YES
NO
Check that everything that should be cleaned is in that state when you first arrive.
Take timed, dated photos of any damage or wear and tear as evidence of your inventory checklist.
Make sure you get an inventory checklist from your landlord or letting agent and fill out as thoroughly as possible or do your own.
Tell the council otherwise they will try to charge you council tax.
Yes, But my flatmates aren’t Make sure the council knows, otherwise you’ll be charged along with your flatmates.
Yes
If you’ve paid a deposit, do you know where it’s being held? YES but not one of the government schemes
I don’t know.
Legally your deposit should be with a deposit scheme. Contact your landlord or letting agency to make sure it is.
IMPORTANT Check website to find out their policies on handling complaints and evidence.
Make sure they have been safety checked. Your landlord or letting agency has to keep up with annual checks on any gas appliances.
No. Not right now but I will be soon Contact your local council to find out about paying council tax.
Do you have a home contents insurance policy plan?
IMPORTANT
With one of FOUR Governmentsponsored deposit schemes (Tenancy Deposit Scheme, My deposits, Deposit Protection Service, or Capita Tenancy Deposit Scheme).
other gas appliances?
Sorting your Council Tax! Are you a student?
Does your contract state a professional clean?
YES
eposit . d r u o y roperty id p a r p , u t o c y a entered ur contr o d y n a d s e y n ig your ke d You’ve s e t do…. c e o l t l o s c g , n ) i red ore th m w e (if requi f a l Do you have gas heating, are stil e r e h t t Bu a gas cooker, hob, or any
If your landlord does not protect your deposit in one of the four schemes and provide you with this information within 30 days of receiving your deposit, a landlord can be fined an amount by the courts of up to 3 times the deposit.
Double check that everything you have is covered and that you have the best deal around.
Yes You may be covered on your parents’ policy, if they have allowed it. Double check!
Do you already have an internet and phone supplier?
No Are you covered on your parents’ policy?
Find out your supplier for gas, electricity and water: Are you on a meter for gas, electricity and water? No Yes Find out where the meters are (ask your landlord or lettings agency if you are unsure) and TAKE A NOTE OF THE METER READINGS.
Contact the supplier and give them your meter readings. If you do not do this, you may be charged for gas, water, electricity that you haven’t used!
Contact the supplier and let them know you have moved in. You should only be billed from the start date of your contract.
Shop around online to make sure that you get the best deal for Gas and Electricity. However - Check your contract before changing providers. It’s possible there might be a general utility clause which states you cannot change suppliers.
Consider what you would lose if disaster struck. If it is too much to lose then think about getting insured. Shop around!
Yes You need a TV licence. Contact TV licensing about setting up payments for one.
Important
YES
Contact them to arrange the migration of everything to your new property.
NO
Shop around for the best deal that suits your needs. Access to the Internet will make the following jobs a million times easier!
Share responsibility for bills amongst housemates. DON’T put all the bills in one housemate’s name.
Do you plan on watching TV on any device?
No
Check your contract before changing internet or phone providers. It’s possible there might be a general utility clause which states you cannot change suppliers.
Set up a payment process with anyone you live with to make sure that all bills are paid on time.
No Tell TV licensing so they don’t start chasing you about a license.
Need advice? Contact the RUSU Advice Service. We provide housing, money and academic advice to students at Reading University. Email: stu.adv@reading.ac.uk Phone: 0118 378 4100 Drop-in to the RUSU Reception: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10.00am - 1.00pm and Wednesdays from 2.00pm - 5.00pm
rusu.co.uk/housing