Advice for Tenants

We know that looking for property can sometimes be a little daunting and so we've put together a list of dos and dont's to help you along the way!

You should do this..

1. Check the agent displays the 'SafeAgent' kitemark. This proves they have client money protection insurance which protects your money if they go out of business.
2. Make sure the agent is a member of a professional body such as UKALA or the Property Ombudsman.
3. Is the agent clear about their fees and charges? Agents in Scotland are not allowed to charge tenant fees.
4. Check your own credit report for free with Experian before the agent credit checks you.
5. Ask for a written tenancy agreement, never accept a tenancy verbally.
6. Agree an inventory with your landlord at the start of the tenancy. This will make things easier if there is a dispute over the return of the deposit at the end of the tenancy.
7. Check that your deposit is protected in one of the five government - authorised Tenancy Deposit Protection schemes.
8. Ask to see a gas safety certificate if there are gas appliances.
9. Ask to see the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) – this shows you the energy performance of the property which will have an impact on the gas and electricity bills.
10. Ask the landlord whether there is a record of any electrical inspections. This is not a legal requirement but the landlord does have a duty to keep electrical installations in proper working order and safe.
11. Look after the property and keep it in a good condition. You have a duty of care to use the property in a responsible way and keep to the terms of the tenancy agreement.
12. Ask the landlord to install and maintain a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector.
13. Make sure you arrange contents insurance as the landlord's insurance will not cover your own possessions.
14. Pay your rent on time – your landlord may decide to seek possession of the property if you fail to pay your rent.

You shouldn't do this...

1. Stop paying rent if something goes wrong – your landlord can seek possession of the property on grounds of non-payment of rent and you could be evicted.
2. Be a nuisance to the neighbours – your landlord can seek possession of the property on the grounds of anti-social behaviour and you could be evicted.
3. Leave problems to fester – speak to your landlord at an early stage and if relationships break down contact your local authority who may be able to mediate for you.
4. Do repairs to the property without permission from your landlord.
5. Sub-let the property unless you have permission from your landlord.

We hope you have found this helpful and we wish you the best of luck with your search