What To Do After You’ve Found A Flat To Rent

You thoroughly enjoy the atmosphere in Chelmsford and have always wanted to live here. You love amateur football, cricket, and love to take in a hockey game from time to time. You have searched diligently for your new flat and once you’ve found it, do you know what to do? You should take the time and effort to read all paperwork associated with the rental and you should also take some steps to protect yourself and your belongings from damage or theft. Use the tips below to guide you through the process of handling paperwork and insurance cover in preparation for moving into your new flat.

1. All of the landlords of flats to rent in Chelmsford should provide you with a tenancy agreement that states your responsibilities and rights, but your estate agent can provide one to you as well. You must read all of the details in your written agreement so that you will know what is expected of you and what rights you have as a renter. If you have any queries or concerns you should get them clarified or answered before you sign the agreement.
2. If your landlord doesn’t have an inventory list for your apartment, ask your estate agent to give you one. It’s very important for future use and reference that you and your landlord go through the flat to inspect paint, structures, flooring, plumbing and lighting fixtures, and many other items for which you can be held responsible for damage. For your own protection, the experts at www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk recommend that you use your mobile phone or a good camera to take photos that show the condition of the flat. Should a dispute occur when your tenancy comes to an end and you expect your deposit back, pictures can really be worth a thousand words. When the inventory meets your satisfaction, sign it, and ask for a copy to keep with your records. Make a file that includes this tenancy agreement along with the photos that you have taken as evidence of the flat and its interior.
3. The day that you move in is sure to get readings from the meter(s) so that you won’t have to pay the utility bills of the previous tenant.
4. The tenancy agreement should have contact information for your landlord on it, but if you don’t see it listed, be sure to ask for a contact telephone number and an email address so that you can contact them with any recurring problem or an emergency. Also provide your contact information so that the landlord can let you know of repairs that are going to be done to the flat or to inform you of any modifications in the schedule that you have agreed upon.
5. Finally, ask for a guide that should be provided to you by the landlord that will give you information about renting in the UK. This handy guide can help you avoid problems and prevent misunderstandings.