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My First Home
Top 10 Tips for your First Home
Here are our top 10 tips for young people who are moving into their first home.
1. Understand Your Rights as a Tenant
- Deposits: When you rent, you’ll usually need to pay a deposit. In the UK, this is legally protected in a Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS). Always ensure your deposit is protected, and you should get it back at the end of your tenancy if you haven’t damaged the property.
- Eviction: Your landlord can’t just ask you to leave whenever they want. They need to give you proper notice and follow legal procedures. Know how much notice they must give and what your rights are, this should be outlined within your tenancy agreement.
- Repairs: Your landlord is responsible for making sure the property is safe and habitable. This includes repairing things like heating, plumbing, and structural issues. If something breaks, report it to the landlord and keep a record.
2. Budget for More Than Just Rent
- Utilities: Rent is just one part of your monthly costs. You’ll also need to budget for things like:
- Gas electricity and council tax.
- Internet and TV license if required.
- Insurance: Renter’s insurance isn’t a legal requirement, but it’s a good idea to protect your belongings.
- Food and living expenses: Groceries, toiletries, and other daily expenses add up.
3. Check What’s Included in the Rent
- Furniture: Some rentals come fully furnished, while others are unfurnished. Make sure you know what’s included (bed, fridge, couch, etc.) so you can plan ahead.
- Bills: In some cases, rent may include utility bills (e.g., council tax or heating). If not, you’ll need to pay these separately.
4. Read the Tenancy Agreement Carefully
- Before signing, read everything in the tenancy agreement. Make sure you understand:
- How long the tenancy lasts (e.g., 6 or 12 months).
- What happens if you want to leave early (i.e., break the lease).
- Any rules like no-smoking, no pets, or quiet hours.
- Rent increases: Can the landlord increase rent during the tenancy?
5. Roommates vs. Living Alone
- Living with roommates: It can be cheaper to share with others, but make sure you all understand each other’s boundaries and responsibilities.
- Living alone: More independence, but higher costs. Make sure you’re financially prepared to manage rent, bills, and living expenses on your own.
6. Set Up Utilities and Services Early
- When moving into a new place, you’ll often need to set up utilities like electricity, gas, and broadband yourself. Do this early so everything’s ready when you move in.
- Make sure when you first move into a property you take meter readings and you continually provide these to your energy supplier if there is no smart meter.
- Some energy providers offer prepayment meters where you pay in advance for energy. These are typically more expensive, so check the type of meter the property has.
7. Inspect the Property Before Moving In
- Walkthrough inspection: Before you move in, do a thorough inspection of the property. Note any damage (like cracks, stains, or broken fixtures) and take pictures so you aren’t blamed for them when you leave.
- Inventory check: If the property is furnished, make sure everything listed in the inventory is there and in good condition.
- TOP TIP: Take photos of everything when you move into the property and again when you leave as this provides evidence if the landlord is disputing damages.
8. Know What to Do in an Emergency
- Understand who to contact if there’s an emergency, like a leak, no heating, or broken locks. Make sure you have your landlord or letting agent’s emergency contact information.
9. Be Ready for Unexpected Costs
- Things like moving costs, setting up new services, and even basic household items (like cleaning supplies) can add up, so have a bit of extra money saved to cover these.
10. Get to Know Your Neighbours
- Building a good relationship with your neighbours can be helpful. They might keep an eye out for you or help in case of emergencies. Plus, it makes living in your new home more enjoyable.
By keeping these pointers in mind, you will be better prepared to make a smooth transition into their first home, avoid common pitfalls, and understand their rights as renters.