[jombag16]

hi!

planning to move to london by June or July and looking for a flat.
so far, I got some scam emails but have trashed them and warned the people in gumtree to look out for these scammers.

Anyways, lets say i've seen the flat in person, and then I liked it.
how does the process go for tenancy agreement and deposit and stuff?
please help. thank you

[Bluey]

you will find the Shelter website handy for info on how private tenancies work.

if you are a lodger (share facilities with a live in landlord) you have fewer rights than a tenant (live out landlord).

typically there will be references taken up/credit check (these will vary depending on the thoroughness of the agent or landlord), possibly a holding deposit taken to reserve the place ,contract signed if references come back good, 4 - 6 weeks deposit and first months rent paid (and cleared) before moving in, inventory/schedule of condition for you to review and sign.

make sure you read and understand all terms and conditions of your tenancy agreement - never sign in ignorance.

contracts (ASTs) are often for a 6 month period (not always). ensure if you move in with other people and sign a joint tenancy that you understand what this means (namely that you are all responsible for any individual's rent arrears or damage not just your own).

if you are a tenant (rather than a lodger) your deposit should be lodged in a tenancy deposit scheme to protect it and you should receive notification within 14 days which scheme it is lodged in. this is required by law.

always ask the agent for confirmation of all fees before viewing the property, including tenancy renewal and check out fees - these can be very expensive - charges for credit check, inventory, AST, check-in/check-out, etc.

always ensure if there is a gas boiler that there is a corgi gas safety certificate - tenants should get copies of these. they are required by law on an annual basis. legislation brought in to stop tenants dying of carbon monoxide poisoning.