When you have found a property that is suitable and the landlord has agreed to rent it to you, there are some things you will have to do.
References
- The landlord may ask for references e.g. credit reference, bank reference, employer reference, to confirm that you are a suitable tenant
Tenancy agreement
- This is a contract you and your landlord both sign, that gives you details of :
- The length of the tenancy
- The rent
- Who is responsible for repairs
- Any restrictions on the use of the property
- You should make sure you understand what is in the tenancy agreement before you sign it. If you are not sure about it you should seek advice
The introduction of the new Private Residential Tenancy, on 1 December 2017, means that it is no longer possible to create an assured, or short assured tenancy in Scotland. You should also be provided with easy read notes.
Inventory
- You should get a written inventory when you move into a property ideally with photographs showing current condition
- This is a list of what is provided in the tenancy, for example, carpets, furniture, and curtains
- It is important that you check all the items listed, and condition, as this is what the landlord will check if you end the tenancy
- If you take photographs you should give your landlord a copy of them
Rent
- You will have to make arrangements to pay your rent
- This will probably be by standing order. Your landlord will ask you to set this up with your bank
- If you do pay by cash always get a receipt, and keep them
Home insurance
- Your landlord will have buildings insurance but this will not cover your personal belongings
- You will need to get 'contents' insurance for your own belongings