► Signing a Housing Contract CHECKLIST

OBTAINING A TENANCY
Get at statement from your landlord outlining exactly what the deposit covers.

If you receive a verbal explanation, you should confirm this with a letter
Get a receipt for any money that you pay and the name and address of the landlord
Ask your landlord for a complete inventory
If he/she does not provide one, then write one
Note the inventory with condition of everything (stains on the carpet, cigarette burns etc)
Sign and date the inventory and send a copy to the landlord

DURING YOUR TENANCY
Your landlord must give you 24 hours notice should he/she want to call round for any reason
You can refuse him/her if the timing is inconvenient
Report any repairs which are needed in writing
Maintain the house properly during your stay
If you break or damage anything, try to get it fixed

TOWARDS THE END OF YOUR TENANCY
Write to your landlord at least one month before the tenancy ends, inviting him/her to come for inspection
Before the inspection clean the house thoroughly,
making sure that carpets, windows, curtains and
woodwork are properly cleaned
Most landlords will check the cooker, the fridge, work surfaces in the kitchen, cupboards, bathroom, and that the house has been thoroughly hoovered
Arrange for metres to be read the day you vacate, and have the bills forwarded
Ask your landlord when you might expect your deposit to be returned
Return all keys by hand or registered post

FOR INFORMATION ON PAYMENT AND RETURN OF BONDS / DEPOSITS, PLEASE CLICK HERE