Moving In
Moving In
Moving in to your new home should be an exciting time, but it’s important to make sure you take some steps to ensure that bills are paid, you are not charged for damage you did not cause and the bin bags don’t stack up!
What is an Inventory?
What do I do about my Utility Bills?
Do I have to buy a TV Licence?
Should I get Insurance?
When is my bin day?
What should I do if I have a problem?
What is an Inventory?
An inventory is basically a list of things the property comes with and their condition. Some landlords will provide an inventory and some won’t, either way it’s important that you do an inventory of the property when you first move in so you can let the landlord know of any missing or damaged items. This can also be helpful at the end of your tenancy to prove the condition of the property when you moved in.
Make a list of all the rooms within the property and then note what furniture/equipment is provided in each room. Against each of these items make a note of the condition of the item, including any marks/damage. This can include things like marked or ripped wallpaper, mould on a shower, a scratch on a desk or burn in a carpet. If you feel that there are any particular damages that the landlord needs to be made aware of then take photos of them and try to include in the photo some evidence of the date.
Once you have completed the detailed inventory invite your landlord to come and sign it, send them a copy and keep a copy for yourself, this will come in handy at the end of your tenancy. Remember if you have a problem with disrepair you can write to your landlord and keep copies of all the letters you send. The Student Union Advice Service can also provide advice.
What do I do about my Utility Bills?
If bills aren’t included in your rent then find and read your meter when you move into your new house. Make a note of the readings and contact the suppliers with the name of each of the tenants and the reading to open an account. It’s important that the utilities are in the name of all of the tenants as it can cause problems in the future if bills remain unpaid.
The utility companies should allow you all to register jointly and it is only the cable and telephone companies which do not allow you to do so. However it’s worth remembering that whoever’s name is on the bill, the whole house has joint liability for paying the bills.
If you cannot find the meters in your property or there is some confusion over what meter services your house or flat, contact your landlord.
How do I find out who supplies the gas, electricity and water to my house?
Water: Yorkshire Water supplies Water to everyone in this area. Unless you are on a meter you don’t have to get a reading for this. Contact Yorkshire Water with your names. To contact Yorkshire Water to set up your account or for any problems to do with your water at http://www.yorkshirewater.com/
Gas and Electricity: Many companies can now supply your gas or electricity or both. However with choice often comes confusion. The first and easiest option to find out who supplies your electricity and gas if you've just moved to a new property, is to simply ask the letting agent, landlord or the previous tenant of your property. To find out who your gas supplier is, simply call the Meter Point Administration Service line on 0870 608 1524. To find out who your electricity supplier is call 0845 330 0889.
Remember if you don’t do this straight away you could find yourself paying for the previous tenants’ bills.
Do I have to buy a TV Licence?
Whether or not each student is required to buy an individual TV licence depends on the way in which the house is occupied and whether the landlord is the person who has installed the TV set. For students who live in a traditional hall of residence, all of those who have a TV in their study bedroom will need to have a licence unless there is only one TV set available in a communal area. If they don't they risk being fined £1,000.
If you live in what are known as 'cluster' flats (blocks of accommodation where the residents share communal facilities, including a lounge area) then unless the landlord has provided the set, the tenants will be responsible for buying the licence.
For students who share a house it will depend on what type of contract you have signed. Joint tenants will need one licence between them to cover all sets in the house but tenants with an individual contract will need a separate licence to cover any TV's owned. Where a TV set is used only for computers, electronic games or screening pre-recorded videos, a licence is not required. However, the set must be incapable of receiving broadcast services; it is not simply sufficient to remove the tuner.
It's advisable to buy a TV licence as soon as you move into the property to avoid being fined. More information on buying a TV licence as well as options on how to pay can be found at: www.tvlicensing.co.uk
Should I get Insurance?
Policies and premiums vary widely, so it is a good idea to shop around to find a deal which will suit your needs. Generally Home Contents Insurance must be taken out for a year. Many companies now offer instalment agreements which may suit students’ financial circumstances.
Most Banks and Building Societies now offer competitive insurance packages, and there are a number of insurance brokers who will shop around to find the best deal. Remember that insurance companies change policies regularly, so what was a good deal for your friend a month ago may not be a good deal for you. You should look at prices both as an individual and as a group if you share accommodation. Although a premium may be more expensive for a group, when you actually split the cost it could work out cheaper.
Some students may find that their parents' (Home Contents) insurance policy provides cover for students studying away from home. It is worth checking if this applies to you, and what type of loss you can claim for.
It is very important to check your policy and the small print carefully.
Things to look out for
- Is every person in your household covered? Make sure you tell the insurance company exactly who lives at the property.
-
Is your property insured only if it is stolen from your home? Are you covered outside the home for property such as portable computers, stereos and bicycles? Check the small print.
-
If items such as bicycles are stolen from a communal hallway would you be covered?
-
Some insurance companies will pay a maximum amount for certain items. For example, they may only pay a maximum of £200 for stereo equipment even if it would cost you £500 to replace.
-
Are you covered for accidental damage? If your water pipes burst or a car crashes into your living room would you be covered. Again check the small print.
-
Are you covered if you are on holiday and the property is vacant?
-
Are you covered out of term time?
Some insurance terms explained
Home Contents Insurance
This is basically insurance which covers most items in the home. For example, TV, stereo, clothing, jewellery etc. It is important to check each policy to make sure that all your belongings are covered.
Personal Belongings Insurance
This is cover for items which you take out of your home, this may include maximum payouts for items such as money.
This is cover for items which you take out of your home, this may include maximum payouts for items such as money.
Specified Items
Many insurance companies will ask for details of belongings, which will cost a great deal to replace, for example, items over £1000. Expensive items such as computers, jewellery or works of art, may have to be listed individually if they fall into the specified category.
New for old policies
Many insurance companies offer a new for old policy. This means that if your old TV worth about £20 is stolen, then they would pay the full amount needed to buy a new one of a similar make.
Wear and Tear
Some policies will include a wear and tear clause for items such as clothing. In other words, they will not pay the full cost you paid for an item, and will deduct an amount for wear and tear.
Discounts
Many insurance companies will offer discounts if you have a burglar alarm, or if you live in a Home Watch Area
When is my bin day?
Click here to check the Leeds City Council website for when your bin day is. You can also find out about local recycling facilities
What should I do if I have a problem?
If you have any problems during your tenancy you should contact the Advice Service who may ask you to bring in a copy of your contract and any other relevant information so they can advise you on any options available as to how you can resolve any problems you have.
