The guide does not cover lodgers (people who live with their landlord) or people with licences (such as many property guardians – see this specific guidance on property guardians) – nor tenants where the property is not their main or only home. 1. Before you start Key questions: Use a Tab character if you want to format the list item with hanging indentation, like Word applies to bulleted lists. Your landlord can increase your rent by agreement, or as set out in your tenancy agreement, or by serving you with a notice proposing a new rent. Do you need to make changes to the property? If you are disabled or have a long- term condition and think you may need to make changes to the property to allow you to live independently, discuss these with your landlord or agent.

Meter readings. Remember to take meter readings when you move in. Take a photo showing the meter reading and the date and time, if possible. This will help make sure you don’t pay for the previous tenant’s bills. How long do you want the tenancy for? The landlord must allow you to stay in the property for a minimum of 6 months. Most landlords offer tenancies for a fixed term of 6 or 12 months. However, it is possible to negotiate a longer tenancy, or you could agree to a tenancy which rolls over on a weekly or monthly basis. These tenancies have no fixed end date after the minimum of 6 months. Citizens Advice – free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities.Houses in multiple occupation are usually properties where 3 or more unrelated people share facilities such as a kitchen or bathroom. What can you afford? Think about how much rent you can afford to pay. 35% of your take-home pay is the most that many people can afford, but this depends on what your other outgoings are (for example, whether you have children). Be considerate to the neighbours. Anti-social behaviour may be a reason for your landlord to evict you. Select Symbol and find a box character. If you don't initially see one, change Font to Wingdings or Segoe UI Symbol. It is a legal requirement for landlords to give you proper notice if they want you to leave. Normally, the landlord must allow any fixed period of the tenancy to expire and they must give you the correct period of notice, which varies depending on the type of tenancy and the reason they want you to leave.

Do you have your documents ready? Landlords and agents will want to confirm your identity, immigration status, credit history and possibly employment status. read support for British nationals abroad for guidance on staying safe abroad, and the help the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) can provide

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If you live with your partner and you separate, you may have the right to carry on living in your home. This guide is for people who are renting a home privately under an assured shorthold tenancy, either direct from a landlord or through a letting agency. Most of it will also apply if you are in a shared property but in certain cases, your rights and responsibilities will vary. Look for landlords who belong to an accreditation scheme. Accreditation schemes provide training and support to landlords in fulfilling their legal and ethical responsibilities. Your local council can advise you about accreditation schemes operating in your area. For By, Word sets a default value of 0.5 inches. Change this if you want your additional lines indented differently. Seek your permission to access your home and give at least 24 hours’ notice of proposed visits for things like repairs. Those visits should take place at reasonable times – neither the landlord nor the letting agent is entitled to enter your home without your express permission.