A Comprehensive Guide for First-Time Renters: Advice Before Your First Move

01 Oct 2024 • 5 mins read

Renting your first home is an exciting milestone, but it can also be a daunting experience, especially with the myriad of options and considerations in the UK rental market. To help you navigate this new journey, we've compiled a comprehensive guide packed with practical advice and essential tips.

1. Determine Your Budget

Before you start searching for a property, it's crucial to establish a realistic budget. Consider the following expenses:

Rent: Typically, rent should not exceed 30% of your monthly income.
Utilities: These can include electricity, gas, water, and internet.
Council Tax: This varies depending on the property’s location and band.
Insurance: Tenants' insurance can protect your personal belongings.
Deposit: Usually equivalent to five weeks' rent, which you'll need upfront.
Moving Costs: Include hiring a moving van or professional movers if needed.

Some options, such as Boutique Homes co-living spaces, can be a great option for renters who want luxury at an affordable cost. With high-end rooms starting from £715 per month with all bills, taxes and insurance included, you can streamline the affordability and live within a community of like-minded individuals in a similar position to yourself.

2. Choose the Right Location

Your choice of location will significantly impact your lifestyle and daily routine. Consider:

Proximity to Work: Shorter commutes can save time and money.
Transport Links: Access to public transport or major roads.
Local Amenities: Shops, restaurants, parks, and healthcare facilities.
Safety: Research crime rates and neighbourhood reviews.

Boutique Homes, for example, have an emphasis on choosing beautiful properties to renovate that are centrally located, in good areas and have access to a wealth of amenities for your convenience.

3. Understand Your Tenancy Agreement

A tenancy agreement is a legal contract between you and your landlord. Key points to review include:

Length of the Tenancy: Commonly six or twelve months.
Rent Amount and Payment Date: Ensure you understand how and when to pay.
Break Clause: Conditions under which you can terminate the agreement early.
Maintenance Responsibilities: Clarify who is responsible for repairs and upkeep.
Restrictions: For example, no pets, no smoking, or no subletting.

Boutique Homes offer agreements starting from 6 months allowing our tenants to enjoy luxury living with the flexibility to suit their lifestyle. Longer term agreements are available for those who want to be more settled.

4. Viewing Properties

When viewing potential homes, pay attention to:

Condition of the Property: Look for signs of damp, mould, or disrepair.
Furnishings: Note what is included and the condition of furniture and appliances.
Water Pressure and Heating: Check taps and radiators.
Security: Assess locks on doors and windows.
Noise Levels: Visit at different times to gauge neighbourhood noise.

Our co-living spaces are all built and maintained to a high specification with state-of-the-art technologies and high-quality furniture. Not only that, but we provide robust security measures to offer our tenants peace of mind.

5. Know Your Rights and Responsibilities

As a tenant, you have certain rights, including:

Safe Living Conditions: Your landlord must ensure the property is safe and habitable.
Deposit Protection: Your deposit should be placed in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme.
Notice Periods: You must receive proper notice before eviction.

In return, your responsibilities include:

Paying Rent on Time: This is your primary obligation and should always be prompt to avoid breaking your tenancy agreement.
Maintaining the Property: Keep the property clean and report any issues promptly, be respectful of the furniture provided
Respecting Neighbours: Be mindful of noise and shared spaces, both of those living in your building and around it.

6. Handling Deposits and Fees

In many cases, there’s more than just the monthly rental fee to consider when renting a property, including:

Holding Deposit: Paid to reserve a property, usually equivalent to one week's rent.
Security Deposit: Refunded at the end of the tenancy, minus any deductions for damage or unpaid rent.
Fees: Since the Tenant Fees Act 2019, most fees are banned, but you might still pay for things like lost keys or late rent payments.

7. Finalising the Rental Process

The rental market can be competitive and many landlords will require some assurances, as should you. Some of the most common things to be aware of include:

References and Credit Checks: Landlords typically require references from previous landlords and a credit check.
Guarantors: If you have no rental history or poor credit, you might need a guarantor.
Inventory Check: Before moving in, conduct a thorough inventory check and document any existing damage with photos.

8. Moving In

Congratulations! You have moved into your first rented property. There are a few common things you need to do that will now be your responsibility and should be arranged within the first few weeks of your tenancy, including:

Utility Setup: Arrange for utilities to be connected or transferred to your name.
Council Tax Registration: Register with your local council for council tax.
Contents Insurance: Protect your personal belongings with tenants' insurance.

Again, with a Boutique Homes property much of this is included with your monthly rental figure. You may want to take out contents insurance for any personal items, but the provided furniture and furnishings will be insured by us.

Explore Co-Living as an Option for Your First Rented Property

If you’re already considering co-living, take a look at our Bawdlands property, with vacancies and rooms starting from £715 per month in a beautiful, modern and new renovation; it could be the slice of rented luxury you’re looking for at an affordable cost.