|
Finding a safe place to live is very important. You must make sure you are aware of your responsibilities and obligations and can afford the accommodation. It is important to get a written agreement so both you and your landlord are clear and there will be no misunderstandings. Always check and confirm what is included or excluded from your rent so you can budget and ensure your accommodation is affordable.
There are different ways to find a place to live, including:
- The classified section of your local paper.
- Through a local letting agency; see a copy of the Yellow Pages or Phone Book for contact details and further information. Copies of these directories are available in the county libraries and online. Copies should also be in every house.
- Look on notice boards at work or in shops and supermarkets.
- On the Internet using a search engine – for example type in “houses for rent Ipswich Suffolk” and you should find some good links. |
|
|
- One month's rent (in advance) plus a deposit (often equivalent to one month's rent). Some letting agencies also charge a non-refundable administration charge.
- Bank account details so you can pay your rent by Standing Order.
- References – a character reference will be required from a previous landlord or an employer. This is to confirm you are reliable and able to afford the rent. Some agencies will be able to accept a reference from your employer along with a proof of your earnings and contract of employment. It is best to visit a number of agencies to find out about the information they need as requirements do differ.
- Guarantor – some landlords will ask you to provide a guarantor to cover any rent or costs if for some reason you are unable to pay. A friend or family member can be a guarantor.
|
|
|
Prices vary considerably for accommodation across the UK, and will either include or exclude bills (gas, electricity, water, council tax, TV licence etc). It is always advisable to get your accommodation offer written down and signed by your landlord to avoid any confusion or problems. A room in a shared house can cost from £200 including bills. This means you pay the same amount every month. If your rent excludes bills you need to estimate the total monthly cost including the bills. This will vary considerably depending on what you use and pay for; in some cases the cost of the bills can be higher than your rental amount. Your landlord can put your rent up but must give you one month’s notice. You must always ask for a receipt for your rent and deposit (if you are asked to pay one). It is usual in rented accommodation to be offered the use of the telephone or Internet (if available) – you will be asked to contribute towards the rental cost and for your calls or usage. |
|
|
A two bedroom house can cost from around £450 excluding all bills. Please see the guide below to calculate the estimated cost of renting a house, and make sure you can afford it before you sign the contract. When you sign you are bound by law to this contract; usually the contract will initially be for six months.
Please Note - This is an approximate guide for your information only. This is based on one month’s costs for the house.
- Rent - £500
- Council Tax - £115 (you will receive a 25% discount if living alone)
- Television Licence - £12
- Electricity - £20
- Gas - £30
- Water - £35
- Telephone and Internet - From £10
- Contents Insurance - From £5.50 per month
- Total approximate cost - £722.00
|
|
|
Many houses or flats can be found from letting agencies. They have a list of available properties. They will show you properties and when you find one you like they will ask you for references, proof of earnings & employment and confirmation that you can afford the property. They will then usually charge a fee to check your references and draw up the contracts. Once they have all the paperwork and it is acceptable they will sign the contract with you and take a deposit and one month's rent. You will then need to set up a Standing Order with your bank for your monthly rent. You can find a list of letting agencies in your local phone book or in the housing pages of your local paper. You can also search online typing ‘letting agencies Ipswich’ for example. |
|
|
Housing 
