Stories of unfortunate tenants dealing with unscrupulous landlords have frequently occurred in the UK as well.
Megan Cole, a student at the University of Birmingham, once rented a shared house in the Selly Oak area with seven other tenants. However, upon moving in, she quickly discovered the house was in terrible condition. There were mold spots on the walls, poor Wi-Fi, a leaky roof, and even an ant infestation in the house.
Living in such a place was far from pleasant. Megan immediately informed the landlord of the situation, but no action was taken. Frustrated, the tenants decided to take legal action against the negligent landlord.
Although Megan eventually managed to recover a year’s worth of rent, the process consumed a great deal of time and energy.
For those of you heading to the UK for rental accommodation, don't wait until disputes arise with the landlord to regret your decision. Make sure to be well-prepared and thoroughly understand the procedures and details of renting, both before and after moving in. This will help you avoid problems later.
Here, we’ve prepared a comprehensive guide to moving in and moving out in the UK, which we hope will help you navigate renting smoothly.
01 Discounted Flights
Flying from China to the UK can be quite expensive, especially for students without a steady income. Purchasing discounted flights is a smart option.
We offer special deals on flights to and from the UK, whether you're flying direct or with a layover, in economy class or business class. You can get even more savings on ticket prices.
02. Airport Pickup Service
If it's your first time in the UK and you are unfamiliar with your surroundings, the safest way is to book an airport pickup service to ensure your safety.
03. Prepare Your Move-in Documents
Prepare your passport, offer letter, and rental agreement in advance, and keep them in a document folder with you.
Typically, UK students need to provide the following documents to the agency:
👜 Proof of Identity: Usually, a valid identification document such as a passport or national ID is required.
👜 Proof of Student Status: Provide an enrollment letter or offer letter to prove you are a student.
👜 Guarantor Information: If your parents or someone else agrees to act as a guarantor, they may need to provide relevant information and financial guarantee documents.
👜 Rental Agreement: The signed rental contract, and make sure you understand its terms and responsibilities.
👜 Deposit: Pay the security deposit in advance, which is usually equivalent to one month’s rent or more.
04. Collect the Keys
Confirm your move-in time and bring the email confirmation with you to the reception to check in and collect your keys.
Before receiving the keys, you’ll only need to present a valid ID (passport, visa) for identity verification. You may also need to bring the following documents: your passport (with a valid visa) and the rental contract.
Once the reception confirms your check-in, they will give you the keys!
05. Inspect the Room and Confirm Fees
Getting the keys is not the end of the process. After you check in, there are still a few documents to complete during the inspection of your accommodation.
1. Inventory Check (Inventory Report)
An Inventory Report is typically issued by a third-party agency before tenants move in. It includes a detailed inspection of the property, covering walls, floors, glass, mirrors, doors, kitchen, bathrooms, toilets, and even meter readings. Everything inside the property is checked and recorded to note its condition prior to the tenant's occupancy.
2.Energy Performance Certificate (EPC Report)
The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a report assessing the energy efficiency of the property. It highlights the insulation performance, energy efficiency, and potential improvements that can be made.
三.Deposit Protection Certificate
According to the law in England and Wales (excluding Scotland and Northern Ireland), since 2007, all rental deposits must be placed in a protection scheme. There are three main schemes: The Deposit Protection Service (DPS), My Deposits, and the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS).
If you are renting a property, you will also need to set up payments for water, electricity, heating, and internet.
Water Bills
You can search Water.org.uk to find the water supplier in your area by entering your postcode. After finding your supplier, you will need to create an account by providing the following information:
The account holder's name
Contact phone number, email address, and account address
Bank account details
Heating and Cooling
For electricity and water, a Smart Meter is used, meaning you don't need to take readings yourself. Heating and cooling, on the other hand, use a Credit Meter (pay as you go). You will have a card with your account number, and you'll need to log onto the Insite Energy website to create a new account and link your bank card to make top-up payments.
You can also top up via SMS:
Register on the SMS mobile account website:
https://pay.insite-energy.co.uk/account/newAfter registration, send a text message to 81234 with the word "PAY" followed by the amount you wish to top up.
For example, to top up £20, simply text "PAY 20" to 81234.
Electricity
Tenants can visit Uswitch and enter their postcode to find the best electricity provider for their needs. Like water bills, the agency will inform the electricity provider of the new tenant's details. You will then receive an email or letter with instructions. You can either register on the provider's website or call them to create an account.
Internet
Broadband contracts in the UK typically last 12-18 months. To set up broadband, you need to first activate a telephone line, as the two services are linked. Once you’ve booked an appointment with the broadband company, their staff will come to your home to install it.
Council Tax
n the UK, everyone, whether homeowners or tenants, is responsible for paying Council Tax, which funds local government services. If not paid, the local council may take action, such as sending reminders, involving a debt collection agency, or pursuing legal action in court.
To pay Council Tax, search for Find your local council on Google, enter your postcode, and you’ll be directed to the appropriate website for payment.
Tip: Full-time students are often exempt from paying Council Tax. If your course lasts over a year and includes at least 21 hours of study per week, you are eligible for this exemption. Some universities may provide a Council Tax Exemption Form that you can send to your local council, but often you need to apply for this exemption online. Don’t forget to visit the relevant council website to complete this process!
Once you’ve taken care of these steps, you’re ready to enjoy your new home!
Moving Out Guide
When it's time to move out, rental agreements generally require tenants to restore the property to the condition it was in at the start of the tenancy, as noted in the Inventory Check. If any items are left behind for the landlord to handle without prior notification, the cost of waste disposal may be deducted from your deposit.
Steps to a Successful Move-out:
1. Confirm Move-out Date
Carefully check the notice period specified in your rental contract. It is common to give at least two months' notice to the landlord or agency.
2. Settle Bills
Tenants must provide copies of their final bills to confirm all utility payments have been made. It is advised to begin closing accounts two weeks before the end of the lease and request electronic final bills from utility providers and the council.
3. Arrange Move-out Cleaning
Make sure to leave the property and any shared areas clean and tidy when moving out. High-priority areas for cleaning include stovetops, ovens, exhaust fans, bathrooms, and corners. If you cannot clean thoroughly yourself, consider hiring a professional cleaning service.
Make sure to return the keys to the landlord or agency before the end of the lease. If there is a reception desk, you can leave the keys there, but be sure to get a receipt as proof and send it to the agency.
5. Deposit Return/Deductions
After completing the steps above, your deposit should be fully refunded.
By following these steps, you can avoid issues with landlords and ensure a smooth move-out process.
