Know what to look for when renting somewhere to live.

Transcription

1 Know what to look for when renting somewhere to live.

2 When moving into rented accommodation, there are so many things to consider and look for it can be very confusing! This leaflet will help you understand what you should look for in a rented property, to help you find a comfy and affordable home. There s also a checklist that you can use when viewing properties, to make sure you choose the best home for you. Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) EPCs are required for rental properties and provide information about: How energy efficient a home is: The estimated cost of heating and powering a home. Where energy efficiency can be improved e.g. insulation and heating. EPCs are available online when a home is advertised. You can also search for EPCS at:

3 Get the best deal More often than not, you ll be able to switch to a cheaper energy provider. If you re responsible for paying the energy bills, it s worth shopping around a little. Recently the government has made it easier to switch providers so spend a little time looking, and save yourself some. Consider a 'green' tariff Why not consider a green renewable energy tariff when switching? Green energy plans can compare favourably with other big energy providers, helping you to save money and be more sustainable. Check out switching-utilities for more information about switching and tariffs. Healthy Homes Damp can be bad for your health, and is caused by structural problems or condensation build up because of poor ventilation, especially in colder months. Make sure your chosen home is damp-free and look out for the following signs of damp: A musty smell Discolouration and/or mould on walls and ceilings Excessive levels of condensation on windows

4 Bills You can pay your bills in several different ways. Here are some options so you can see what works for you. There are some useful online resources which may help, such as Pros Cons Direct debit Cheapest way of paying bills save up to 100 per year! Payments are regular and automatic, so you never miss a bill. All-inclusive bills through a utilities company Less hassle you don t have to split bills with housemates. All-inclusive bills through your landlord Everything is ready for when you move in. One payment for rent and bills. Prepayment energy meters Helps you budget. Prevents large unexpected energy bills. Managing bills yourself and splitting them between housemates. Remembering to take regular meter readings so your bill is accurate. Exceeding the fair usage policy can be very costly. You may not be getting the cheapest deal. Can be more expensive often landlords will add an admin fee. Your landlord s energy provider may not be the cheapest. The most expensive way to pay for your energy. Can be inconvenient, as you have to top up keys or smart cards in shops.

5 Smart Meters By 2020, every home should have a smart meter a great gadget that shows your energy use and sends automatic gas and electricity readings to your supplier so they can calculate accurate energy bills for you. Some energy providers are already fitting smart meters, so check if you can get one. Meter Readings Remember to take regular meter readings so you re not over or under paying for your energy. This will eliminate any nasty surprises. Take a meter reading on the first and last day of your contract to make sure you re not paying for energy that you haven t used. How to read your meter kwh Write down all the numbers from left to right including any 0s. Ignore any numbers that are red or are after the decimal point.

6 Renting checklist Use this list to make sure you ask the right questions when viewing a property. Tick the box if the property has any of the below. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Property EPC (A = most efficient, G = least efficient) Insulation Roof and loft insulation Cavity wall or solid wall insulation Draught excluders or door seals Window curtains Double or triple glazing Heating Boiler type and efficiency rating (A = most efficient, G = least efficient) Thermostatic valves on all radiators Room thermostat and boiler controls Lights LED light fittings

7 Appliances Appliance efficiency rating (A+++ = most efficient, G = least efficient) Utilities Does the property have a water meter? Does the property have a smart meter? Are bills included? Details of bills arrangements Safety Working smoke alarms Carbon monoxide detectors Safety blanket and fire extinguisher in kitchen Good quality and secure locks Burglar alarm Ventilation Is there any sign of damp? Do windows have trickle vents?

8 mmu.ac.uk/environment