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© 2017 Dwellworks

Page 33

Discovering the U.K.

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Give the agreed amount of notice to your landlord if you wish to terminate the

agreement and leave the property

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Not leave the property unoccupied for longer than 28 days without informing the

landlord or managing agent

Tenants should take measures to stop water pipes from freezing and bursting in bad

weather by closing outside taps using the isolation valve located along the pipes. It is

advisable to keep the thermostat on low heat while away. This can be done by leaving the

loft hatch open if the water tank is in the loft space. Your landlord will do everything

reasonably possible to carry out repairs, but neither party is responsible for providing

alternative accommodation, nor for compensation for inconvenience suffered.

If you plan to be away from the property for an extended period of time, advise your landlord

of this plan. Failure to do so could breach the terms of your agreement and the landlords’

insurance policy.

Money Laundering Regulations 2007 and Credit Reference Checks

Letting Agents have a legal duty to check the identity of potential tenants. They will be

required to see:

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Passport (or a certified copy)

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A valid photocard driving licence or a National Identity Card

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A copy of a utility company bill, mobile phone bill or bank statement (which must not

be more than three months old)

If you have a spouse or partner both of you must provide evidence of your previous address

so please ensure you have such proof (i.e., a utility company or mobile phone bill or bank

statement addressed separately to each of you) available when you arrive in the U.K.

This level of proof is required under the money laundering regulations and by the credit

reference company or by an insurance company which is providing rent and legal fees

protection policies to the landlord.

Insurance

If your property was “let furnished”, the buildings and contents of the property will be insured

by the landlord. However, it is useful to have your own contents insurance as this will provide

cover for any accidental damage you may cause to the landlord's furnishings and fittings

which would otherwise be claimed against your security deposit.

If your property was “let unfurnished”, you should take out a contents policy to insure your

own belongings. Try

www.gocompare.com/tenants-insurance f

or a good

comparison site.

You will need to provide certain information about the building which the agent can supply.

Taxes

Council Tax

Council tax is a standard charge locally set and payable by the tenant on all residential

properties. In most cases there is one bill per property, regardless of whether it is rented or

owned, and whether it is a house, bungalow, flat, maisonette, mobile home, or houseboat.