Discovering the UK Country guide

+ Give the agreed amount of notice to your landlord if you wish to terminate the agreement and leave the property + 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: + Passport (or a certified copy) + A valid photocard driving licence or a National Identity Card + 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 for 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.

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Discovering the U.K.