Inventory
Inventories are a written record of the condition of the property and the items included with the property. They should accurately describe the condition of the property, the furniture, items included and the cleanliness of the property. It forms the basis for any deductions from your deposit for breakages, loss or damage. When you first move in you should check the inventory thoroughly making sure you make note of any mistakes or omissions. If there are any missing information let your letting agent or landlord know in writing (send photographs where relevant), as soon as possible.
If the landlord/ letting agent has not prepared an inventory then you should prepare one yourself (and include pictures) as soon as possible after you move in. Send this to the landlord and ask them to confirm receipt of the document. Keep copies of all correspondence as this may be useful if there is a dispute at the end of the tenancy.
When you move out of the property the landlord or agent should check the condition of the property against the 'move-in' inventory.
You can read more about inventories here.
Utility bills
If you are responsible for paying the bills for the property (gas, electric, water) you will need to arrange for the accounts for these to be transferred into your names.
To do this you should:
- Find out who the suppliers are from the letting agent or landlord.
- Take meter readings on the day you move in.
- Contact the suppliers - provide your names and bank details for payment. Also, give them the meter readings so they can accurately calculate your bill.
You may be able to save money if you switch supplier/s. Before you do you should check your tenancy agreement to see if there are any rules about switching. You can read more here.
When you move out you will need to call the utility companies again to close your accounts, provide the final meter readings and pay any outstanding balance (or claim a refund if you are in credit).
Television license
You will need a TV Licence if you want to watch or record any TV at the same time as it is being broadcast. Also, one will be required if you want to download or watch any BBC programmes on iPlayer - live, catch up or on demand. This applies to any provider you use and any device, including a TV, desktop computer, laptop, mobile phone, tablet, games console, digital box or DVD/VHS recorder.
You will need your own licence if you live in halls and watch TV in your room.
If you live in a shared house off campus and have a joint tenancy agreement you will probably only need one licence between the tenants.
You can find out if you need a TV license and how much this will cost here.
Council Tax
If a property is occupied entirely by full-time students it is exempt from council tax. In order for the property to be exempt, you must each get a certificate from CCCU Student Portal and send it to the local council tax department. If you do not do this you will get a council tax bill. If you live with housemates who are not full-time students then some council tax will be payable by the tenants who are not full-time students. You can read more about council tax here.
If you are a PhD student you will usually only be eligible for council tax exemption during the maximum 4 year period of registration permitted by University regulations. If your studies continue beyond this period you may be able to apply for additional council tax exemption if your course end date was extended due to a period of intermission from your course.