08 December 2009

Students and young people need to “proceed with caution” and follow a new ten-point guide released by LACORS when renting homes.

People entering the rental market for the first time can take simple steps to protect themselves from the minority of unscrupulous agents and landlords, and get a better home in the process.

To make it easy for new tenants LACORS has produced a simple ten-point guide full of useful information that will help people spot the traps. The advice includes tips like taking a friend along when viewing a property, knowing where to go for advice, or having a signed tenancy agreement that clearly outlines what the tenant and the landlord expect saving future hassle.

Councillor Paul Bettison, LACORS Chairman said,

“Students and young people leaving home first time may be seen as easy prey by a minority of dodgy agents, and landlords looking to turn a fast buck by capitalising on their lack of knowledge of private renting. 

“Although protection for tenants is greater now than ever before, it still pays to proceed with caution so that deposits are protected, fair tenancy agreements are signed, and people are aware their rights and responsibilities.

“There are some traps that are easily avoided like asking to see up-to-date gas and electrical certificates, as in the last year 14 people in the UK died from carbon monoxide poisoning.

“Always ask landlords if they have permission from their mortgage lender to rent the property, otherwise you could end up homeless if they are found breaching their mortgage agreement.”

Council private sector housing teams are happy to provide advice and help to new and existing tenants avoid being duped by those few rogue agents and landlords and have a good renting experience. 

Download the ten-point tenants guide. LACORS has hard copies available on a cost recovery basis and can be purchased by completing the order form, the minimum order is 100 copies. For more information email housing@lacors.gov.uk or call 020 7665 3888.