Getting Ready To Move In

We have already covered the key factors that you need to think about when you’re moving house and leaving a property, but what about the process of moving in? For many renters this happens on the same day as leaving a previous property and this opens up all sorts of opportunities for chaos. However, the key is to be prepared, which is why the TTV team have put together a crib list to help you organise yourself on that most stressful of days.

The logistics

Once you get to the point where you’ve browsed flats to rent, viewed, offered, paid a holding deposit, passed all the referencing checks and arranged a move in date, you might think that’s all there is to think about – but you’d be wrong! It is often the logistics of moving day that catch people out, so pay close attention to these in advance. The key questions here are:

– What time can you move in?
– How long will you need to empty the old property?
– Where do you need to collect the keys from/sign the documents?
– Is there parking for your removals van/car to unload your possessions at the new property?
– What needs to be done before the letting agent will hand over the keys? (usually signing the lease and payment of fees and deposit)
– What happens if there is a delay in being able to get into the new property?

The documents

A good letting agent will never hand over keys to a tenant without all the correct documents being signed first, as well as the deposit being paid over too. Ask for a copy of the tenancy agreement in advance so that you can read it through and raise any issues well before moving day so that all you will need to do is read the document through once on the day you move in and then sign it. If you are moving with several tenants then you will need signed tenancies from everyone for moving day – whether you are all there or some have signed in advance.

The finances

You should also receive in advance a statement of monies you will need to transfer – make sure you have this money ready as you won’t find much flexibility in terms of getting the keys to the property without it. This will include your deposit for the new property, letting agents fees and, perhaps a contract fee and inventory fee. It is unwise to rely on getting the deposit back from your old property in order to pay the deposit on the new one if you are on a tight timescale, as this rarely works out.

The landlord is required to protect your deposit and to provide certain information about the protection scheme used (you can read more about this in our Prescribed Information blog), however he or she has 30 days to do this so you won’t receive it on move in day. You should, however, be given a receipt or record of any money you pay over so that you have some proof – this is important for such a large amount of cash.

Checking in

When you’ve signed the contracts, paid the deposit and letting agent fees and taken the keys there are just a few more tasks before you can start unpacking. The first job is the inventory – if possible do this with the landlord or letting agent so you can agree on any damage or deterioration you come across. Be thorough when you do this – note everything that is wrong with the property, including where a professional clean was required but clearly hasn’t been done, and take photos, as this could save you paying for a previous tenant’s damage when you move out. If there are any repairs that need doing make a note and send these on to the letting agent or landlord. Take meter readings for the utilities companies, check you have a working TV aerial, locate the rubbish bins and make sure you know how to lock and unlock windows and doors.

And once you’ve done all that then you can pop the champagne and start unpacking!

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