Moving Into Your New Home: Understanding Your Responsibilities as a Tenant

Moving Into Your New Home: Understanding Your Responsibilities as a Tenant

Congratulations on your upcoming move into your new home with Greater London Properties. Moving day is an exciting milestone, and we want to help make sure everything gets off to a smooth start.

Please take a few minutes to read through the information below so you are clear about your responsibilities as a tenant in the UK when you move into a rental property. Taking care of these items early will help avoid any confusion and ensure your tenancy runs smoothly from the beginning.

Setting Up Your Utilities
As a tenant, you are responsible for setting up and paying for the utilities at the property unless stated otherwise in your tenancy agreement.

This usually includes:
  • Electricity
  • Gas
  • Water
  • Broadband / Internet
On the day you move in, it’s a good idea to take meter readings and keep a record of them. You should then contact the existing suppliers to open an account in your name or arrange a switch to a provider of your choice. Setting this up early helps avoid billing issues later in your tenancy. Should you need any help with utilities transfer, council tax, broadband etc. please find a link here to Please Connect Me which is a free utility switch service https://www.pleaseconnectme.co.uk/glp/ 

Council Tax
Most tenants are responsible for paying Council Tax to the local authority. After moving in, you should contact the council to register as the new occupant of the property. Council Tax is normally paid monthly. If you are a full-time student, you may be eligible for a Council Tax exemption. In this case, you will need to apply directly through your local council and provide proof of your student status, usually in the form of a student exemption certificate from your university you are not automatically exempt. If you are living with a mix of students and non-students, different Council Tax rules may apply, so it’s important to check this with the council.

TV Licence
In the UK, a TV Licence is required if you:

  • Watch or record live television on any channel, or
  • Watch programmes on BBC iPlayer

This applies regardless of the device you use, including TVs, laptops, tablets, or mobile phones.
If you plan to watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer at the property, you will need to arrange a TV Licence. If you only watch streaming services that do not broadcast live television (such as Netflix or Amazon Prime) and do not use BBC iPlayer, you may not need one. More information can be found on the TV Licensing website.

Review the Inventory Check-In Report
At the start of your tenancy, you will receive a check-in inventory report. This document records the condition of the property, furniture, fixtures, and fittings at the time you move in. It is important that you review this report carefully. If anything is missing, incorrect, or if you notice any damage that has not been recorded, you should notify your landlord or property manager within 7 days of receiving the report. This ensures that the condition of the property is accurately recorded and helps prevent misunderstandings at the end of the tenancy.

Consider Contents Insurance
While the landlord is responsible for insuring the building itself, this does not cover your personal belongings. For this reason, it is recommended that tenants arrange contents insurance to protect items such as electronics, furniture, clothing, and other valuables in case of theft, fire, or accidental damage.
Many insurers offer policies designed specifically for renters.

A Smooth Start to Your Tenancy
Taking a little time to organise these things at the beginning of your tenancy can make a big difference. Setting up your accounts, reviewing your inventory, and understanding your responsibilities will help ensure everything runs smoothly throughout your time in the property.

If you have any questions after moving in, your landlord or property manager will be happy to assist. From everyone at Greater London Properties, we wish you a very happy start in your new home.

Warm Regards,

Greater London Properties
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