Tenants warned to check basics

16 2007
Tenants have been warned to make a series of basic checks when they agree to rent a property after it was found that many renters were leaving themselves vulnerable to landlords when moving in.

New research from AA Legal Services found that half of all people renting in the UK failed to get hold of their tenancy agreement before moving in.

After questioning 1,800 tenants, the survey also found that two in three renters did not check the inventory or make any necessary changes, while over half of tenants failed to ensure that rental payments were clearly documented.

Three out of five tenants were unaware of the notice period for their property and over half of tenants failed to take gas, electricity and water meter readings before they moved in.

James Molloy, Head of AA Legal Services, confirmed that the findings demonstrated the lack of protection people were ensuring when moving into a rented home.

"It is vital that you agree your tenancy agreement and check everything, including inventory and utility metre readings, before you accept the keys to your rented home.

"Yet thousands of people are just not doing so and are putting themselves and their home at risk," he added.
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