On these pages you’ll find information on things to think about once you’ve found a house, on signing an agreement, deposits, inventories and utilities.

Signing an Agreement

Don’t be rushed into signing any document. Before you sign an agreement read the document through thoroughly. It is recommended to visit the Union Advice Centre with a copy of your tenancy agreement and make an appointment to see an Advice Worker who can draw your attention to the main clauses and terms of the contract. Any agreement, whether verbal or in writing, is legally binding so it is best for all parties concerned to have a written agreement. See the Advice Centre Leaflet on this topic for more information.

Deposits and Deposit Protection

Landlords may ask for a holding deposit to reserve the house for you. Make sure you are given a receipt stating specifically what this is for and whether it will be returned to you.

Landlords may also take a damage deposit which is held as security against terms and obligations under the tenancy agreement including things like damage to the property and non-payment of rent. If specified in the Tenancy Agreement it may also be used to pay outstanding bills. Again make sure you are given a receipt and are advised on when it will be returned to you.

If your contract is an assured shorthold tenancy your deposit must be protected in one of three government registered schemes. See the Advice Centre Leaflet on this topic for more information.

Inventories

Make sure you have a detailed description of the house and its contents. If your landlord does not give you one, draw one up yourself, sign and date it and give a copy to your landlord. Your inventory is the only way you can refer back to the contents and condition of the property when you take it on and may be important in the event of a dispute between you and your landlord.

Gas, Electricity and Water

Most rents in the private sector are exclusive of bills. Depending on what it says in your agreement, you may be responsible for sorting out your own energy suppliers.
As soon as you move in to the property take readings from all the meters (gas, electricity and water) preferably with the landlord present.

Rubbish Collection and Recycling
 
Find out which days your rubbish and recycling collections are by asking a neighbour or by visiting the Norwich City Council Website. If when you move in you’re missing a bin or you need a larger bin give Norwich City Council a call on 0844 980 3333.

Students in the Community

Take pride in where you live and be mindful of your community. Go and out and meet your neighbours and keep them informed of when the house is going to be empty or if they should expect a party. Students get a lot of bad press for being noisy, leaving rubbish and having badly kept gardens so do your best to be good and responsible members of your community.

Union Advice Centre Leaflets

Take a look at the Advice Centre leaflets on this topic:

Rights & Responsibilities of Landlords and Tenants
Outlines the legal expectations of landlords and tenants.

Tenancy Agreements
Contains information on what tenancy agreements are, their legal status and some of the things to look out for.

Deposits and Tenancy Deposit Schemes
For information on deposits and details of the three government registered deposit schemes.

Renting a Room from a Resident Landlord
Information and an outline of the different rights and responsibilities for tenants that live with their landlord.

Students and Council Tax
Answers some basic questions about council tax and council tax exemption.

Good Landlord and Tenant Guide
Tips for developing a good relationship between landlord and tenants.

External Links and Advice

Norwich City Council
Click here for information on waste and recycling services, parking permits, environmental health, planning information and housing services available from Norwich City Council.

About My Vote
Information about voter registration and UK elections.

TV Licensing
To check if you need a TV license and for an outline on what the rules are owning and watching television.

On these pages you’ll find information on things to think about once you’ve found a house, on signing an agreement, deposits, inventories and utilities.

Signing an Agreement

Don’t be rushed into signing any document. Before you sign an agreement read the document through thoroughly. It is recommended to visit the Union Advice Centre with a copy of your tenancy agreement and make an appointment to see an Advice Worker who can draw your attention to the main clauses and terms of the contract. Any agreement, whether verbal or in writing, is legally binding so it is best for all parties concerned to have a written agreement. See the Advice Centre Leaflet on this topic for more information.

Deposits and Deposit Protection

Landlords may ask for a holding deposit to reserve the house for you. Make sure you are given a receipt stating specifically what this is for and whether it will be returned to you.

Landlords may also take a damage deposit which is held as security against terms and obligations under the tenancy agreement including things like damage to the property and non-payment of rent. If specified in the Tenancy Agreement it may also be used to pay outstanding bills. Again make sure you are given a receipt and are advised on when it will be returned to you.

If your contract is an assured shorthold tenancy your deposit must be protected in one of three government registered schemes. See the Advice Centre Leaflet on this topic for more information.

Inventories

Make sure you have a detailed description of the house and its contents. If your landlord does not give you one, draw one up yourself, sign and date it and give a copy to your landlord. Your inventory is the only way you can refer back to the contents and condition of the property when you take it on and may be important in the event of a dispute between you and your landlord.

Gas, Electricity and Water

Most rents in the private sector are exclusive of bills. Depending on what it says in your agreement, you may be responsible for sorting out your own energy suppliers.
As soon as you move in to the property take readings from all the meters (gas, electricity and water) preferably with the landlord present.

Rubbish Collection and Recycling
 
Find out which days your rubbish and recycling collections are by asking a neighbour or by visiting the Norwich City Council Website. If when you move in you’re missing a bin or you need a larger bin give Norwich City Council a call on 0844 980 3333.

Students in the Community

Take pride in where you live and be mindful of your community. Go and out and meet your neighbours and keep them informed of when the house is going to be empty or if they should expect a party. Students get a lot of bad press for being noisy, leaving rubbish and having badly kept gardens so do your best to be good and responsible members of your community.

Union Advice Centre Leaflets

Take a look at the Advice Centre leaflets on this topic:

Rights & Responsibilities of Landlords and Tenants
Outlines the legal expectations of landlords and tenants.

Tenancy Agreements
Contains information on what tenancy agreements are, their legal status and some of the things to look out for.

Deposits and Tenancy Deposit Schemes
For information on deposits and details of the three government registered deposit schemes.

Renting a Room from a Resident Landlord
Information and an outline of the different rights and responsibilities for tenants that live with their landlord.

Students and Council Tax
Answers some basic questions about council tax and council tax exemption.

Good Landlord and Tenant Guide
Tips for developing a good relationship between landlord and tenants.

External Links and Advice

Norwich City Council
Click here for information on waste and recycling services, parking permits, environmental health, planning information and housing services available from Norwich City Council.

About My Vote
Information about voter registration and UK elections.

TV Licensing
To check if you need a TV license and for an outline on what the rules are owning and watching television.

On these pages you’ll find information on things to think about once you’ve found a house, on signing an agreement, deposits, inventories and utilities.

Signing an Agreement

Don’t be rushed into signing any document. Before you sign an agreement read the document through thoroughly. It is recommended to visit the Union Advice Centre with a copy of your tenancy agreement and make an appointment to see an Advice Worker who can draw your attention to the main clauses and terms of the contract. Any agreement, whether verbal or in writing, is legally binding so it is best for all parties concerned to have a written agreement. See the Advice Centre Leaflet on this topic for more information.

Deposits and Deposit Protection

Landlords may ask for a holding deposit to reserve the house for you. Make sure you are given a receipt stating specifically what this is for and whether it will be returned to you.

Landlords may also take a damage deposit which is held as security against terms and obligations under the tenancy agreement including things like damage to the property and non-payment of rent. If specified in the Tenancy Agreement it may also be used to pay outstanding bills. Again make sure you are given a receipt and are advised on when it will be returned to you.

If your contract is an assured shorthold tenancy your deposit must be protected in one of three government registered schemes. See the Advice Centre Leaflet on this topic for more information.

Inventories

Make sure you have a detailed description of the house and its contents. If your landlord does not give you one, draw one up yourself, sign and date it and give a copy to your landlord. Your inventory is the only way you can refer back to the contents and condition of the property when you take it on and may be important in the event of a dispute between you and your landlord.

Gas, Electricity and Water

Most rents in the private sector are exclusive of bills. Depending on what it says in your agreement, you may be responsible for sorting out your own energy suppliers.
As soon as you move in to the property take readings from all the meters (gas, electricity and water) preferably with the landlord present.

Rubbish Collection and Recycling
 
Find out which days your rubbish and recycling collections are by asking a neighbour or by visiting the Norwich City Council Website. If when you move in you’re missing a bin or you need a larger bin give Norwich City Council a call on 0844 980 3333.

Students in the Community

Take pride in where you live and be mindful of your community. Go and out and meet your neighbours and keep them informed of when the house is going to be empty or if they should expect a party. Students get a lot of bad press for being noisy, leaving rubbish and having badly kept gardens so do your best to be good and responsible members of your community.

Union Advice Centre Leaflets

Take a look at the Advice Centre leaflets on this topic:

Rights & Responsibilities of Landlords and Tenants
Outlines the legal expectations of landlords and tenants.

Tenancy Agreements
Contains information on what tenancy agreements are, their legal status and some of the things to look out for.

Deposits and Tenancy Deposit Schemes
For information on deposits and details of the three government registered deposit schemes.

Renting a Room from a Resident Landlord
Information and an outline of the different rights and responsibilities for tenants that live with their landlord.

Students and Council Tax
Answers some basic questions about council tax and council tax exemption.

Good Landlord and Tenant Guide
Tips for developing a good relationship between landlord and tenants.

External Links and Advice

Norwich City Council
Click here for information on waste and recycling services, parking permits, environmental health, planning information and housing services available from Norwich City Council.

About My Vote
Information about voter registration and UK elections.

TV Licensing
To check if you need a TV license and for an outline on what the rules are owning and watching television.