Information for Tenants

Searching Tenants - Can't find the property you want on Houseflys?

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  • List your 'accommodation wanted' requests on the Accommodation Wanted page, so private landlords can contact you direct.
  • Once we receive your request, we will automatically tweet, blog and email/text private landlords on our database who match your requirements.
  • There are currently over 1500 private landlords throughout Buckinghamshire!  They will contact you direct if they have a vacancy that matches your request.
  • Or follow @houseflys on twitter, and instantly receive new property listings direct to your mobile.  Just Text:     follow @houseflys to 86444
  • This is a free service for tenants only if you are a company who wishes to advertise to landlords please email: info@houseflys.co.uk with your details and we will consider adding you to our Special Discount page. 

                                 

                                                                    

HOUSEFLYS LATEST NEWS!

Relocation webmags Click here to read: 

 

  • Issue One:  Meet the co-founders of Houseflys along with articles for landlords. 
  • Issue Two:  How to Spot and Avoid Bogus Landlords
  • Issue Three: MK Credit Union Launches The LHA Scheme for Tenants on Benefits 
  • 'Ask Houseflys' any question you have relating to privately renting.  Send your questions to: info@houseflys.co.uk to feature in the next issue.
  • Know your rights + responsibilities if you're ever faced with eviction, 'The Possession Procedure Guide' is essential reading. Download this free guide along with other useful Houseflys Resources

 

Tips When Viewing Properties:

Houseflys encourage both private tenants and landlords to have a good, healthy relationship. The property or room you select will be your home for next few months or years. Below are some tried and tested tips to help ensure that you have a safe, respectful and happy home.

 

  • Take somebody with you or make sure someone knows the address you are visiting and when they can expect you to return.
  • If you know the address or approximate location, visit the outside of the property before contacting the landlord. Visit at different days of the week or times of day to get a feel of the property.
  • Don’t always write off a property if it isn’t in your desired location or is in an area that you don’t particularly like – you might just miss a gem!
  • If you go to a viewing but you don’t like the property, walk around the local area afterwards. If you happen to like the area, filter your searches for advertised properties in the same location. This will save you a bit of time in the long run by may restrict your results.

Questions to ask during the viewing:

  • Be respectful when viewing. There may be tenants currently living in the property so observe their right to privacy. The landlord may be your future landlord, so use this time to gauge if they are suitable to you. First impressions truly do count in this instance.
  • Establish how long the tenancy is for / if there is a possibility of extending terms.
  • Does the landlord have a tenancy agreement in place? Ask to view this before deciding to take the property.
  • Where will your Deposit be held and when will it be returned at the end of the tenancy?
  • Can you decorate property?
  • If it’s a room to rent, can you have visitors/overnight guests?
  • Can you have pets?
  • Is the property smoking/non-smoking?
  • Make sure you are aware of any hidden charges such as excessive carpet cleaning or redecoration on moving out. If there are, check whether this is against your statutory tenant’s obligations.
  • For your own piece of mind, obtain your own copy of a legally recognised tenancy agreement and reference booklet. This can help you to establish the correct procedures and help you to confidently recognise a good landlord from a bad one! Check out: our links page for details.
  • Establish who are the utilities companies are and establish if the rented property has its own dedicated utility supply. Essential to establish if the property has been converted into flats.
  • NEVER, NEVER hand over the full deposit and/or any rent up-front at the viewing OR prior to signing the tenancy agreement and receiving the keys and physically moving in.  Generally, if you like the room/property following a viewing, a small 'holding deposit' is given to the landlord; e.g. £50 is generally expected to help cover readvertisment should you decide not to take the tenancy as agreed.  Once you move-in, the holding deposit is deducted from your full deposit  and you pay the remainder of the deposit + 1 months rent [or whatever you have agreed with your prospective landlord prior to accepting the tenancy.]  To safeguard yourself against fraudulent landlords please read:  Relocation Issue 2 - Top Ten Tips on How To Spot, Stop & Avoid Bogus Landlords 

Moving In tips:

  • Always check your inventory BEFORE you move any furniture in. Make any amendments to both copies of the inventory with the landlord present, ideally on the move in day and before deposit/rent payments are exchanged.
  • Be as specific as you can on your inventory and take photos of any problem areas.
  • Ideally exchange rent/deposit on signing the tenancy agreement and inventory. Insist on receiving a separate receipt for this along with your tenancy agreement and copy of inventory.
  • Ideally have a witness with you who can independently sign your tenancy agreement and witness the exchange of rent/deposit.
  • Take a copy of the electricity and gas meter readings, ideally with landlord present so that you can both agree the starting figures.Contact the utilities independently of the landlord to ensure that your contract has been set up correctly.

Links to Housing Advice Services
Tenancy Agreement
Tenancy Deposit

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