Julian Marks, Plymstock

Prioritise your requirements bearing in mind that renting is not the same as buying. Practicality is generally the most important aspect of renting and you should consider the following:

Rent: does it include any bills or service charge? How long is the potential rental contract? Is the rent subject to review?

Location: Are there good transport links, easy access to schools and amenities?

Do you require furnished or unfurnished accommodation?

Security: Is the property adequately safe and secure?

Do you need a garden? Remember you will need to keep it tidy.

Do you need to accommodate pets or children? Do you smoke? Are you in receipt of housing benefit? There may be restrictions which you will need to consider.

Safety: Does the property comply with Fire and Furniture Safety Regulations? Are there smoke and carbon monoxide alarms fitted? Is there a clear means of escape in the event of a fire? Are the electrics safe?

There are numerous ways to find property to rent including searching the classified advertisements in newspapers, creating your own "wanted" ads for notice boards and local shops, researching the internet and "To Let" boards. Visiting estate and letting agents is probably the most fruitful. They will be able to arrange and accompany you on viewings, answer any queries you may have and guide you through the process.

The most commonly used tenancy agreement is an Assured Shorthold Tenancy which is for a period of 6 or 12 months. Beyond this term the tenancy becomes a periodic contract. The landlord is required to give 2 months' notice to terminate the contract, and the tenant is required to give one month's notice. The tenant's responsibilities are laid out in the tenancy agreement and generally include the following:

To keep the home clean, warm, free from damp and in good order inside and out.

To promptly report any breakages or malfunctions.

To attend to minor maintenance such as replacing smoke alarm batteries and light bulbs.

To respect the rules of the tenancy regarding pets, smoking, sub-letting etc.

To allow reasonable access to the landlord and his workmen.

The landlord assumes responsibility for insuring the property and for attending to maintenance issues.

You will need to satisfy a credit reference check before the tenancy agreement can be effected. You will need to supply copies of references from your employer and previous landlord, bank details, proof of identification and address with postcode for the last three years.

There are up-front costs to consider when renting:

There will be varying charges for drawing up the Tenancy Agreement, preparing the Inventory, and undertaking a credit reference check. There may also be an administration fee. The charges are not normally refundable if you fail the credit reference check. For a very small fee you can check your own credit rating via an agency such as Experian or Equifax.

Holding/Reservation Deposit: This may be required to secure a property and is normally deducted from the first month's rent.

Deposit: Usually one month's rent payable in advance. This should be held in a government approved Tenancy Deposit Scheme. The deposit will be returned in full at the end of the tenancy agreement, providing there have been no damage or breakages.

You will also be responsible for insuring your personal possessions, utility bills, telephone and broadband, council tax, T.V. licence and any other services you choose to subscribe to.

Ensure you have the contact details of the managing agent and/or the landlord in case of malfunction.

Carefully check the details of the Inventory. If there is no inventory, make your own for your personal records.

Check the landlord gas safety certificate and make sure the electrics are safe with manuals supplied.

Take meter readings and inform the utility companies.

Make a note of the final meter readings.

Be present for the inventory check out. Your deposit should be returned in full providing the property is returned in the same condition as when you moved in. In the event of a dispute contact the deposit scheme administrator. Obtain a signature when you return your keys to the property.

EPCs - the Facts

From 1 August 2007 all properties for sale require an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). From 1 October 2008 all properties for rent require an Energy Performance Certificate.

What Is An Energy Performance Certificate?

EPCs look similar to the energy labels found on domestic appliances such as fridges and washing machines. The energy efficiency and environmental impact will be rated on a scale from A to G (where A is the most efficient and G the least). Current running costs for heating, hot water and lighting will also be shown on the certificate together with a list of recommended energy saving improvements.

When Do I Need To Get One?

It is recommended, especially if you have a high turnover of tenants, that you get an EPC as soon as possible to ensure that you comply with the law. If selling a property an EPC has to be instructed within the first month of marketing. If you do not purchase an EPC you could be fined £200 per day for non-compliance. The EPC will remain valid for 10 years.

How Do I Get An EPC?

Julian Marks Estate Agents will arrange for our in-house Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) to visit your property to assess the age, construction and location as well as its current fittings such as heating systems, insulation, double-glazing etc.

How Much Will An EPC Cost?

The cost of an EPC will vary depending upon age, construction and location of your property but the cost will normally be from £75 plus VAT.

Why Should You Care?

Because your prospective tenants will be able to see at a glance how energy efficient and environmentally friendly your properties are. If you have invested in energy saving measures your properties will perform well and stand out from the crowd. If not you may find them harder to rent out or sell in the future.

Support Services

Many of our local clients and customers will have seen the Julian Marks truck travelling around the area. This vehicle is driven by James Wildman, our in-house qualified Domestic Energy Assessor. James carries out the majority of our Energy Performance Certificates. He also manages our 'For Sale' and 'To Let' boards. James also produces our architectural floor plans.

Julian Marks Estate Agents has taken the initiative to bring all these services in-house to provide our clients and customers with the very best of service. We do not need to rely on outsourcing to external companies, therefore can guarantee the quality of the work and the service.

James is a very important part of our process and further emphasises our company ethos of 'People, Passion and Service'.