What Else I need to know about renting a flat in Woking

Hi, I am just about to move into my new flat and I was wondering what else I will need to know about renting here in Woking. I know about Council tax bands but I am not sure how to set up these payments nor other things like heat and electricity all the way to phone and Internet. Any tips and hints to avoid any pitfalls would be great!

Justmud,

Ask to the ex-tenant or the rental agency who are the supplier(s) for gas and electricity. Advise them as soon as you are in your apartment. Ask them under which tariff are you to avoid any bad surprise! Try to locate your gas & electricity meters and take the numbers! You must provide them to the gas and electricity supplier(s) for the new billing.
Then later, check under any comparison web site (moneysupermarket.com, Uswitch.com, etc.) if you have the best deal.

Council Tax: In most cases, you need to contact the Council in order to provide the date of your move. They will send you the 'welcome pack' with different options of payment.

Water: You need to contact them in order to change the name of the tenant in the apartment. As well, they will send you some documentation with different options of payment.

Phone: If you are lucky to speak to someone at BT quickly (which I don't believe!), you need to let them know about your move in the new apartment. Be careful about charges (see my post/story about BT in this site)

Internet: Check any comparison web site! Enter your post code to check the best & cheap internet supplier in your area. There are several companies everywhere (Talk-Talk, BT, Virgin, AOL, etc.). Check the monthly fees, cancellation fees, etc. And don't forget the * because under * you may find £6.99 for the first 3 months and then 12.99 a month for the rest of the year!

If you have a TV, you need to register your TV. The license fee is £135 for a color TV. You can register through internet which is the easy way and quick. You will receive your certificate or authorization to watch the TV by email.

Anything else, let me know

Justmud I have a question for you. How did you manage to seal a flat when living abroad?

When are you moving?

I'm looking to find a place for June, but don't know where to begin for contacting people.

LittleMapes
I was able to rent a flat over the internet from Canada,so it is possible, but I'm sure every situation is a little different. I was fortunate enough to have work lined-up over here so my future employer could vouch for me. A lot will depend on what type of housing you are looking for and in what part of the UK. I am a landlord myself now so if you have questions on what to expect when renting I can try to help.

Regards,
SW1392

Thanks for sharing your experience SW1392.

I've tried emailing a lot of agents but haven't heard a peep from any. I can understand their view, they'd rather deal with someone face to face rather than emails.

Our area of interest is in the Cornwall region. ALthough whereabouts in that county we are unsure. Seems like prices are on the cheaper side near Torpoint, but I don't know the area.

Personally, as long as it has at least one room, possibly a parking spot, a garden, and they have no issues with a 7 pound dog. Then sign me up. I'm hoping it will be a 6 month let, so we can eventually get on the rating system and buy a home. (hopefully)

I will most likely have a lot of questions regard to renting as i'm sure the law is different in the UK.

I won't give up pestering these agents, i'm sure once i get closer to June/July they might budge a little more.

Littlemaps,

Very difficult to apply for an apartment from Canada. Most rentals are only through agencies and they want to see you face to face.
If you are renting in Canada, you should ask a reference letter from your landlord in order to show this letter in UK. I brought a letter with me that helped me to speed-up the procedures.

The agency will ask one month deposit and the first month payment when you sign the lease. Please ask a copy of the lease.

Make sure you check all the windows (insulation!), the water pipes (no leaks), the boiler, the heat, the appliances.

Littlemaps:

I think you are right, you will have better luck closer to your move date, but that adds stress. From my experiance your biggest challange will be to convince the landlord that you can cover the rent (ie you are working), and finding a place that will take a dog.

Going through a letting agent is not the only approach, and you will have a tough time getting interest from the bigger ones. Just my opinion but I think you need to decide where you going to be and focus your efforts. If Plymouth (Torpoint) is the place it is big enough to offer a variety of rental accomodations. Plymouth has a big student population so there are lots of 'rooms' if that is what you are after. (I travel through Devon and Cornwall on business)

I am in Exeter, about 45min drive from Plymouth and there is (usually) lots of choice here as well.

Not sure what your situation and Cornwall is a lovely place, but unless your are looking for tourism or hospitality related work you may find it tough. You may be better off in a larger center (like Exeter) where there are more opportunities, and then move to your dream location when you are more established.

If you are looking for a room try www.spareroom.co.uk . This site is usually private landlords or homeowners who are renting a room.

Let me know if I can help.

SW1392