Tenants - Register your details with Houseflys

Option 1:

• If you can't find the property or room that you need on the site, register direct with Houseflys and we'll send you an email or text alert as soon as new properties or rooms are listed.
• Please mention on your registration form that you require 'Option 1'
• This is a free service

Option 2: 

• Equally, you can advertise your 'accommodation wanted' requests direct on the Accommodation Wanted page, so private landlords can contact you direct.
• Once we receive your request, we will automatically email/text private landlords on our database who match your requirements.
• This is a free service so register your requirement details below.

HOUSEFLYS LATEST NEWS!

Issue One:  Relocation newsletter:

• Meet the co-founders of Houseflys in Issue One along with articles for landlords. 
• Next issue will feature 'essential tips for first time tenants', 'signing on the dotted line' a focus on tenancy agreements and 'expenses to expect when renting a home'.  
• Also:  'Ask the Experts' on any question you have relating to privately renting.  Send your question/s to: info@houseflys.co.uk to feature in the next issue.

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.

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