What you are paying.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
The rent, and the period it covers How often it is payable What is included What is charged separately How and when it may increase
WHY IN ADVANCE
Assumptions about what is included cause disputes.
WHAT IS COMMONLY CHARGED SEPARATELY
Electricity and water Service or estate charges Waste collection Security Generator fuel contributions Maintenance of common areas
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT SERVICE CHARGES
What they cover How they are calculated Whether they are fixed or variable Who administers them
WHY
They are frequently substantial and poorly accounted for.
WHAT TO ASK
For a breakdown of what the charge covers.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT ADVANCE RENT
How much is required What period it covers Whether it is negotiable
WHY IT MATTERS
Substantial advance rent is a large commitment and it is difficult to recover if things go wrong.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT THE DEPOSIT
The amount What it covers The conditions for its return When it is returned
WHY
Deposit disputes are the commonest dispute at the end of a tenancy.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
That the deposit is separate from rent.
WHY
Deposits described as advance rent are not returned.
WHAT TO OBTAIN
A receipt for everything paid, stating what it is for.
WHY
Without it, payments cannot be proved.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT INCREASES
Notice required How much and how often
