Keeping it affordable.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Total housing cost as a proportion of income.
WHY THE PROPORTION
It determines what remains for everything else.
WHAT TO INCLUDE
Rent or mortgage Utilities Service and estate charges Maintenance Transport from that location
WHAT TO DO IF IT IS TOO HIGH
Consider whether the location, size or arrangement can change.
WHAT REDUCES COST
Moving to a cheaper location, if transport does not consume the saving A smaller place Sharing Negotiating rent, particularly on renewal
WHY RENEWAL
Landlords prefer a reliable tenant staying to the cost and risk of finding another.
WHAT TO DO
Ask, before the increase is imposed.
WHAT REDUCES UTILITY COSTS
Reducing consumption Efficient appliances and lighting Addressing anything running continuously Reading meters and checking bills
WHY CHECKING BILLS
Estimated and incorrect bills are common.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
What your consumption actually is.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT ADVANCE RENT DEMANDS
Establish whether it is negotiable Consider whether paying it leaves you without reserves
WHY
Large advance payments leave nothing for emergencies.
WHAT TO PLAN FOR
The next renewal.
HOW
Setting aside toward it from the start.
WHY
Renewal arriving without the money is the commonest housing crisis.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Whether the landlord will accept payment in instalments.
WHAT TO KEEP
Reserves sufficient for a move.
WHY
Being unable to move is what forces people to accept poor conditions.
