So, you are in...now what? We’ve drawn up a list of things you need to do:
Get to know your Property
Stop cock for water: Usually under the sink. It’s important to know where this in case there is a water leak anywhere in the house.
Gas shut off valve: Usually near front door or in the ground floor front bedroom, sometimes they are in cupboards or under built in covers. If you ever think there is a gas leak then you’ll need to be able to close this valve. If this valve is in a bedroom which can be locked you’ll need to make arrangements for all tenants to be able to access this at all times in case of an emergency.
Electricity fuse board: Again, this is normally near the front of the property, similar to the gas shut off valve. This is used to re-set any tripped switches. As with the gas shut off valve, if the fuse board is in a bedroom which can be locked you’ll need to make sure all tenants can access this bedroom in case you need to re-set any fuses.
Burglar alarm: If there is a burglar alarm in your property you should have received a text message from us when you collected your keys advising you of the code. Most alarms are fairly straight forward to set, but if you need any help please contact your local office and we’ll be happy to show you how it works.
You should ensure that everyone knows where the above items are has access to them at all times and knows how to use them. If you need help then don’t be afraid to ask, we’ll be happy to help.
Check your Meter Readings
The previous tenants will have taken a recording when they left but it is important that you check them yourselves and make a note of them. Normally you will have a meter for gas, electricity and sometimes water.
Check and Return your Inventory
Within the first week or so we will provide you with an inventory which details the condition of the property and it’s contents; it is very important that you check this thoroughly and return it to us as it will be compared against an inspection at the end of your tenancy.
If for any reason there is anything you don’t agree with on the inventory then write this on in pen or reply to our email and we will review it.
Set up your Utilities
Information on what to do about your utilities can be found here. If you have bills included then you don’t have to do anything!
N.B. Don’t have satellite dishes installed in the property without first getting written permission from us.
Cleanliness
Although your property has been inspected, if you feel that anything in your house is not clean enough when you move in then please let us know immediately and we’ll be happy to send cleaners round. Please note that if you clean anything yourself you will still need to leave it in a clean state at the end of your tenancy.
Post
Make sure you have any post redirected to your new address – see royalmail.com for further details on this.
Please re-post any letters that you may get through your door for previous tenants marking the envelope “no longer at this address”. If you receive any post for the landlord or Purple Frog please forward this to our office or drop it in.