Moving In Tips

Advice from our Student Advice Centre team.

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Pre-Arrival

• If sharing, agree in advance fairly and by agreement the room allocation.  Is someone really accepting of the fact they got the ‘box’ room?
• If sharing discuss what household items might be needed and split the cost and purchase.
• Check your tenancy deposit is protected.
• Arrange personal possessions insurance. Your landlord is not responsible if your items are stolen or damaged.
• Know when you are moving in and (if sharing) when is everyone else moving in. Is this at the start of the tenancy or some weeks/months afterwards?  You need to ensure someone comments on the condition of the house at the start of the tenancy.  If you are moving in later than the commencement date find out if your landlord/agent will accept the inventory later and get this in writing.
• Think about taking spare batteries and light bulbs.
• Obtain a TV licence if required.
• Research WiFi so it will be ready relatively soon after you move in.

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Moving Day

• If responsible for bills arrange for the supply to be placed in your names and meter readings provided to the supplier.  If you do this before you move in be careful you haven’t been paying for the previous tenants!
• Test all alarms – burglar/smoke/carbon monoxide and replace batteries as necessary. 
• Take a note/photograph of the utility meter readings.
• Test all blinds and curtains are secure and open and close properly
• Check everything is working, for example, bulbs, washing machine, microwave, kettle etc.
• Check hot water and heating is working
• Check how many keys have been issued and that they fit and operate locks properly
• Check what bins you have been given and what days these are collected. Make sure you know what to do about rubbish, waste and recycling collections so you are not at risk of a fine.  The council has a useful FAQ section.  Check out NUSU Living In Newcastle page too for more information
• Check the condition and cleanliness of the house and if anything is missing or broken.

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First Week

• Read about creating an Inventory & Schedule of Condition and Cleanliness in our Housing Guide . See our next section on Inventories and if you are not given one create your own. Record all your findings in the Inventory & Schedule of Condition and Cleanliness with dated photos. We have a sample inventory that you can use.
• Report in writing (email or letter not social media) any damage or repairs you have found.
• Try to introduce yourselves to your neighbours.
• Download your council tax exemption certificates from S3P and send to your local council.
• Consider having a house pack with all the relevant tenancy related documents in: Copy of the contract, Energy Performance Certificate, Gas Safety Certificate, How to Rent checklist, copy your complete inventory, details of any bill suppliers, details of emergency and out of hours numbers.

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During the Tenancy

• If sharing accommodation, it can sometimes be challenging. Try hard to sort out differences and disagreements as soon as possible.  Nobody likes conflict.  Try to communicate in person rather than on social media.
• In disagreement try not to corral support from other flatmates to take ‘sides’.  These very rarely end well.  Consider asking the Student Advice Centre to offer a facilitated  discussion to try and resolve matters. 
• Be kind, concerned and caring to each other – even if you don’t get on!   If someone starts to behave challengingly/differently this might suggest they are experiencing some difficulties .  Seek out support for yourself and suggest it to them too. 
• That you are not aware of. If you have concerns about your own or someone’s safety or wellbeing report that to the Wellbeing Services.  For more details on safety and security please see our section on this. 
• Be considerate of local neighbours / residents in respect of noise. 
• If you are taking over a room from someone else you need to be careful that this is undertaken in a legally recognised way. A former tenants name should not merely be crossed out and replaced by you. Equally if you are releasing your room to someone the same applies. A new contract needs to be drawn up with the consent of anyone else you are sharing with and the Landlord.

Last updated: 17 November 2020