Discovering the UK 2023

However, you may need to drive further to work, to access stores and services, to participate in cultural activities, and to attend sporting events. Partner’s Possible Future Employment If the accompanying partner is eligible to work and is interested in looking for a job, consider where the partner could have access to job opportunities could prove beneficial in the future. Securing Rental Housing The U.K.’s selection of housing is extremely diverse. Properties may be rented on a furnished or unfurnished basis, although the supply of furnished property tends to be very limited outside major towns and cities. Unfurnished properties usually include carpets, curtains, an oven, and hob (stovetop). They may also include “white goods” consisting of a refrigerator-freezer, washing machine, and dishwasher, but this is dependent on the landlord. Properties are normally rented for a term of 12 months (sometimes 6 months can be negotiated). Once that first year is complete it is up to the landlord to agree to a further term unless stated otherwise in the tenancy agreement. Short term lettings of less than six months are difficult to obtain, but there are now some landlords supplying this sector. Once a property is sourced, a lease has to be signed by both the landlord and yourself (or your employer if it’s a corporate lease). Rental payments are made monthly in advance. Most letting agents will require a direct debit or standing order arrangement with your bank for the ongoing rent. Typically, the initial process and the costs involved once a rental property has been found are as follows: + The letting agent will require a “holding deposit” whilst they arrange for references to be carried out. This will be equivalent to one week’s rent. The amount will subsequently be deducted from the remaining costs payable for the tenancy (see below). This is an important payment to make as it will remove the property from marketing with the agent. Other parties are still entitled to offer on the property if they viewed the property before with the letting agent, or if a different agent is conducting viewings still + Next you will be required to complete a referencing form, usually online and the referencing company will then carry out employment, previous landlord (if applicable) and credit checks, which can take a week or so. To expedite the process, it is wise to have your employer’s HR (in the U.K.) and previous landlord contact details (email and phone number) on hand to include on the form. + Once the referencing has been completed, the agent will forward a draft Tenancy Agreement for review + Once terms are agreed by all parties, the Tenancy Agreement can be finalised and the balance of remaining monies must be paid to the agent by the start date of the tenancy.

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Discovering the U.K.