1: Get a lease (and read it!)

A lease is an official agreement between you and your landlord. People under 18 can rent a flat and sign a lease.

Often landlords will want someone over 18 such as a relative or social worker to guarantee that rent is paid. If damage is caused or rent is not paid the landlord can sue or evict you even if you are under 18.

If there is no written tenancy agreement you may be able to request a
'statement of terms' which the landlord must provide if you request it in
writing. This should include basic information such as the length of
contract, amount of rent and so on.

A verbal agreement is legally binding but difficult to prove unless there are witnesses.

Read your lease to check that you know the terms of your tenancy. Some of the things you will need to know:

• When does your lease run out? Will you be able to renew it?
• Who should you call when something breaks or goes wrong?
• What is the procedure for having your deposit returned?

2: Act with Caution!

• It is illegal for a letting agent to make you pay anything unless they find you accommodation.
• Never pay out any cash before you see a place.
• Get a receipt for the deposit and advance rent.
• Find out exactly what the rent covers. Which bills?
• Don’t lie to secure accommodation. You could be evicted.
• Ask for an inventory (list of what is in the house) and check it carefully. Send the landlord a list of any discrepancies.

3: Make sure your house is safe

The landlord of any property is legally responsible for providing lodgers with a safe living environment. If you believe that the premises are unsafe contact the Fire Service or the safe housing team at your local council. They may be able to help you resolve the problem without fear of reprisals.

The owner of a shared house must ensure that:

• Stairways are protected from fire and smoke by self-closing fire doors
• Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are readily available
• All furniture supplied by the owner complies with the Furniture and Furnishings Fire Safety Regulation 1988.

4: Know your rights

There are lots of laws which control housing. You don't need to know everything, but you should know enough to be able to rent a place safely and legally. If you're looking for a house, make sure that you:

• Know your housing rights. You can learn about them from Shelter or the Adviceguide
• Talk to other people who have rented about problems they've had and how they solved them

Related topic: Moving out, Step by step