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Checking-in

When moving in to any new home it is important that you can both live in it comfortably and legally, and can deal with emergencies should they arise. The primary starting points here are in relation to

 

  • Fire safety (the primary cause of accidental household deaths)

  • Utilities – making sure they are functioning, that you know how to turn them off in an emergency and you have any necessary licences

Fires and safety

Please ensure you familiarise yourself with the safety features and procedures on the Fire and safety page, in particular:

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  • Fire alarm locations and maintenance

  • Firefighting equipment

  • Procedures in the event of a fire

  • Means of escape

TV Licence

You must find out if you need a TV licence and obtain one if you do. You will need one for the property if you watch live TV on the television that has been provided.

 

When obtaining a licence you should be aware that your tenancy is a joint tenancy arrangement under which all communal facilities are available to everyone. As such, you are all jointly responsible for all utilities (including the TV irrespective of whether you personally watch it or not), hence if anyone wishes to use the TV you must obtain a licence as you will NOT be covered by any licence your parents may have for your main home residence.

 

Although you have your own rooms these cannot be classified as self-contained accommodation, hence you will probably only need one licence between you, rather than needing individual licences, although it is your responsibility to check.

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Utilities

Once you are familiar with the Fire and safety issues you should organise and familiarise yourself with the utilities.

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Organisation

This will require you to:

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  • Contract with provider – Establish contracts with providers of utilities that are not provided by the Landlord under the lease. You will need to:

  • Meter reading at start – Arrange for the reading of the gas, electricity and water meter (if applicable) at the commencement of the tenancy 

  • Pay bills – Have the utilities transferred to your name and pay all charges due during the Tenancy directly to the supplier

  • Meter reading at end – Arrange for the reading of the gas, electricity and water meter (if applicable) at the end of the tenancy 

Under no circumstances should you have the services disconnected.
 

Familiarisation – emergency shut-off

Familiarise yourself with the location of the various stop valves and switches for the utilities provided in the property, i.e.:

  • Electricity meter and consumer unit/units

  • Gas meter and gas stop valve

  • Water stopcock 

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