Most people relocating with their company move into long term, executive rental apartments or houses.
Even if you have previously visited the UK, you have probably visited on holiday or visiting friends or family, which means living in the country is a completely different proposition, when you have to take into consideration traffic, commuting times and costs, crime statistics and where to go for your hobbies and leisure pursuits.
You will also need to be aware of the paperwork and documents that are required when you are renting apartments or houses in the UK.
Tenancy Agreements and Inventories
Tenancy agreements and inventories are both important documents. The Tenancy Agreement covers the legal terms and responsibilities for both the Landlord/Landlady and you as a tenant.
The Inventory or Check In Report is a schedule of the house or apartment, room by room giving the condition of the room, including walls, floors, light fittings and other fitments and fittings. This should be prepared by an Independent Inventory Clerk a day or two before your tenancy commencement. It can be e-mailed to you or posted to your new home. The report should be very accurate and detailed, as the Inventory is the official document used when a tenancy ends to determine if any fair and reasonable deductions need to be made from your security deposit (usually the equivalent of 6 weeks rent).
Official Documents in the UK
There is no National Registration or ID in the UK, so it can prove difficult to open a UK bank account until you have a UK address. Some banks offer ways around this, but these accounts often have a monthly charge linked to them.
With Internet banking you can start a tenancy in the UK without a UK bank account. However, companies that provide services you may wish to use in your rental property, such as Sky or Virgin Media, will not let you open an account without a UK bank account.
Once you have moved into your property you will receive bills for council tax ,water rates, gas and electricity, which can then be used as your proof of address in the UK and help you to open accounts. They will be required to register at a Doctors (GP) Practice, to get a mobile phone account and as proof of residence if you are buying or leasing a car.
The difference between unfurnished and furnished properties in the UK
The rental market moves fast in the UK and properties are often shown and advertised as available when in fact they have already been let and a deal has been agreed. Carrying out an internet search for rental properties can prove frustrating, as multiple Letting Agents often advertise the same property and floor plans are rarely provided.
If you are moving to the UK with your company you may be wondering what to expect from the available rental properties.
All properties available to let, should be professionally cleaned prior to the commencement of the tenancy, as all tenancy agreements in the UK state that it is the outgoing tenants responsibility to have the property professionally cleaned. However, we would advise that you add this to your “wish list” with the offer to make sure.
Unfurnished properties
You will find that the kitchen in an unfurnished property usually comes fully equipped with “white goods”; cooker, fridge/freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer and possibly a dishwasher if space permits. Curtains and blinds will be fitted to the windows and the floor coverings, carpets or wood flooring, will be provided.
Furnished properties
It is harder to find furnished properties in the UK as there are not as many available. Landlords cannot charge a higher rent for a furnished property and also have to ensure that all furniture meets with UK fire regulations.
Properties which are furnished often have just the large main items of furniture, such as beds, a sofa, table and chairs. Landlords/Landladies are often reluctant to provide a TV or sound system as these are additional electrical appliances which they will be responsible for and have to get repaired or replaced if they go wrong.
In most instances you will still need to shop for crockery, cutlery, pots, pans, toaster, kettle, bed linen, duvets, pillows etc. Letting Agents will not provide a list of contents prior to viewing, so if a furnished property is important you should ask as many questions as possible to find out what is and is not provided by the Landlord.
For more information about any Relocation requirements contact the experts Premier Corporate Relocation,
Please contact Barbara on + 44 (0) 1962 793100, / +44 (0) 7770 815325 or via email.