Pre-tenancy training for the private rented sector Renting Ready Pre-tenancy training for the private rented sector Patrick Elliott, Crisis Skylight Merseyside

Introduction… What is Renting Ready? Who is it for?

Housing options This chapter explains different types of housing available and how housing benefit/local housing allowance works. It covers what a landlord can and can’t do and how a tenancy can end.

Getting ready to move This chapter talks about what landlords are looking for in a tenant, where you can get help with costs, and what to look for when viewing a property.

Money matters This chapter covers budgeting and explains bills and financial products as well as how to deal with debt. It is also full of great tips on how to look for and secure the best deal.

Making your money go further This chapter covers how to cook good food on a budget and how to save money on bills as well as useful tips on how to stretch out the your household budget.

Making a house a home This chapter tells you where to find affordable furniture and home goods. There are tips on cleaning and basic DIY. It also gives you some ideas of how to get involved in the community.

Finding a living with flatmates This chapter covers what to think about when you live with other people, and how to prevent and deal with common problems that can occur in shared housing.

Challenges What has worked Where next?

Quiz What is an Assured Shorthold Tenancy? What is another name for an excluded tenancy? What notice period does the landlord have to give for each of the above, and what is the minimum term for each? Explain a situation when a landlord can evict a tenant? What is deposit protection scheme and who regulates them? Under what circumstances would you only be entitled to the shared rate of LHA?

True or false? A landlord must provide a carbon monoxide detector Furniture must be fire safe Provide gas safety certificates for any gas appliances Provide electrical safety certificates for electrical appliances Provide their full name and address Place your deposit in a protection scheme It is illegal for landlords to refuse DSS tenants

Answers What is an Assured Shorthold Tenancy? This is a contract allowing someone to live in a property for a fixed period, usually 6 -12 months. 2. What is another name for an excluded tenancy? This usually known as a lodging agreement or a licence agreement

3. What notice period does the landlord have to give for each of the above, and what is the minimum term for each? AST – is two months AST - There is no minimum length for which an assured shorthold tenancy may be granted and a section 21 notice can be served at any time. However, when court proceedings are based on the section 21 notice the court cannot order the tenant to give up possession earlier than six months from the beginning of the tenancy. ET – reasonable notice, this is based on how often you pay your rent ET – there is no minimum

4. Explain a situation when a landlord can evict a tenant? Serious breach of their contract/agreement. E.g. non payment of rent 5. What is deposit protection scheme and who regulates them? These are where any deposit must be kept, they are a legal requirement and are regulated by the government 6. Under what circumstances would you only be entitled to the shared rate of LHA? People between the age of 18 – 34

True or false? A landlord must provide a carbon monoxide detector (False) Furniture must be fire safe (True) Provide gas safety certificates for any gas appliances (True) Provide electrical safety certificates for electrical appliances (False) Provide their full name and address (True) Place your deposit in a protection scheme (True) It is illegal for landlords to refuse DSS tenants (False)

Any questions??