Question 1

What is condensation?

Accepted Answer

Damp, mould, and condensation can affect any home. Condensation occurs when warm, moisture‑laden air comes into contact with a colder surface, causing water droplets to form. It is most commonly seen on windows, walls, and ceilings.

If condensation is not managed, the excess moisture in the air can lead to damp conditions, creating an environment where mould and mildew can grow. Areas that naturally produce more moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens are particularly susceptible, which is why extractor fans and ventilation are fitted in these rooms

Question 2

How can I exit my tenancy?

Accepted Answer

Notice Information

How much notice do I need to give?

You must give at least two month’s notice inline with your rental period, as per the tenancy agreement.

Notice Information

How do I give notice?

Notice to end your tenancy must be given in writing. You can email
        
          pickard@pickardproperties.co.uk
        
        to give notice.
Notice can only be given by a tenant as per the tenancy agreement. Permitted occupiers are not permitted to provide notice to terminate a tenancy.

Notice Information

What happens after I give notice?

Once we have received your notice, we will send you a vacate confirmation email.
        This email will include all the information you need when ending your tenancy,
        such as rent due, key dates, end-of-tenancy inspection, and payment deadlines.

Ground 4A under Section 8 of the Housing Act 1988

Ground 4A under Section 8 of the Housing Act 1988 is a mandatory ground for possession that allows student landlords to regain control of their Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) at the end of the academic year so they can re-let the property to a new group of students.

Notice Information

Viewings during your notice period

Once your notice has been received, viewings may be arranged while you are
        still living in the property.

You will be given at least 24 hours’ written notice of any viewings
        (either via SMS or email).

If you wish for any viewings to be rearranged, please let us know at your
        earliest convenience.

Notice Information

Pre check-out inspection

Before you move out, you have the opportunity to request a pre check-out
        inspection. Please do so at your earliest convenience.

A pre check-out inspection helps identify any cleaning or repairs that may
        be required prior to vacating the property. This allows both you and the
        landlord to address any potential issues in advance, reducing the risk of
        deposit deductions and ensuring the property is ready for re-letting.

What tips do you have for an end of tenancy clean?

What is fair wear and tear? (TDS)

What are my responsibilities as a tenant?

Notice Information

End-of-tenancy inspection

Once your tenancy has ended, a final assessment of the property will be
        carried out. Its purpose is to compare the property’s condition at the end
        of the tenancy to your check-in report.

Why might there be deductions to my deposit?

Notice Information

Deposit return

After the final inspection has taken place, we will provide a full deposit
        breakdown within 10 days of you requesting it. This will include a copy of
        your check-out inspection for your reference.

To request the return of your deposit, please email us at
        
          pickard@pickardproperties.co.uk
        .

We will then ask you to provide your bank account details so the deposit can
        be returned to you.

Once we have received your bank details and any deductions have been agreed,
        your deposit will be returned within 10 days.

Notice Information

Mail after you move out

Please note that any mail received at the property after you move out will be
        returned to the sender. To avoid this, we recommend arranging mail redirection
        before you leave, through the Post Office website.

Let friends and family know your new address and update any online
        subscriptions or billing details ahead of time.

Don’t forget to notify important organisations such as your GP or medical
        providers, mobile phone companies, and banks.

If a parcel is accidentally delivered to your old address, please contact us
        and we will do our best to recover it.

Question 3

How do I arrange the utility bills for my property?

Accepted Answer

You will usually need to arrange:• Gas & electricity• Water• Broadband (Wi-Fi)• Contents insurance• TV Licence (if required)• Council Tax (students must apply for exemption)

How do I set up gas and electricity?

Setting Up Gas & Electricity

Locate your meter readings
    
      Your check-in report usually includes these.
      We recommend taking your own readings on the day you move in.

Choose a supplier
    You can stay with the existing supplier or switch to a new one.

To find out who currently supplies your property, use 
        
          Find My Supplier
        
        or check letters at the property.

Compare prices using sites such as 
        
          Uswitch
        
        or 
        
          Compare the Market
        .

Register with the supplier
    You will need:
    
      Meter readings
      Move-in date
      Your contact and payment details (Direct Debit is usually cheapest)
    
    You can register online, via their app, or by phone.

Confirm the switch
    
      If you switch suppliers, your new provider handles the transfer automatically.
      We still recommend contacting your old supplier with your meter readings to avoid incorrect final bills.
    
    Note: You will not lose power during the switch. The process typically takes 2–3 weeks.

Do I need to set up water bills?

Yes. Water suppliers cannot usually be changed.

For Leeds, you should register with Yorkshire Water.

Set Up Your Account

You will need to
    
      Create an account (website or app)
      Enter your move-in date
      Choose a payment plan

Do I need contents insurance?

Contents insurance is strongly recommended. It can protect your personal belongings (such as laptops, phones, clothing, and other valuables). Some policies also include tenant liability cover, which can protect you if you accidentally cause damage to the property.

Contents Insurance

How to arrange it
    
      Estimate the value of your belongings.
      Compare policies online.
      Choose the best cover and pay (annual payments are usually cheaper).
      Add extras if needed (e.g., accidental damage, protection away from home).
      Update your policy if you move or buy valuable items.

Extra Cover

Do I need extra cover?
    
      The value and number of items you own
      Whether you live alone, with family or housemates, or regularly have visitors
      Whether you want protection away from home (e.g., phones)

Landlord Insurance

Landlord insurance (for awareness only)
    
      Buildings insurance
      Their own contents insurance (for furniture they provide)
      Liability insurance
    
    Note: This does not cover your personal belongings.

Do I need a TV Licence?

TV Licence

You need a Licence if you
    
      Watch or record live TV
      Use BBC iPlayer

TV & Streaming Licences

You do not need one for:
    
      Netflix
      Amazon Prime
      Disney+
      YouTube
      All 4 (on-demand)

A TV Licence costs £174.50 per year per household.

You can purchase a TV Licence on the TV Licensing website.

How do I arrange broadband (Wi-Fi)?

Broadband Setup

Check availability
    Enter your postcode into comparison websites, such as Compare the Market.

Compare packages
    Consider speed, contract length, and price.

Book installation
    If the property isn’t already connected, an engineer may need to visit.
    
      Landlord approval may be required if the installation involves drilling (which is common for fibre connections).
      In some cases, access may also need to be arranged with our Maintenance team.

Set up your router
    Follow the instructions once it arrives.

Tip: Broadband can take up to 2 weeks to install — book early.

Council Tax

Responsibility for council tax depends on the type of tenancy.

Council Tax Details

Non–bills inclusive / student tenancies
    
      Tenants are responsible for registering with Leeds City Council for council tax at the property. 
      Students may be eligible for a full exemption, so it’s important to contact the council directly 
      to confirm your status and submit any required evidence. Registration can be completed online via 
      the Leeds City Council website 
      or by phone.

Professional house-shares (bills inclusive)
    
      Council tax is paid by the landlord, so tenants do not need to register or make payments to the council.

When do I need to start paying for utilities?

You are responsible from the first day of your tenancy, even if you haven’t physically moved in. For this reason, it’s important to register and set up your accounts as soon as possible.If you register late, most providers allow you to backdate the account to your tenancy start date.

What if I’ve chosen a Bills Inclusive tenancy?

If your tenancy includes bills, we will arrange:

• Gas• Electricity• Water• Broadband• Contents insurance• TV Licence

You only need to:• Students: Register with Leeds City Council for Council Tax or Council Tax exemption.• Professional house-shares: Council Tax is already covered by the landlord, so no action is needed.Review our Fair Usage Policy, which sets out what counts as excessive usage and when additional charges may apply.

Note: Please also refer to your Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement, which confirms exactly which bills are included in your tenancy.

Can Somebody Pay Rent on My Behalf?

Related Questions

What is condensation?

How can I exit my tenancy?

How do I arrange the utility bills for my property?

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