When you go round to look at a house it is a good idea to get someone to go with you. Take a list of the things you want to ask the landlord about. Your list of questions should include:

• How much is the rent and what does it include? It might include a charge for the electricity, gas and water bills.
• What furniture and kitchen equipment is there? Do you need to provide your own crockery, pots and pans etc?
• What heating is there? Ask to see the gas safety certificate so you know any gas fires, heating and cookers are safe.
• Is there a washing machine? If not, where is the nearest laundrette?
• When was the place last decorated? Does it look well looked after?
• Is the house secure, are there strong locks on the doors and windows? Think about whether you would feel safe living there.
• Who is responsible for repairing and paying for appliances that go wrong or things that need repairing?
• Who else lives there? Try to meet the other tenants so you can see if you’ll get on with them.
• Are there any rules you should know about?
• Are there shops nearby?
• Is the property near bus routes so you can get to college or work?

Don’t make a decision immediately, go away and think about whether you can afford the property and would be happy living there. Talk to your friends and Connexions Personal Adviser about it before going back to the landlord.

Rental agreement

If you do rent accommodation you'll have to sign a tenancy or a licence agreement. This is the legal agreement between you and the landlord that sets out each of your rights and responsibilities. Make sure you read the agreement carefully and are clear about how much it costs and what you need to do if you want to leave the accommodation. If you are unsure about anything in it, show it to your Connexions Personal Adviser before you sign it.

Paying for your housing

Once you've signed a licence or tenancy agreement with a landlord you are responsible for paying the rent. If you don’t pay then you will build up rent arrears and may end up being asked to leave or be evicted from the accommodation. If this happens it can be difficult to find other landlords who are willing to offer you housing.

When you pay rent, make sure you get a receipt from the landlord or ask for a rent book which the landlord signs when you pay. Keep receipts and the rent book safe.

If you are claiming benefits then you can claim housing benefit to help with the cost of the rent. However, the amount of housing benefit you can get if you live in a private rented house is limited. Contact the housing benefits office before you sign a tenancy agreement to see how much they will pay.

Being asked to leave or being evicted from a property

Landlords have to follow certain procedures if they want you to leave a property. If you are asked to leave, don’t go immediately unless it's unsafe to stay. Speak to your Connexions Personal Adviser or the local housing department who will be able to tell you where you can get more information about your rights.