Code of practice. Ask whether your landlord or agent has signed a code of practice, which may give you additional assurance about their conduct and practices. Ensure the property is at a minimum of energy efficiency band E (unless a valid exemption applies).

Consider requests for reasonable adjustments from tenants who have a disability or long-term condition. Reasonable adjustments could include changes to the terms of your tenancy or allowing adaptations or adjustments to your home or common parts of the building. Landlords (or agents) must respond to your request in a reasonable timeframe. If they refuse a request they must explain why. Foundations can offer advice on getting home adaptations.Reputable agents are often accredited through a professional body such as the Guild of Property Professionals, Propertymark, Safeagent, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors or the UK Association of Letting Agents.

read support for British nationals abroad for guidance on staying safe abroad, and the help the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) can provide Use a Tab character if you want to format the list item with hanging indentation, like Word applies to bulleted lists. Houses in multiple occupation are usually properties where 3 or more unrelated people share facilities such as a kitchen or bathroom. Do not leave bills unpaid. This might have an impact on your references and credit rating. Clear up

Do you have your documents ready? Landlords and agents will want to confirm your identity, immigration status, credit history and possibly employment status. Seek your permission to access your home and give at least 24 hours’ notice of proposed visits for things like repairs. Those visits should take place at reasonable times – neither the landlord nor the letting agent is entitled to enter your home without your express permission. Look after the property. Get your landlord’s permission before attempting repairs or decorating. It’s worth getting contents insurance to cover your possessions too, because the landlord’s insurance won’t cover your things. Look for landlords who belong to an accreditation scheme. Accreditation schemes provide training and support to landlords in fulfilling their legal and ethical responsibilities. Your local council can advise you about accreditation schemes operating in your area. Landlords must follow strict procedures if they want you to leave your home. They may be guilty of harassing or illegally evicting you if they do not follow the correct procedures.