'Rigsby' is no laughing matter!

Digital television repeats of the 70s comedy Rising Damp are introducing a new generation to the old-style friction between tenants and landlords.

And, as students reach the peak of their annual househunting next month (January), it will come as an eye-opener to modern tenants who tend to have a totally different view of present-day landlords – says the UK’s leading lettings specialist Belvoir.

“The humour goes right over the heads of many of our tenants because they often just can’t relate to the comedy,” says Mike Goddard, Managing Director of Belvoir Lettings which operates a national network of over 90 offices.

“The type of private sector landlords and tenants that Belvoir represents have a very different relationship these days because agencies like ours have both sets of interests at heart.

“But many tenants, particularly young people and househunting students, are renting for the first time and don’t know the ropes – so Belvoir gets them off to the best start with a series of tips on how to make sure the tenancy works well for everyone involved.”

Tenants should make sure they …

For personal safety, are accompanied by the agent when viewing a property or have the landlord’s details in advance so they can confirm who they are meeting.

Sign a proper Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement

Get a written receipt for the deposit – and make sure they understand the terms. If all bills, including rent, are paid on time, any damage is put right and the property is maintained properly, there should be no problem getting a deposit returned when the tenancy ends.

Agree a dated inventory, possibly illustrated by photographs, which clearly describes the condition of the property, furnishings and fittings.

Make sure you see the safety certificates for gas appliances and electrical wiring and ask to see furniture fire regulation labels for furnished properties. (Belvoir tenants receive copies automatically.)

Agree a schedule of repairs and improvements to the property before the tenancy begins.

Set up their own gas and electricity accounts with local suppliers (and water if applicable).

Make a note of meter readings when they move in and as they move out. (Belvoir agents include ‘start’ readings on the tenant’s inventory.)

Don’t forget to take out personal insurance covering theft and damage to their own belongings.

And it’s a good idea for the agent or landlord to be there to check the property over when they move out.

If the property is managed by a letting agent – which generally provides a more accessible contact point during the tenancy - ensure they are accredited by the government’s National Approved Letting Scheme.

“Neither tenants nor professional landlords want a problem relationship,” says Mike Goddard, “and, with advice like this, there’s absolutely no reason for either to get off on the wrong foot.”