What's typically included in rent in UK?
 

Hi all,

We are moving back to the UK after 21 years in Germany.

I have some questions regarding rent prices. Hope you can help.

Does rent typically include utility prices (water, gas, electricity)? Also is council tax typically included in the rental price?

Many thanks for any responses. As you see, I have no idea... ;)

Andy

Re: What's typically included in rent in UK?
 

Typically, if you rent a house/apartment, rent does not include utilities (gas/electric & water) or council tax. These will all be paid in addition to the rent.

The only exeption that I've seen is if you are renting a room within a house. This will be often be advertised with the utilities included within the rental prices.

The two main websites used to look for properties to rent are Rightmove and Zoopla. You can use both of these to search for properties in the area that you're interested in and get an idea of likely rents.

Be aware that if you rent through a letting agent they will have their own fees that you will incur. Details of their fees should be laid out on their own website for which there is usually a link.

Re: What's typically included in rent in UK?
 

On utilities, just a tip:

Make sure you take meter readings for gas and electricity, and water if metered, when you move in. And get the bills put in your name. When you move out take meter readings again and let the utility firms know you are leaving. That way you'll avoid being charged for the previous, or subsequent tenant's usage.

Don't rely on the owner or letting agent to take the readings for you. When we rented out our property, our letting agent did not take meter readings, even though it was a specified clause in his contract with us that he did so.

Re: What's typically included in rent in UK?
 

+1

When we rented a house the letting agent walked through the house with us doing an inventory which gave us the chance to sign off that all was present and in good working order. She also walked to the meters with us and wrote down the readings and I initialed them to confirm I agreed with them. Very professional.

Our rent did not include utilities or council tax or contents insurance (it was an unfurnished house and the owner had bricks and mortar insurance, included in the rent along with any letting agent fees).