It's advisable to have your own contents insurance to protect your personal possessions. Please note that your landlord's insurance does not cover your belongings in case of theft, flooding, fire, or other unfortunate incidents. Additionally, having a tenant's contents policy allows you to cover any accidental damage to the landlord's goods.

This coverage will come in handy in case a substantial claim is ever made against you.

We will coordinate with you to set a moving-in day and have you sign the tenancy agreement. As part of the documentation, you'll also need to review and sign an inventory and schedule of condition. On your moving-in day, we'll conduct a thorough check-in process with you.

This includes handing over the keys, acquainting you with all the equipment in the property, showing you the location of the electrical consumer unit, the stop tap, the utility metres, and taking their readings. We'll also be available to address any other questions or concerns you may have.

As a tenant, it's your responsibility to transfer utility and council tax accounts into your name. If you haven't already done so, we highly recommend contacting the utility provider and council tax authority immediately. In case you're unsure about your energy supplier, you can visit www.ofgem.gov.uk and click on ‘Information for customers’ and then ‘Finding your energy supplier or network operator’.

If you need any assistance with this process, feel free to ask our agents, and they'll guide you through it. It's crucial to handle this promptly to avoid any complications or administrative costs down the line.

In most cases, the responsibility for internet connection and charges falls on you as the tenant.

While we ensure that the property is well-presented and maintained for your enjoyment and peace of mind, it's vital that you pay the rent in full and on time. Timely rent payment is a legal obligation on your part and cannot be withheld for any reason.

You are responsible for the regular household maintenance in the property. As with any home, day-to-day tasks such as replacing light bulbs, cleaning windows, cutting lawns, maintaining hedges and borders, keeping gutters and drains clear, and dealing with pests like fleas, ants, or wasps are your responsibility.

When it comes to repairs and maintenance, we've got you covered for the majority of issues that may arise in our properties. We take repairs and maintenance seriously and want to ensure that any problems with the property's structure or the contents provided by the landlord are resolved in a timely and effective manner. If you encounter any such problem, please reach out to our office during business hours via email or phone, and we'll arrange for one of our approved contractors to investigate the issue.

Our email for repairs and maintenance is enquiries@castle-estates.co.uk. It's important to refrain from hiring a contractor yourself, as you may end up being responsible for the associated costs.

In certain cases where the required work is significant in terms of cost or complexity, we might need to obtain multiple quotes from contractors or involve a surveyor to assess the problem properly and find the most effective solution. Most of the time, our contractors will get in touch with you to schedule a convenient time for repairs. It would be greatly appreciated if you can be available for these appointments so that repairs can be completed as quickly as possible.

Mould and condensation is a serious issue as they can have a significant impact on your living environment. In the UK, our damp winters contribute to the prevalence of household mould. Condensation occurs when moist air comes into contact with cold surfaces such as windows, walls, or ceilings. Simple everyday activities like bathing, cooking, and even breathing can add to the moisture build-up.

To minimise the risk of mould, we recommend the following actions:

• Wipe down windows and sills with a cloth in the morning to remove any condensation.

• When filling your bath, start with cold water and then add hot water to reduce steam.

• While bathing or showering, open a window slightly in the bathroom and close the door. If you have an extractor fan, turn it on.

• After bathing or showering, wipe down all wet surfaces and keep the bathroom window open for about 20 minutes.

• Cross-ventilate your home by opening windows slightly at the top and bottom on opposite sides for at least half an hour per day. Open all inside doors to allow air to flow and create a draught that expels moisture-laden air.

• Avoid drying clothes on radiators or in front of them. Instead, use the bathroom with the door closed and a window open.

• If you use a tumble dryer, make sure it is vented to the outside, unless it's a condensing dryer.

• When cooking, open a window slightly to allow steam to escape.

• Maintain a constant temperature between 17 and 21 degrees Celsius throughout your entire home.

• Leave your bedroom window slightly open at night or use the small ventilators on the window if available.

Your comfort and well-being are important to us, so if you have any concerns about mould or condensation, please contact us as soon as possible. We're here to help and will work with you to address and resolve any issues promptly and effectively.

Mould and condensation are issues that we take very seriously, and we want to help you understand and address them.

To combat mould and condensation, it's important to follow a few simple steps. First, make sure to heat your home regularly and ventilate it as much as possible. If moisture starts accumulating on cold surfaces and you see black mould spots, it's a sign that action needs to be taken. If left untreated, mould and condensation can lead to an unsightly living environment, impacting your quality of life, creating a damp and humid atmosphere, and potentially affecting your health.

Here are some recommended actions to reduce the risk of mould:

1. In the morning, dry all windows and sills on the inside with a cloth

2. When filling your bath, run the cold water first, and then add hot water. This reduces steam by 90%.

3. When bathing or showering, open a window in the bathroom, even if it's just a little bit. Also, remember to close the bathroom door and turn on the extractor fan if you have one.

4. After bathing or showering, wipe down all wet surfaces and keep the bathroom window open for about 20 minutes.

5. Cross-ventilate your home by leaving a window slightly open at the top and bottom, preferably on opposite sides, for at least 30 minutes per day. Open all inside doors to create a draft that expels moisture-laden air and replaces it with fresh air.

6. Avoid using radiators or drying racks in front of a radiator to dry your clothes. Instead, use the bathroom with the door closed and a window open. It may take a bit longer, but it's better for your clothes and helps prevent condensation.

7. If you use a tumble dryer, make sure it is vented to the outside, unless it is a condensing dryer.

8. When cooking, open a window slightly to allow steam and moisture to escape.

9. Ensure that all rooms in your home have a constant temperature between 17 and 21 degrees Celsius. Cold rooms can worsen condensation in those areas.

10. Leave your bedroom window slightly open at night, or use the small ventilators on the window if available.

We want you to feel warm and comfortable in your home, especially during winter. If you have any concerns about condensation or mould, please don't hesitate to contact us. We are here to help and will work with you to resolve any issues early and effectively.

During colder weather, if you plan to be away for an extended period, please set the heating to frost protection to protect the property in your absence. If you're unsure how to do this, feel free to call our office for advice.

Our staff may conduct inspections on the property from time to time. You will always be notified in writing about the proposed inspection date and time, and you have the option to be present if you wish. While we understand that it's not always possible to accommodate revised inspection times, we'll do our best to assist you if you want to be present during the inspection.

It's essential for your landlord to obtain an annual Gas Safety Certificate from a registered Gas Safe engineer. This certificate confirms that the gas supply, boiler, and any gas appliances in the property are safe to use. If any remedial work is necessary, we'll make sure it's done to ensure compliance with the law. Sometimes, this work may need to be carried out in your absence if you can't be present, considering the specific time constraints of this health and safety requirement.

All rental properties must have a compliant electrical installation and undergo a compliance check called an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) every ten years. If an inspection is due during your tenancy, we may need to arrange for it to be done in your absence to meet the legal health and safety requirements.

To keep you safe from the dangers of fire, working smoke detectors are required on every floor of the property. We ensure that there are a minimum of two smoke alarms in your rental home to meet safety standards.

Any room with a gas appliance must have a Carbon Monoxide detector installed. This is important for detecting this odourless and potentially harmful gas and taking necessary precautions.

We want you to feel at home in the property, and we understand that you may want to add your personal touch through decorations or alterations. However, it's important to seek your landlord's consent before making any changes. This helps ensure that the property is returned to its original state when you move out, as per the landlord's expectations.

If you happen to lose your house keys during your tenancy, don't worry! During office hours, reach out to us as we may have a spare set of keys that can be provided to you. If it's outside office hours, it's best to contact an emergency locksmith. It's important to note that the cost of an emergency locksmith or a new set of keys will be your responsibility. Remember, always consult with us before arranging a change of locks.