Introduction
The Quids in! Professional Network Pre-Tenancy checklist – help your client get in great shape for their new tenancy by using our handy checklist. This is also a great opportunity to make your client aware of the implications of Universal Credit if they are on legacy benefits.
1. Perform a benefit check
It’s an essential start to understand what benefits are being claimed, and if any are being missed. Also an opportunity to discover what benefits may be available once the new tenancy starts. Use The Turn2Us benefits calculator
2. Develop money management skills
Create before and after budgets, so that the client completely understands the new position if they go ahead. Our budget planner might help. Check if your client has any savings, and if not whether some could be accumulated before the tenancy starts.
3. Deal with debts or arrears before moving
Any debts or arrears that surface during the budgeting need to be dealt with now, particularly if there is an affordability test coming. At best they should be cleared, but certainly provision should be made within the budget for paying them off and agreement in writing sought from the creditor.
4 Check your client has a recognised identity
No affordability test is going to go well if your client does not have a current id tied to an address. Encourage them on to the electoral roll before taking the next step too.
5 Sort out a Bank account
A bank account is now essential for everyone. With Universal Credit either here or just round the corner wherever your client lives, this is a great moment to get that basic bank account sorted. Money Saving Expert has reliable, up-to-date advice here.
6 Get them online
The same advice applies here as for bank accounts, with Universal Credit still overwhelmingly a digitally-managed product it’s imperative that some sort of internet access is available before considering a move.
7 Check the Invisible costs
Make sure your client has considered rent, home contents insurance, broadband and the cost of soft furnishings in their new home. They may have to put in carpets and curtains themselves.
8 Are there any grants that might help?
You may know about some local grants, and the Turn2Us grants searcher is also pretty thorough and very easy to use.
9 Check Universal Credit status
Moving home can be one of the triggers for a migration to Universal Credit. Your client needs to know if that’s going to happen to them. Your local Jobcentre Plus should be able to advise. We produce a top selling guide to Universal Credit.
10 Look at the contract
Read through the new tenancy agreement and make sure your client understands it. If anything seems unreasonable, Shelter may be able to help.
And finally
Our New Tenants Guide has all the information anyone could need when starting a new tenancy
