Moving
Moving in
Oyster Estates recognise moving in to a new property is daunting, possibly exciting and definitely exhausting! We have created a list of tips we think will be of use and aid your moving process.
- Once you have signed the tenancy agreement, give yourself enough time to visit the property with an Oyster Estates representative who will show you where things are and how some things work (i.e. electricity meter, water stopcock, dustbin days, heating etc).
- Redirect your mail from your previous address. Forms may be obtained from a local Post Office or the Royal Mail web site. www.royalmail.com
- Make sure you agree with all the written comments on the inventory before you sign.
- Take and agree all the service meter readings with the Oyster Estates representative. You will have to inform the various companies of your intent to become the new subscriber.
- If you are unable to find out who supplies the gas, phone the Meter Number Helpline on 0870 608 1524 or see www.offgas.co.uk
- If you are unable to find out who supplies the electricity, contact Meter Point Administration Service (MPAS) 0845 270 9101 http://www.sppowersystems.co.uk/CustomerServices/mpas.asp
- You will need to inform Southern Water (Customer accounts 0845 272 0845) or (01903 264 444) if you are the new occupier www.southernwater.co.uk
- Waste water in the Arun area will be www.portsmouthwater.co.uk
- Portsmouth Water 0239 249 9888 customers@portsmouthwater.co.uk
- Please see www.ofwat.gov.uk for a list of water company addresses and numbers
- www.uswitch.com is a utility comparison website that compares prices from utility providers.
We hope this information is of use. If you have advice you think will be of use to other people moving in to their new property, please let us know and we will add them to this list.
Moving out
Oyster Estates understand you may be anxious about what you have to do to prepare the property for leaving and the time scale and procedure for the return of your deposit.
- Allow Oyster Estates to show prospective new tenants around the property within the last month.
- Unless you are moving on the last day of your tenancy you will need to give Oyster Estates a minimum of one month’s written notice of your intention to move. This will only be deemed to have effect from the date the notice is received at our offices and must end on the last day of a rental period.
- Rent will continue to be due until a member of staff receives your keys.
- Prepare the return of the property by having windows, carpets, curtains etc cleaned and put in the same condition as when you moved in.
- Contact utility companies to have meters read and close your accounts.
- Make provision to have your post forwarded to your next address.
- Let Oyster Estates have your new address, as we may need to contact you.
- A member of staff will visit the property after the keys have been returned and compare the condition with the signed inventory. If satisfactory we will forward your deposit to your bank.
- If there are any differences in condition, we will mediate between you and your landlord a fair deduction from the deposit. If you disagree the TDS will be called upon to mediate a solution. You will be given details of this at the beginning of your tenancy.
- Keep Oyster Estates informed of your moving progress, as we may be able to offer you advise on all aspects of the process.
- Oyster Estates may be able to offer our contacts for cleaners, window cleaners, carpet cleaners, gardeners etc.
Disclaimer
This guide is intended to help readers navigate their way through the letting process under the estate agency systems in England and Wales. Readers take any advice at their own risk. Oyster Estates accept no responsibility for any action taken, or loss occurring, as a result of any advice and/or information in this guide.
