Charlotte_24

Tell them to whistle for it, to be quite frank. You have already signed the new AST, they didn't mention the fees at this point (or until many weeks had passed). Don't leave the property early as you will be at fault, if you continue to be harrassed ask for your landlord's details and contact them.

Fair do's, just thought there may be a specific reason. Carry on

I think tenants should be wary of any agent who isn't. Can i ask the reason for this research?

I'd suggest looking into Nether Edge and Sharrow (S7), they have a good mix of people and wouldn't be too far from the city centre.

Yes, but i'm also speaking from a professional point of view.

Can i ask you, as a landlord do you also factor in what the agent will charge a tenant when selecting one? I have heard several people say that they've seen a great house at decent rent, but wouldn't go for it as they didn't want to deal with the particular agent marketing it (not the same one every time).

Personally, i think anything over about £50 is too much. And it isn't just the application fees tenants need to take into consideration, for example will you be charged for renewing your contract? Will the agency charge to provide a reference when you leave? Will they charge you an additional check in or inventory fee?

A tenant has the right to quiet enjoyment of the rented property, landlords entering without prior notification are breaking the law. Even calling round can be construed as harrassment, PT above is correct. I would second the advice to get dated photos the day you move out, gather as much evidence as possible because if she tried to retain your bond you can appeal this with the DPS.

Very similar to me, except i put 2 people in the house. I qualified too.

It looks to be the one advertised on the website in TinaE's signature. If so there is a contact phone number.

You can shop around for your own if you wish, as long as you have one it doesn't matter whether you or your agent arranges it. I would be questioning why it has taken them until late February to chase a letter they claim was sent in October (bearing in mind the regulations came in on 1st of October).

It sounds as though you're renting, can you ask the landlord? If not maybe you could find out from the council, however the exact age is really only relevant for rebuild value.

oooops.......

Well i for one was guilty of putting it off for a long time, kept meaning to go but i never had the time. After watching something about Jade on This Morning i was straight on the phone making an apointment, got in the same day (luckily a day off work) and just got my results back all clear. I will be going on time in future!

Oh my.. the system gets crazier and crazier! How much notice would you need to give doing voluntary work if a paid one came up, i would have thought you'd be able to start pretty much right away anyway.

Your landlord must ensure that the heating is working correctly, when was your last Gas Safety Certificate carried out? If your landlord is refusing to carry out essential repairs then your next stop should be Sheffield City Council Private Rented Standards, see link for details - http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/in-your-area/housing-services/private-sector-housing/private-landlords/contacts. Also see - http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/repairs_and_bad_conditions/repairs_in_private_lets/responsibility_for_repairs for more information on your rights.

Getting paid work may well prove tricky, but volunteering to gain some valuable work experience may well be a good option. Plus it will make you stand out from the crowd, and show a potential employer that you are willing to put the hard graft in.

They were still open the other day when i went past.

I'd suggest getting a website with testimonials and some photos of your work, a list of services you carry out and areas covered etc. Oh, and stick the site in your signature on here, of course.

Hmmmm, tricky! Maybe wait until tomorrow morning and call, ask for feedback and let them know that you're still interested.

First of all i am appalled to hear the way you have been treated, it sounds like you've had a horrible run of bad luck/landlords/agencies. It sounds as though you had viewed when tenanted and also signed for it, then come to move in finding it in a poor state? At this point did you challenge the agency,the description of the property upon moving in sounds absolutely unacceptable. Are you aware that private tenants are still able to make a complaint to the local council, who will carry out an inspection and make sure the landlord completes essential works. See the following link for more information - http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/in-your-area/housing-services/private-sector-housing/private-landlords/private-tenants Also see this page on the Shelter site - http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/advice_topics/repairs_and_bad_conditions/repairs_in_private_lets

Sorry to hear about your bad experiences, there are always some people who will give others a bad name. Were you able to collect references from previous landlords at all? Sorry for all the questions, if you'd rather PM me please feel free, you are just the kind of person i'm looking for feedback from. No worries if not, you've been very helpful already

Well from personal experience i can recommend Bloor & Co, i've also heard good things from people who've used Property Partners, Oak Estates and Shef-Lets. A quick search on here or Google should bring up their information

Thanks for that I would just add that there are responsible pet owners out there who are respectful of the property, it's a shame to hear you've encountered some of the less responsible ones. I'm curious to know, did you let through an agency or do you handle things yourself?

I seem to remember that if you're self employed you need three years of accounts, but may be wrong. A quck Google search brought this site up - http://www.yourmortgage.co.uk/self_employed_mortgages