Tenancy agreements, bonds and rent books
When moving into private rented accomodation, you should be given a tenancy agreement. Read it through first and if you're not sure of anything, get it checked out first if you can. It will probably be an 'assured shorthold' which means you can't be made to leave in the first six months unless you break the agreement (e.g. don't pay the rent or damage the property). See problems with where you live.
Sometimes you will not be given anything in writing - but either way you still have important rights and should get help from Castlegate or HARP if you have problems with your landlord.
If you pay a bond, get a receipt showing the amount and also that it is returnable. If you can't afford it, the landlord may accept a bond deposit guarantee instead. Contact the the Easylet scheme at the Citizens Advice Bureau (see renting from a private landlord for more information about bonds and bond guarantees). Make sure you are given a rent book and have it signed whenever you pay rent.
If you move into a house with others, apply for a joint tenancy and make sure all your names are on the rent book and any bills, so no one person is left with the responsibility.