To ensure that our customers have a smooth transition to London once we’ve found them their home sweet home, we negotiate a protective lease agreement and provide them with a checklist of the essential things we can do for them.
1) The lease contract before signing
British legislation is favorable to the landlord , and all clauses are negotiable! It is important to include clauses protecting the tenant, particularly in the event of leaving the property. What’s more, the names of all the adults occupying the property must appear on the lease contract, which serves as proof of domicile. Very useful for administrative formalities!
2) Utilities registration
Thames Water has a monopoly on water supply in London. For gas and electricity, on the other hand, it’s worth taking advantage of the competition between operators: EDF, British Gas, Southern Electric, Scottish Power, Bulb Npower, EON…
3) Council Tax
You have to register online with your local borough, with the option of flexible payment. Single occupants are entitled to a 25% reduction.
4) The NHS
It is advisable to register with the surgery nearest to your home to have free access to consultations with a “General Practitioner”. For private consultations, good insurance is recommended, as fees are high.
5) Consulate
Whatever the nationality of the tenant moving in, we recommend that they register with the consulate of their country of origin.
6) TV
A local TV license is compulsory. For French programs, you can turn to French TV, Prosat London or TPS UK, or watch certain content online.
7) Internet/telephone/TV/laptop package
With stiff competition from a host of operators (Sky, Virgin Media, BT, Talk Talk and, for cell phones, O2, Vodaphone and EE …), benchmarking enthusiasts are in for a treat!
8) Resident Parking Permit
It allows you to park for free in your neighborhood, and is available on your borough’s website! Temporary permits can be requested for guests.
9) English license plate
To bring a car imported from abroad up to standard (miles per hour counter, lights and number plate), the tolerance period is 6 months. The DVLA website explains these procedures.
10) Home insurance
It is not compulsory for tenants, but is recommended, as it insures their personal possessions or “tenants home contents”.
11) National Insurance Number
Equivalent to the social security number in France, it is provided to employees by their company. Self-employed entrepreneurs should contact a job center.
Aurélie de Riberolles and Virginie Colonna Foschi, Come and visit us www.homeinlondon.net
