Renting a Property in the UK: FAQ
英國租樓：常見問題
Q1: What are the usual steps involved once you've found a property you wish to rent?
找到想租的物業，有甚麼步驟要做？
A1: Once you've found a property you wish to rent, the typical steps include:
當你找到想租的物業時，所需程序包括:
1. Property Viewing: Visit the property to assess its condition and suitability.
預約睇樓到訪心儀物業，檢查其狀況及合適程度
2. Application Process: Submit a rental application to the landlord or letting agent. This may involve providing personal and financial information.
申請程序：向業主或地產經紀提交租務申請表，需要提供個人及財務資料
3. Tenant Screening: Landlords often conduct tenant screenings, including credit checks, background checks, and rental history verification.
租客審查：業主通常會對租客進行審查，包括信貸評級、背景審查及過往租屋記錄等。
4. Tenancy Agreement: Review and sign the tenancy agreement, which outlines the terms and conditions of the rental, including rent amount, duration, and responsibilities.
租務合約：檢視及簽署合約，合約上會列明所有條款，包括租金、租約期及租客責任等。
5. Security Deposit: Pay a security deposit, usually up to five weeks' rent, which is held in a recognized deposit scheme.
繳付按金：租客須向業主提交按金，一般金額最多為五星期租金
6. Initial Payments: Make initial payments, such as the first month's rent and any applicable fees.
首次款項：租客須繳交首次款項，例如第一個月租金及申請費等
7. Inventory Check: Request an inventory check to document the property's condition at the start of the tenancy, often accompanied by photographs.
物業狀況及物品檢查：要求進行物業狀況及物品檢查，記錄租樓前物業的狀況、家電及傢俬等，通常會拍照作記錄
8. Utilities Setup: Arrange for utility services such as gas, electricity, water, Wi-Fi, and TV license.
開設水電煤等戶口：安排煤氣、水電、無線上網及電視牌照等
9. End of Tenancy Checklist: Be aware of the end-of-tenancy checklist, ensuring bills are paid, the property is clean, and there's no outstanding rent when moving out.
租約期滿清單：留意租約期滿清單，確保所有費用已付清、物業完善清潔、搬離前沒有虧欠租金
10. Rights and Responsibilities: Familiarize yourself with your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, as outlined by local tenancy laws.
權利與義務：了解清楚租務法律，自己作為租客的權利與義務
11. Communication with Landlord: Establish clear communication with the landlord, reporting any issues promptly and addressing inspections and property maintenance.
與業主溝通：與業主建立良好溝通，遇到任何問題，包括物業檢查及維修等，應立即通知業主
Q2：What are the common breakdowns of bills tenants should consider when renting a property in the UK? 在英國租樓時，有甚麼常見費用？
A2：Bills such as energy (gas and electric), water, Wi-Fi/broadband, council tax, and TV license can add significantly to the overall cost of renting, typically ranging from £80 to £200 per room per month. 賬單例如能源（煤氣及電力）、水費、無線上網、電視牌照等，每月大概為£80至£200，會大幅增加租屋成本。
Q3：What is the typical range for rental deposits, and what should tenants be cautious about? 英國租樓通常要付多少按金？租客有甚麼要特別注意？
A3：Rental deposits can be up to five weeks' rent and are legally required to be held in recognized tenancy deposit schemes (TDS). Tenants should carefully review the tenancy agreement for conditions affecting the return of the deposit, such as unpaid bills or damages. Landlords should provide you with a certificate confirming that the deposit has been accepted by the TDS. 按金可以最高為五星期租金，這是法例規定必須存放在租客按金計劃（TDS ）中。租客需要仔細閱讀租約條款，了解清楚會影響退還按金的條件，例如有任何損毁或未付賬單。業主需要向租客提供TDS已接受按金之證書。
Q4：How can tenants address property hazards and maintenance issues during the tenancy? 在英國租樓時，有甚麼中伏位要注意？
A4：Tenants should be aware of high humidity in the UK during winter leading to risks of condensation and black mould. Regular maintenance is required by landlords, including checking circuit breaker boxes for faulty wiring and ensuring the presence of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. 租客要留意英國冬季時非常潮濕，會導致水珠凝結及發霉。另外，最好定期進行維修，包括檢查斷路器有沒有電線問題，及確保火警鐘及一氧化碳監察器運作正常等。
Q5：What should tenants consider at the end of the tenancy to avoid disputes? 租客如何在租約期滿時避免出現爭拗？
A5：At the end of the tenancy, tenants should ensure bills are paid, the property is clean, and there's no outstanding rent. Requesting an inventory at the start and taking photographs to document the property's condition can help to avoid disputes. 租約期滿時，租客必須確保所有賬單已付清、物業已妥善清理及沒有虧欠租金。可要求進行物業狀況及家電傢俬清單，並拍照作記錄，有助避免爭拗。
Q6：Is it advisable to choose furnished or unfurnished properties, and where can tenants find affordable furniture? 租樓時選沒有傢俬還是已有傢俬的物業比較好？可以在哪裏買到較便宜的傢俬？
A6：Tenants are encouraged not to be afraid of unfurnished properties. Resources like Free Cycle and charity shops are suggested for obtaining affordable furniture. In many cases, furniture can be given away for free in house clearances and local charities may be able to assist with van hire and collection. 租客其實不用避開沒有傢俬的物業，你可以在Free Cycle或慈善店舖等，找到價格相宜的傢俬。在很多情況下，當有人要遷走時，他們都會透過社區網絡免費捐出傢俬。另外，很多慈善機構都會在各方面提供協助，例如租用貨車及搬運等。
Q7：What are the rights and responsibilities of both tenants and landlords in the UK rental sector? 在英國租樓時，業主和租客分別有甚麼權利與義務？
A7：The UK rental sector is heavily regulated, and both landlords and tenants have legal obligations. Resources like the government website and the Citizens Advice Bureau provide information on rights and responsibilities. See the Resources section for more. 英國的租務市場是受到法例嚴密監管的，而業主及租客都有其法律責任。你可以利用各種資源，例如政府網頁及公民諮詢局提供的資訊，了解自己的權利與義務。想知道更多，可瀏覽我們的「資源」部份。
Q8：How important is regular communication with landlords during a tenancy? 與業主維持良好溝通有多重要？
A8：Regular communication with landlords is essential for addressing issues promptly. Landlord inspections, occurring at least once a year, can help identify and fix problems quickly. Notifying landlords immediately of any issues and keeping written records and correspondence can help maintain good relations and protect you from disputes. 定期與你的業主溝通，對迅速解決物業的問題至關重要。業主每年一次的檢查，可以有效找出和解決問題。物業出現任何狀況時，立即通知業主及以書面記錄，可以有效維持良好關係，並保障自己避免紛爭。
Q9：Who is responsible for council tax in a rented property? 在英國租樓時，是租客還是業主負責繳付地方稅？
A9：The responsibility for council tax in a rented property typically falls on the tenant. However, it's essential to clarify this in the tenancy agreement, as there might be cases where the landlord agrees to cover council tax. 繳付地方稅的責任通常在於租客。不過，在租約釐清是十分重要的，因為某些情況業主會同意繳付地方稅。
Q10：How should I handle requests for rent increases from landlords? 業主要求加租時，租客應該如何處理？
A10：When facing requests for rent increases, it's crucial to be aware of legal limits. Landlords may propose increases, but they must adhere to the statutory procedures. Tenants should be informed of any proposed changes well in advance, and negotiations can occur based on inflation rates and legal guidelines. 當面對加租要求時，了解清楚租務法律非常重要。業主可以要求加租，但必須符合法律程序。業主必須在加租前給予一段通知期，你亦可以就通脹及法律指引和業主周旋。
Q11：Where can I find additional help? 我可以在哪裏尋求額外協助？
A11：For further support, advice, and help, including financial assistance, Citizens Advice Bureau, your local council, and local Hong Kong and migrant support organisations may be helpful. Some further contacts and websites can be found at the Resources section. 想得到更多支援及意見，你可以聯絡公民諮詢局、地區政府、本地的香港人及移民支援組織。你可在我們的「資源」部份找到更多的網頁及聯絡資料。