Home Life
Renting
When you leave your MEARS house, you will need to rent another place.
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When you rent a house, you'll sign a paper that says how long you can stay there, how much you pay, and what you and the landlord have to do.
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Before moving in, landlords may ask for money to cover any damages or unpaid rent. They should keep this money safe and give it back when you leave.
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Landlords must make sure the house is safe and has basic things like heating and hot water. If something's broken, you can ask them to fix it.
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You'll usually pay rent every month. Make sure you know how much to pay, when it's due, and how to pay it.
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You have the right to live there without any problems and to ask for repairs. But you also have to pay rent on time and keep the house clean.
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If you need to leave early, you might have to tell your landlord first. They also have to tell you if they want you to leave.
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If you have any problems with your house or need advice, there are people (such as the Welcome Project) who can help you. They can help with house issues, legal advice, and other things you might need.
Owning a house
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Start by saving money for a deposit, which is a lump sum you pay upfront when buying a house. Typically, this is around 5-20% of the property's value.
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Once you have enough money for a deposit, you'll need to apply for a mortgage. This is a loan from a bank or lender that covers the rest of the property's cost. They'll look at your income, expenses, and credit history to decide if you can afford it.
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Look for houses that fit your budget and preferences. You can search online, use a real estate agent, or attend property viewings to find the right one.
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When you find a house you like, you can make an offer to the seller. If they accept, you'll move to the next steps.
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You'll need a solicitor or conveyancer to handle the legal side of buying a house. They'll do searches, checks, and paperwork to make sure everything is in order.
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Before finalizing the purchase, you'll need to get a survey done on the property to check for any issues or problems.
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Once everything is in order, you'll exchange contracts with the seller. This makes the sale legally binding, and you'll usually pay a deposit at this stage.
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On the completion date, the remaining money is transferred to the seller, and you get the keys to your new home. Congratulations, you're now a homeowner!
Keeping Warm
Understand the heating system in your house:
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The heating system and hot water in your house are usually controlled by a boiler, which is a large appliance usually found in a cupboard or utility room. It's responsible for heating the water that goes to your radiators and taps.
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Your house should have a thermostat, which is a device that controls the temperature of your home. It's usually located on a wall in a central area of the house. You can adjust the temperature by turning the dial or pressing buttons on the thermostat.
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Your heating system may have additional controls, such as timers or programmers, that allow you to set when the heating comes on and off. These controls are usually located near the boiler or on the thermostat itself.
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Your house will have radiators in each room, which are used to heat the space. Each radiator should have a control valve, usually located at the bottom, that allows you to adjust the temperature in that room. Turn the valve clockwise to reduce the heat and counterclockwise to increase it.
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To control the hot water, you may have a separate control panel or switch near the boiler or in the kitchen. This allows you to turn the hot water on and off, and some systems also let you set timers for when the hot water should be available.
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It's important to be careful when adjusting the heating system and hot water controls. Make sure to follow any instructions provided by your landlord or housing authority, and never attempt to repair or tamper with the boiler yourself. If you have any concerns or if something isn't working properly, contact your landlord or a qualified technician for assistance.