A low-looking rent can become an expensive mistake if the contract is vague, the bills are higher than expected or the damp patch in the corner turns into your problem.

Before signing a rental agreement in Peterborough, check three things properly: the home itself, the actual money you will have to pay and the landlord’s responsibilities and those you'll have to cover. 

Some problems can be sorted later. Others are much harder to unwind once your name is on the rental agreement.

Start with the property, not the sofa placement.

Look for damp, mould, leaks, broken locks, damaged windows, unsafe stairs and signs of poor ventilation.

Open taps. Check the heating. Test lights if you can.

Ask what furniture and appliances are included, then make sure they appear in the inventory.

Take dated photographs on your phone during the viewing or at very least before you move in. 

If you spot a problem afterwards, report it in writing and keep the reply.

A message trail and photographs are far more useful than trying to remember what was said on the doorstep.

Then get the money clear.

Ask for the full monthly cost, not just the advertised rent.

Find out which bills are included, who pays council tax, and what the likely energy and water costs are.

Check the council-tax band and the property’s EPC.

If the rent is paid weekly or four-weekly, work out the annual total so you’re comparing homes properly.

In England, a tenancy deposit is normally capped at five weeks’ rent when annual rent is below £50,000, or six weeks above that figure.

A holding deposit is normally limited to one week’s rent.

Ask where the tenancy deposit will be protected and what could lead to deductions.

Read the agreement before paying or signing.

Check the length of the tenancy, notice rules, rent-review wording, repair responsibilities, access arrangements, rules on pets or subletting, and any charges.

The government’s private-renting guidance says landlords must provide a safe, repaired home and respect a tenant’s quiet enjoyment.

You still have responsibilities for rent, damage, bills and allowing agreed access.

Ask for the safety paperwork too.

That includes the gas safety record where gas is supplied, electrical safety information, smoke and carbon-monoxide alarm checks, and details of escape routes and supplied appliances.

Peterborough has one extra check for some homes.

The city operates selective licensing, while HMOs may need mandatory or additional licensing.

The council lists additional licensing for three- and four-person HMOs from 26 January 2026.

Ask the agent or landlord for the licence details, then check the council’s records for the address if needed.

Do not assume that a listing being online means every requirement has been dealt with.

If something feels wrong, Peterborough City Council’s private-housing advice page gives local routes for housing standards, rent-deposit support and other tenant help.

Its Housing Standards contact details are 01733 747474 and housing.standards@peterborough.gov.uk.

You may not be able to negotiate every preference in a competitive market.

But missing paperwork, unsafe conditions and unclear costs are not small details.

They are the things to stop and question before signing.

What is the one rental question you wish more people asked before agreeing to a Peterborough home?

We currently work with Suzanne at Y-Us Lettings who will make sure the home you rent or rent out complies with all the required rules and regulations but she would be happy to answer your questions.

Send us the question you’d like her to answer by clicking the button below.