Accommodation extras
Most tenants are responsible for water rates, electricity, gas and council tax, unless otherwise stated in the tenancy agreement.
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Council Tax
Council tax is a compulsory tax, paid by residents to the local government or borough council for services such as refuse collection, energy services, street lighting, road repair, etc. A system of local taxation, council tax is a tax on domestic property, which generally speaking the tenant is expected to pay. The bigger the property is, the more tax will be charged.
Before you sign a lease and rent a flat, find out if, a) you are liable to pay the council tax and b) how much it is. Your landlord or estate agent will let you know how to make payments, which are usually due in equal monthly installments.
Gas/Electricity/Water bills
Depending on the facilities and tenancy agreement, Gas, Electricity and Water rates are usually part of your obligation when renting a flat.
The standard electrical voltage in the UK is 220/240 AC, 50HZ. A three square pronged adapter plug and/or electric converter for appliances is required. Takes fuses of 3, 5 & 13 amps
TV Licence UK/Cable TV
The UK requires all those who own a television or television equipment to pay for a TV licence. The revenue for this goes towards the funding of free-to-air channels like the BBC. TV licencing regulations are very strict and if you get caught with a TV at an unlicenced address (you’ll be notified by mail if your address is unlicensed and given time to buy a licence) you can expect a large fine from the UK TV licence enforcers. A colour TV Licence costs £139.50, which you can pay in monthly instalments.
Telephone/Cheap Internet UK
Most people use mobile phones when travelling abroad rather than paying for a landline. Traveller XP offers UK Mobile SIM card (included in the bank package) so that you can call home as soon as you arrive. However if you need regular Internet access then it might be worth looking into a landline and Internet package as Internet café charges (approx 1 – 5 GBP per hour) can soon build up. There are many cheap options about so shop around before plumping for the mainstream providers. On average you can expect to pay anything ranging from £10 - £15 per month for high-speed broadband connection.
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