Transform your house with a fashion-forward look

By Bobbie Thomas

TODAY

updated 11:36 a.m. ET April 17, 2008

Bobbie Thomas TODAY Style Editor

Fashion trends often transfer into interior décor ideas, but have you ever considered creating your own haute couture for the home? Style-savvy ladies know that just like your clothes, your home is an extension of your personal style, so as your mood and mindset change, it’s only natural to want to make over a room or two! Spring is the perfect time to spruce up your living space, and you don’t have to pay designer prices to get a fashion-forward look. There are many ways to transform your nest with a small touch-up and a little creativity.

Bobbie Thomas, Today Style editor and author of the Buzz column for In Touch weekly, highlights a few ideas for updating your abode.

Flower power
Dolce & Gabbana commissioned art students to paint silk-tulle, organza and net, and then cut, layered and bunched the fabric into delightful dresses and gorgeous gowns. Why not make a masterpiece at home by designing your own duvet? Think of your cover as a canvas and revive the look of old linens instantly with some fabric paint. Even two simple flat sheets can be sewn together like a giant pillow.

DesignerLinensOutlet.com and Amazon.com are great sites to search for discounted sets. Then all you will need is paint, sponges, brushes, stencils, trim or whatever tools you choose to help you get the look!

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FolkArt Fabric Paints range from 1.49 – 1.99, Plaidonline.com

And to really make your bedding bloom, accent your new work of art with pretty pillows. Just twist and tie scraps of silk or chiffon to create romantic rosettes, or pin a bouquet of faux flowers to top off your look with a bit of texture. Joann Fabric and craft stores are stocked full of supplies to get you started. You can either wrap up or re-imagine a pillow you already own, or use a “No Sew Pillow Form.”

$14.99, Joann.com

Modern art
Add a personal pop of color to your walls with Photofiddle.com, a free Web site that lets you upload your personal pictures and instantly transform them. With more than a dozen applications available from color sketches to “light peg” renditions of your favorite images, you can even pick the perfect size to print. It’s professional-quality custom art you have a hand in, for as little as $14.95 (and up, depending on size). But be warned, for those easily distracted by sites like Facebook or YouTube, this may become your new guilty pleasure at work!

The commitment-phobe who yearns to do something with those blank off-white walls will rejoice in the temporary touch that wall decals provide. WhatisBlik.com originally set out to turn your favorite words into wall art with their “Prose” custom decals, and they now offer dozens and dozens of “stickers for grown-ups.” Their “Re-Stik” series is not only removable like the originals, but reusable too! (“Fly” Re-Stik decals $25, WhatisBlik.com)

And for a BIG change of scenery, consider a mural and make your wall an escape to another world, literally. Available in easy-to-hang panels that go up just like wallpaper, these oversize accessories for the home are more affordable than you may think. “Environmental Graphics” offers up nature’s best, such as “Pebbles” by Gale Fitzsimmons, available in one size (13’ 8” wide X 8’ 3” high) for $99 at DecorPlace.com. Or check out “Murals Your Way”; they have more than 5,000 different images to choose from, and can also take a personal photograph or painting and turn that into a mural. If you are not comfortable putting up wallpaper (or have the help of a fabulous Props department), a link to the National Guild of Professional Paperhangers can be found on their Web site.

$7.95/sq. ft., MuralsYourWay.com

Mother Nature
From feathered frocks to safari chic’s call of the jungle, designers are looking to landscapes for inspiration, and so can you. Bring the outside in with feathers, branches, shells and other obscure outdoor treasures. These offbeat alternatives to flowers are available at local florists, farmers markets, or online sources such as Nettletonhollow.com. And while being crafty was once considered grandma’s pastime, it’s now eco-chic! Consider covering your trays and coasters using mock-croc-embossed paper, faux skins, or animal-print designs. Be resourceful by using a broken handbag strap, leftover ribbons or chic wrapping paper as a “pick-me-up” for your home. Coil string or rope around a vase using tacky glue to add an organic texture, weave a basket out of pussy willows for a unique candle crate. Or opt to accent by using dried flowers, which can keep their color for up to a year. Whether you re-use and re-invent with something around the house, or find yourself lost in the aisles at Michael’s Arts and Crafts stores, all of these small suggestions are great ways to get a high-end look for less! Happy crafting!

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http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/24163513/ns/today_fashion_and_beauty/

Landscape & Structures

Landscape & Structures

Lawns, gardens, decks, patios, fences, paths, water features—these are just a few of the many elements that combine to create a home’s landscape. All contribute toward giving a home its sense of place and making the outdoor areas inviting and useful. And, of course, a carefully maintained and well-chosen landscape increases a home’s value. In this section, we focus on those elements of a landscape plan that are often referred to as the “hardscape.” A yard’s hardscape includes man-made structures that add to the functionality of outdoor areas, such as masonry patios, decks, paths, lighting, and so forth. Of course, lawns, gardens, and other living elements are integral to a home’s landscape plan, too, so they are discussed here briefly as well. For more in-depth information about gardens and other living elements, see the category Lawn & Garden.

Barbecues From simple gas grilles to outdoor kitchens, these articles will help you buy, plan, and build	Decks, Patios & Porches Helpful tips for creating and maintaining beautiful decks and patios	Driveways How to plan, install,and maintain a driveway that will add to your home’s curb appeal
Fences, Gates & Walls Here’s help with choosing the right fence and tips for building and maintaining fences and gates	Gazebos & Arbors In-depth help with planning and building patio roofs, gazebos, and similar garden shelters	Landscaping Design Helpful tips for planning and improving your home’s landscape design
Outdoor Furniture	Outdoor Lighting Buying and installing outdoor and garden lights	Paths, Pavers & Steps Create beautiful and lasting garden walkways and steps with this helpful information
Sheds & Playhouses	Water Features A splashing fountain or sparkling pond can liven up your yard.

Car, Garage & Shop

Want to know how the Mazda CX-7 drives or how to keep your car from overheating? Need a new garage door…or an entire garage? Has your driveway seen better days? In this section of HomeTips, you will find helpful tips for working on your car, improving your garage, installing and maintaining your driveway, and much more. Over the coming months, watch this area for lots of new content on everything related to your car and garage. // <![CDATA[// // <![CDATA[//

Car Driving Reports Reports on what it’s like to drive the latest and greatest cars on the market.	Driveways How to plan, install,and maintain a driveway that will add to your home’s curb appeal	Garage Doors Help with choosing, installing, and caring for garage doors. Includes garage door operators
Garage Storage Helpful ideas, products, and designs to improve storage in your garage	Garages Improvements that will make your garage brighter and more efficient	Tools How to select and use a variety of essential tools. Also include tool maintenance
Workshop Designs and DIY woodworking techniques for a variety of workshop projects, woodworker

Kitchens

“Home is where the hearth is.” What this saying basically comes down to is that a dwelling is not a home without a kitchen. Since prehistoric times, dwellings were literally built around the hearth–the cooking and heating center of the home. Nowadays, the kitchen is where meals are prepared, snacks are sneaked, families come together, and homework and other projects are tackled. The “hearth” is still the “heart” of the home. Here you’ll find information on buying kitchen cabinets, countertops, and flooring, as well as illustrated DIY advice on how to make it all come together in a collaboration of style and function. For information on dishwashers, refrigerators, and other kitchen appliances, see Appliances. // //

Kitchen Cabinets Buying, installing, and caring for kitchen cabinets	Kitchen Countertops A guide to buying, installing, and maintaining kitchen countertops	Kitchen Design Planning a new kitchen? Start your design here.
Kitchen Faucets Advice for buying, repairing, and caring for kitchen faucets	Kitchen Plumbing Installing and solving problems with sinks, dishwashers, and more.	Kitchen Sinks Help with buying, installing, and

Grouting and Finishing Wall Tiles

Wait for the adhesive to completely harden before grouting (this can take a day or two). If you can move a tile to the side using your hand, you need to wait longer.

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Use unsanded grout for joints less than 1⁄8 inch wide and sanded grout for wider joints.

Unless the grout is fortified with powdered latex, mix it with liquid latex even if the directions say you can mix it with water only.

Prepare as much grout as you can use in 20 minutes or so. In a clean bucket, mix the liquid latex or water with the powder (a margin trowel works well as a mixing tool) until the grout is free of lumps and about as thick as toothpaste.

Wait 10 minutes, and then stir again.

1. Tilt the float up, and use it like a squeegee to wipe away most of the grout from the face of the tiles. Be careful to scrape diagonally so that the edge of the float cannot dig into the grout lines between the tiles.
2. Dampen a sponge, and wipe the tiles gently. Rinse the sponge every few minutes with clean water. If you see a gap in a grout line, push more grout into the gap using your finger, and wipe away the excess. Then wipe the surface two or three more times.
3. Run the sponge gently along the vertical and horizontal grout lines to make them consistent. If necessary, try running the rounded handle of a tool along each line. Allow the grout to dry, and then buff the surface of the tiles with a dry, lint-free cloth.

Bathtubs Buying Guide

Traditional tubs as well as whirlpool tubs are available in four different styles named after the way in which they are installed. Recessed, corner, drop-in, and freestanding tubs come in a wide array of shapes, sizes, materials, and hues. In addition, they come in right- and left-handed versions, indicating where the drain hole goes. (There are also center-hole versions, but they are less common.) To determine the type you need, face the space and note where the plumbing is.

Recessed
Also referred to as an alcove tube, this style is set snugly into a space so that only the front needs to be finished. Because this aspect makes it more affordable—and also space efficient—it is the most popular tub on the market and widely available.

Designed to fit into a standard 5-by-7-foot bathroom, the most common recessed tubs are 60 inches long and 14 inches deep; however, you can also find models that are 72 inches long and 16 inches deep. Many recessed tubs are molded from steel with an enamel finish; while this option is affordable, the relative light weight makes them noisy and they are likely to chip. A better—though more expensive—option is cast iron with an enamel finish, but you will need to assess whether your bathroom floor can support the weight without additional reinforcement.

Corner
The basic corner tub is simply a tub that fits into a corner, with two unfinished and one or two finished sides. Think a recessed tub only with two finished sides instead of one. Other common shapes are triangular and box.

Drop-in
Usually set into a platform, drop-in tubs can also be set into the floor. Some models have a rim that sits on the floor; others are rimless so the tub is flush with the floor and only the inside of it needs to be finished. Available in a variety of shapes, many are manufactured out of acrylic or plastic that has been reinforced with fiberglass. They are lightweight, but they are also prone to scratching and dulling. A tub formed from enameled cast iron is a sturdier option, but you will need to find out if your bathroom floor can endure the weight without reinforcement.

Freestanding
The popular claw-foot tub fits into this category, but any tub with four legs qualifies. Most sit directly on the bathroom floor, though a few models are designed to fit into a platform. Since all sides are exposed, these tubs are the most expensive of the four styles. The least expensive option is a reproduction of an antique as these can be made from lightweight materials. The more expensive reconditioned antique will be made of cast iron, so again, here, you will have to figure out whether your floor can stand the weight without additional buttressing.

Should I choose a whirlpool tub?
A whirlpool tub is just like a regular bathtub except it comes with jets that provide a therapeutic hydro- massage. Whirlpools come in all four basic styles, with the drop-in being the most popular. Keep in mind that in addition to the higher cost of the unit itself, the tub may need special framing plus a dedicated water heater and electrical circuit.

Various styles have various options, so keep these considerations in mind: How noisy is the pump, and can it be placed in a separate location? Does the pump have a variable-speed control that adjusts the power of the water. Does the control set temperature, and does it have a timer option? How big are the jets, how many of them are there, and are they air jets or water jets? (Air jets are smaller than water jets because they oly inject air into the water whereas water jets mix water with air; because of this, air jets are also less powerful but they prevent mildew from forming in the tub.)

Recessed Tubs	Corner Tubs	Drop-In Tubs	Freestanding Tub

How to Pack Your Possessions When Moving

Even if you can’t wait to live in your new house, curb your enthusiasm and resist the urge to cram all your possessions any which way into boxes.

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[edit] Steps

1. Pack one room at a time if possible, and start with items that are least often used.
2. Write down a list of everything you are packing, in particular if it’s valuable. Books, cds, expensive clothes. Also, take note of which item is in which box.
3. Use sturdy boxes. Fill the box to the brim and seal the lid. That way, you can easily stack boxes on top of one another.
4. Tape the bottom of the box securely so that it doesn’t give way.
5. Never fill a box until it is so heavy that you can’t lift it safely. Spread the heavy items over a few boxes. Balance boxes with lighter items like towels or soft toys. Pack the lighter items on top.
6. Use bubble wrap or newspapers when packing fragile items. However, newsprint may smudge so use newspaper selectively. Clean paper can be purchased cheaply from moving supply stores. Boxes should be marked “Fragile” and “This side up” to prevent mishandling.
7. Label each box clearly and which room it belongs to. Write on the sides of the box as well.
8. Pack a separate box of essentials you may need for the first night at your new house. Include items like toiletries, toilet paper, bottled water, snacks and a change of clothes in case you cannot unpack everything in time.

[edit] Tips

• Don’t pack one box full of books or paperwork – you might not be able to carry it at all. Fill it halfway with books, and fill it up with lighter stuff.

• Digital Photos – use your camera to document the contents of boxes.

• Tape is cheap. Use lots of it. Close box bottoms well. Get masking tape or packing tape and tape screws and other little things that came out of something back against it. You’ll want to find the right screw reassemble something without having to pick it out of 100 others when you get there.
• Buy boxes from a local moving company. When boxes are of uniform size they stack better. These boxes also have rooms listed on the sides of the box so you only have to check the box next to the room the box is going to.
• Fill empty spaces with additional paper.
• U-haul and other nation companies offer box buy back services. If you buy too many boxes you can return the unused for a full refund. These boxes are also quite sturdy so you can re-use them or stash in your attic until you move again. Some national companies even offer free shipping and handling so you can have some delivered or go to the local location.
• Don’t label boxes with contents if the contents are valuable. Instead of writing “Silver Service-Fragile” you should write something that makes it sound less theft inviting while showing the fragile nature of the contents. Example: “Mom’s old dishes” instead of “Fine China”
• Throw away or donate junk you don’t want to take to your new place. Don’t pack it again!!!
• Pack books and heavy items into smaller boxes.
• Set aside an area of the house where you can put all the packed boxes. Use a room that isn’t used every day such as the formal dining or living room. You won’t be tripping over boxes and you can have a better idea of what you have and where things are.
• National superstores (Wal-mart) will let you walk the store for boxes when they are stocking the stores between 11 pm and 1 am. You can find boxes of all sizes. Cereal, diaper and houseware boxes are a good size and durable. Just take a cart and roam the store. They do check the cart as you leave so don’t try to sneak anything past them.

How to Clean an Apartment Before Moving Out

The stress of moving alone is enough to drive anyone over the edge. When you add in the fact that you might be charged for damage above and beyond your security deposit, the whole process can be nerve-wracking. Here’s how to prepare for a move-out inspection so that you can get your deposit back and walk away without damage fees.

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[edit] Steps

1. Visit your landlord or apartment complex office and obtain a copy of your move-in inspection. If you did not do a move-in inspection, ask for a copy of the move-out inspection form the apartment complex uses to determine damage. Go through the list, item by item, and check to see if you’ve incurred any additional damages that weren’t there when you moved in.
2. Walk through the apartment again with the landlord or property manager to confirm what needs to be cleaned or repaired in order for you to get your deposit back and avoid damage or cleaning fees. Write down what the person specifies and have him/her sign off on it to verify that what you wrote down is all you’re responsible for and so you don’t get any surprises when you hand in your keys.
3. Repair the walls. Remove all staples and nails you have stuck into the walls, ceilings, or doors of the apartment. Fill the holes with hole filler (drywall or wood filler depending on which material you need to fill). Let the filler dry (while you work on other areas of the house). Lightly sand the filled holes so that they’re flush against the surface before you vacuum or mop the room. Using the magic eraser, go through each room and remove any scuff marks on the walls, floors, or doors. (Warning: Test the magic eraser first, as it can clean some paints right off the wall.) If you will be painting or priming, forgo the magic eraser and prime and paint instead.
4. 

   

   Clean the kitchen. Fill the sink with warm water and add dish detergent to the water.

   • The refrigerator – Remove all of the shelves and drawers from the refrigerator and freezer and place them in the dishwasher or wash them by hand. Dip a sponge into the dishwater and wipe down the interior of the refrigerator and freezer, being certain to remove any food build-up. Don’t forget the little compartments where you kept the butter and eggs! Then wipe down all of the shelves, dry the shelves, and place them back in the refrigerator.
   • The oven – While you can set the oven to self-clean if that option is available, the better way would be to use one to two cans (depending on whether you EVER cleaned the oven while you lived in the apartment) of oven cleaner to get the oven really clean. Read the safety directions carefully, many oven cleaners require protective equipment (gloves & goggles) and strong ventilation. Do not ignore the directions on the can. Place newspaper in front of the oven, slightly underneath the door or drawer and extended out to protect your floor from dripping cleaner. Evenly apply both cans to the inside of the oven, the grates, the broiler sheets, etc. Throw the drip pans from the stove in there and coat them too. Let sit for 24 hours. Do not turn on oven! Using a sponge and paper towels, wipe down all surfaces. Rinse with clean water. Clean the vent above the stove and be certain that the light bulb in the overhead hood is in working condition.
   • The cabinets – Using a multi-purpose cleaner that is safe to use on your cabinets, wipe down the interior and the exterior of the cabinets.
   • The light fixtures – You should then check to make sure the light fixtures are clean and do not have any dead insects in them. If there are glass fixture covers, give them a wipe. Think twice before throwing them into the dishwasher, because thermal stresses and harsh detergents may damage the glass.
   • The surfaces – Make sure you wipe down the exterior of the refrigerator, the stove range (including underneath the drip bowls), and all of the counter tops. Also, wipe down the exterior and interior of the dishwasher, microwave, and any other appliance provided by your apartment complex (including the surface of any washer or dryer).
   • The sink – Drain the water from the sink and clean the sink and wipe down the faucet. If the sink is stainless steel or porcelain, a powdered cleanser works great! An old toothbrush or other small brush can be very useful for scrubbing around the edges of fixtures and the sink.
   • The floor – Sweep and then mop the floor. To do a really good job, you should pull out the stove and refrigerator and clean that part of the floor too. Be extra careful when pulling these appliances as they can scratch wooden floors, damage linoleum or break tile. You will also find all kinds of gross stuff on the sides of the appliances and cabinets when you do that. Oh, and those little things that you have been looking for that you lost eight months ago that rolled underneath the stove or refrigerator.
5. Clean the bathrooms.
   • Thoroughly clean the sink, tub, toilet and shower. Make sure you have removed any buildup and wiped down the fixtures.
   • Clean the mirrors, medicine cabinet and any vents or light fixtures in the bathroom. Make sure you don’t use mirror cleaner with ammonia in it. Check to make sure the light fixtures are clean and that the light bulbs work. Again, throw those glass light fixture covers in the dishwasher.
   • Sweep and mop the bathroom floor. Be especially careful around the toilet.
   • Repeat for each bathroom.
6. Clean the bedrooms. Wipe down any closet shelves provided and clean any mirrors. If you have carpet, you should treat any spots and then vacuum the carpet. If you do not have carpets, you should mop. If floors are wooden, use an oil soap. Repeat for each bedroom.
7. 

   

   Turn your attention to the living room, den, and dining room. Clean the windows and the wash the blinds. Clean the fireplace, if provided. Clean the blades of the ceiling fan and/or any light fixtures in the room. Spot treat any spots on the carpet. Vacuum or mop the floors.

8. Sweep and clean the exterior (including any balcony, patio, and doors) and remove any remaining garbage bags from the apartment. Be sure that outside lights are working. Put garbage cans on curb, if appropriate, for pickup.
9. Get measurements and Replace broken blinds.
10. Take pictures of the apartment and keep for your records in case the apartment complex says you damaged the place. Send the photos and a written description to the landlord or property manager and ask them to sign off on it. Send one to yourself at the same time and leave the package unopened. If the landlord or property manager won’t sign off, the postmark on the envelope may help prove the date of the cleanliness of the apartment upon leaving.
11. Go to your move-out inspection. Be sure to get a copy of the move-out inspection for your records.
12. Return your keys.

[edit] Tips

• Find out whether your landlord or apartment complex automatically cleans the carpet, without charge to you, when you move out or whether they require you to have stayed in the apartment a certain number of years before they will waive the carpet cleaning. Spot clean tough stains with a spray-on carpet cleaner first.
• Some apartment complexes only require that the walls be primed upon your move-out, check with your apartment complex before buying paint to be sure.
• It’s a good idea to get a list from your landlord or apartment complex stating what the estimated costs are for repairing certain items and use this as a guide to how strenuously you are going to clean your apartment.
• Make sure you have all the items you need before you begin cleaning. Otherwise, you’ll lose time stopping to go to the store.
• Have family or friends help you with the cleaning in exchange for a free meal at your new place.
• Bring a radio to listen to while you clean.
• If viable, begin cleaning in the room farthest from the front door, working your way towards the door. This prevents you from cleaning yourself into a corner.
• Send your new address to the landlord, so they know where to mail your security deposit.
• Hold on tight to the various records associated with your stay, such as:
  • apartment lease or rental agreement
  • rent receipts or checks
  • a copy of all agreements regarding damages between you and the landlord
  • a copy of the letter sent to your landlord with your forwarding address

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[edit] Warnings

• If possible, you should clean your apartment after all of your items are out of the apartment and on a day other than your move-out day or move-out inspection day.
• Use products that are safe for the type of material you are cleaning.
• Heed the safety warnings on your cleaning products and keep any nasty chemicals off your skin with a pair of rubber gloves.
• If you need to patch holes in the carpet or flooring, either leave the holes or consider having a professional do it rather than possibly making the problem worse.

[edit] Things You’ll Need

• paper towels
• rubber gloves
• dish detergent
• light bulbs
• scrubbing brush (old toothbrush)
• sponges
• powdered cleanser
• bathroom cleanser
• oil soap for wood floors
• 2 cans of oven cleaner
• Glue
• sandpaper
• bathroom cleaner
• kitchen surface cleaner
• window cleaner
• floor cleaner
• mop and bucket
• broom
• vacuum
• magic eraser for the walls and doors
• spot remover for the carpet
• bucket (to wipe down the cabinets and appliances)
• duster (for the blinds)
• toilet brush
• toilet cleaner
• garbage bags
• curtains
• washcloths
• shower cutains
• soap
• iron
• ironing board

Rightmove’s guide to Letting

Guiding you through the letting process

Letting Guide

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Welcome to Rightmove’s letting guide. This guide is made up of eight sections so you can dip in and out of what’s most relevant to you. If you prefer, you can download the full guide to read at your leisure

A growing market – why more people are renting

What’s the market like for lettings and what makes a successful buy-to-let investment? Find out here.

Understanding rental yield and capital growth

Learn about the two ways landlords make money through letting out property, and the additional costs involved when going through the letting process.

Understanding your legal responsibilities as a landlord

There are various legal requirements you will be required to comply with as a landlord. Click here to ensure you understand the basics.

Finding the ideal rental property and buy-to-let mortgage

A buy-to-let opportunity is not an emotional purchase so be careful to remain rational – you’re purchasing an investment, not a home. Get some great tips on finding the perfect buy-to-let property.

Doing viewings and negotiating / making offers.

Find out how to get as much out of viewings as possible, and the factors that you need to consider when making and negotiating an offer on a potential buy-to-let property.

Finding a tenant

All aspects of finding your ideal tenant can be found here. Read about everything from where to find your tenant and using your agents expertise to tenancy deposit schemes and references.

Managing a letting

Managing your letting can be a full-time job. Find out about what managing a property actually means. This section also covers ending and extending an assured shorthold tenancy.

Understanding taxation of rental properties / Letting in Scotland

As a landlord, you must declare your income and costs, whether you are making a profit or not. Learn more about the taxation of your buy-to-let investment.

Also, find out more about letting in Scotland which differs from the rest of the UK.

Rightmove’s guide to renting

Guiding you through the renting process

Renting Guide

• Download PDF
• Print

Welcome to Rightmove’s renting guide. This guide is made up of nine sections so you can dip in and out of the most relevant for you. If you prefer, you can download the full guide to read at your leisure. There are also handy one page downloads for you to choose from.

The advantages of renting

The fewer monthly outgoings, the flexibility…the list goes on! Find out about the benefits of renting in today’s current market.

How to find a place to rent

Understanding your needs as a tenant is key to finding the best property that suits your lifestyle… Then find out where and how to find your perfect rental property.

Renting privately or through an estate agent

Renting a property can be a risky business. Keep it simple and learn how to handle your agent to find out all the important information you need.

What to look for on viewings

Use your property viewings to ask the right questions. Read our expert advice on making the most of this opportunity.

How to beat the crowd – things you can do to put yourself at the front of the queue

Good places go fast, so read our tips for getting ahead of the rest and securing the best property.

Budgeting and finances

Understand what costs are included in your rental payments and which ones you might need to budget for.

Understanding your rights and responsibilities as a tenant

Even before you start searching for a property to rent, it’s important to understand the legal aspects of being a tenant.

Things to do before moving in and out

Moving is always a stressful time, but being organised is the trick to minimising your stress levels and making your new home feel like home in no time.

Also, find out more about renting in Scotland.