Many thanks for your replies. This was just the sort of info i needed.

Sparky - we know Portsmouth very well. Was home for more than 10 years so know the areas to avoid. He will be working on the outskirts of the city well away from the student type accomodation. He could live in those areas but much time would be added to his working day commuting through the city also adding to his car fuel bills which he is hoping to reduce after commuting 50 miles + daily for the past two years.

We are looking at registered landlords, through estate agents etc not just looking in the classifieds.

DD

At the very least he shouldn't even think of moving in somewhere that doesn't provide a Short Assured Lease tenancy agreement (This is the name for it in Scotland not sure what the equivalent is in England). This type of contract gives guarantees and assurance to both him and the landlord.

Portsmouth is large with vastly different areas giving different experiences, so it is definately worth some research to find somewhere decent to live.

There are a lot of students, and lots of house shares (professionals), and this might be a cheaper way to live there. It would also give him some way of getting integrated into the area.

Renting on his own may give him the privacy but the cost of bills by yourself adds a decent chunk to monthly outgoings.

Good luck with it.

Sparky.

Thanks for your prompt reply Skywalker.

Advice noted as will be passed on, or Mum will sort it as usual. Am trying to make all three sons responsible adults but want to make sure he is covered.

Will discuss bedroom options with hubby....

DD

The landlord is responsible for the working order of fixtures and fittings including white goods. If they break down the landlord is required to mend or replace. The landlord is also responsible for insuring the building and the fixtures and fittings, however the tenant can insure their own property such as laptop, camera etc.

You can turn the bedroom into a home office, or even rent it out to a lodger to increase the family income. Income from renting a room is tax free up to a certain amount as well, I think it's about £80 a week.

Number One son has just got himself a new job in Portsmouth, not bad just one week after being made redundant. This means a move away from home and he is looking at the rental route. In the short term he can stay with family but really wants to be independant.

He has the deposit and enough money behind him for six months rent.

What I would like is any tips / advice you can give him. Having never privately rented we are not really in a position to advice him.

He is looking at studio flats many of which have the "white" goods in situ. He will need to look at insurance, how does that work if landlords white goods breakdown?

Any help any of you can give will be greatfully appreciated.

Also on a much lighter note, any suggestions of what I do with his bedroom???

Many thanks

DD