Students and other young people planning to rent a home for the first time are being urged to follow a new 10 point guide to avoiding the common pitfalls of the private rental market.

With home ownership out of reach for those on low incomes and long waiting lists for social housing, many young people have no choice but to turn to private renting to find accommodation.

The new guide has been produced by LACORS* (Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services) and is being promoted by Plymouth City Council.

Tips include:

• * Taking a friend along when viewing a property
• * Insisting on a signed tenancy agreement
• * Asking to see up to date gas and electrical certificates
• * Asking for a room by room inventory with photos
• * Checking if the landlord has their mortgage lender's permission to let the property

Councillor Ted Fry, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: "Fortunately unscrupulous landlords and agents are in the minority but there are some who, either through ignorance or lack of care, take advantage of inexperienced renters and put profit before their legal responsibilities.

"Those entering the private rental market for the first time could save themselves a lot of money and hassle by following the common sense advice contained in this invaluable guide.”

The guide is available on Plymouth City Council's private tenants page.

Printed leaflets are available on request from the private rented team on 01752 307079 (email private.rent@plymouth.gov.uk).

"Although protection for tenants is greater now than ever before, it still pays to proceed with caution so that deposits are protected, fair tenancy agreements are signed and people are aware of their rights and responsibilities,"

The Council's private rented team is happy to provide advice to new and existing tenants to protect them from potential problems.

* LACORS is a local government central body created by the UK's local authority associations. Its tenant guidance is part of a package of measures aimed at helping people through the recession.