Planning a Move to a New Home
This subtopic equips learners with the practical knowledge and skills required to plan a move into independent accommodation. It covers essential financial planning, including ongoing household costs and furnishing expenses, as well as logistical arrangements such as comparing utility providers, notifying relevant parties of an address change, and organising the transportation of belongings. Mastery of these elements supports successful tenancy sustainment and responsible budgeting.
Assessment criteria
Topic Overview
The Open Awards Level 1 Award in Pre Tenancy Skills (RQF) is designed to equip learners with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to secure and maintain a tenancy. This qualification covers key areas such as understanding different types of tenancies, the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords, budgeting for rent and bills, and how to conduct property viewings. It forms part of the Foundations for Learning suite, providing a stepping stone for further study or independent living.
This award is particularly valuable for young people or those with limited experience of renting, as it demystifies the process of finding a home and managing a tenancy. Learners will explore real-world scenarios, from reading a tenancy agreement to knowing what to do when something goes wrong. By the end of the course, students should feel confident in making informed decisions about housing and managing their finances effectively.
Within the wider subject of Other Life Skills, this qualification sits alongside topics like budgeting, employability, and personal development. It emphasises practical, transferable skills that are crucial for adult life, helping learners to become independent and responsible tenants. The knowledge gained here also supports progression to higher-level qualifications in housing or related fields.
Key Concepts
Core ideas you must understand for this topic
- →Types of tenancy: Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) is the most common for private renters; it usually gives a fixed term (e.g., 6 or 12 months) and certain legal protections.
- →Tenancy agreement: A legally binding contract between tenant and landlord outlining rent, deposit, duration, and rules (e.g., no pets, no smoking). Students must know key clauses like break clauses and notice periods.
- →Deposit protection: Landlords must protect deposits in a government-approved scheme (e.g., DPS, TDS, MyDeposits) within 30 days. Failure to do so can result in penalties.
- →Rent and budgeting: Calculating total housing costs (rent, council tax, utilities, insurance) and ensuring income covers these. Understanding rent arrears and consequences.
- →Tenant responsibilities: Paying rent on time, reporting repairs, keeping property in good condition, and allowing access for inspections. Landlord responsibilities include ensuring property is safe and fixing structural issues.
Learning Objectives
What you need to know and understand
- Identify the main fixed and variable costs involved in running a home
- Compare fuel tariffs from different providers to select the most cost-effective option
- Estimate the initial costs of furnishing a new home with essential items
- Demonstrate how to notify relevant organisations and individuals of a change of address
- Plan the transport of personal possessions, including selecting appropriate removal services or self-help alternatives
Assessment Criteria
Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio
- Award credit for correctly listing at least three different household running costs (e.g., rent, council tax, energy bills, water, insurance, food, broadband)
- Credit should be given for demonstrating the ability to use a price comparison website or calculate unit rates and standing charges to identify the cheapest fuel deal
- Look for evidence of research into furnishing costs, including itemised lists with estimated prices and consideration of budget-retail versus second-hand options
- Credit for providing a complete list of contacts to notify (e.g., bank, employer, GP, utilities, benefits agency, electoral register) and the method of notification (online, phone, post)
- Award marks for a clear plan detailing transport options, estimation of moving day costs, and contingency measures (e.g., booking a van, hiring removers, packing materials)
Assessment Guidance
Guidance for achieving higher grades
- 💡Always show your working when comparing costs; assessors need to see evidence of calculation or reasoned selection, not just a final choice
- 💡Use checklists to ensure completeness when planning notifications or transport – this demonstrates organisational skills
- 💡When completing assignments, reference real-life sources (e.g., actual energy provider websites, removal company quotes) to strengthen evidence
- 💡When answering questions about tenancy types, always specify the legal name (e.g., Assured Shorthold Tenancy) and mention the typical duration and key features. This shows precise knowledge.
- 💡For budgeting questions, show your working out. For example, calculate monthly rent from weekly figures and include all associated costs. Examiners award marks for clear, step-by-step calculations.
- 💡Use real-life examples to illustrate points. If discussing repairs, mention specific examples like a broken boiler or leaking roof, and state the correct procedure (report in writing, allow reasonable time).
Common Mistakes
Common errors to avoid in your coursework
- Confusing one-off moving costs with ongoing monthly household expenses
- Forgetting to include standing charges when comparing fuel prices, focusing only on unit rates
- Underestimating furnishing costs by not budgeting for delivery charges, assembly fees, or unforeseen needs
- Overlooking the need to notify a wide range of contacts, such as subscription services, the DVLA, or pet microchip registries
- Assuming transport will be provided without researching costs, availability, or booking in advance
- Misconception: 'A tenancy agreement is just a formality and I don't need to read it carefully.' Correction: The agreement is legally binding; missing details like notice periods or deposit terms can lead to disputes or financial loss.
- Misconception: 'My landlord can enter my property whenever they want.' Correction: Landlords must give at least 24 hours' notice (in writing) for inspections or repairs, except in emergencies. Tenants have a right to 'quiet enjoyment'.
- Misconception: 'If I lose my job, I can just stop paying rent.' Correction: Rent must still be paid; non-payment can lead to eviction and a bad credit history. Students should know to contact their landlord or seek benefits advice early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions students ask about this topic
Pass / Merit / Distinction Evidence Checklist
How your portfolio evidence is graded for OPEN AWARDS Planning a Move to a New Home
Every vocational unit is marked against named criteria rather than an exam percentage. Your tutor's brief lists the exact codes for this unit — here is what each band is asking you to do.
Demonstrate baseline knowledge, accurate terminology, and core practical application.
Provide detailed analysis, structured explanations, and clear workplace reasoning.
Deliver thorough evaluation, original problem solving, and fully justified recommendations.
Before You Start
Prior knowledge that will help with this topic
- •Basic numeracy skills for budgeting calculations.
- •Understanding of personal responsibilities (e.g., from PSHE or citizenship studies).
- •Familiarity with reading and understanding simple contracts or agreements.
Coursework AI Review
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Key Terminology
Essential terms to know
- Household running costs
- Utility price comparison
- Furnishing budget planning
- Change of address procedures
- Removal and transport logistics
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