Renting is NOT a dirty word... 

We've a raft of renters' tips including how to boost your credit score, a pimp your home checklist, and how to fight nasty letting fees

Telly property pawn (i) often makes it feel like renters are second class citizens, as presenters' eyes glint at the thought of everyone pushing themselves to the financial brink to max their mortgage. We don't agree. Some do rent out of necessity, but others choose it, wanting flexibility.

Whatever the reason, with rents rising to an average £943/mth - up 20% since 2016 - our guide has a whopping 55 Renting Tips to help, here are the highlights...

(i) deliberate misspeilling to stop spam filters blocking us. 

1. New. Now paying rent on time can boost your credit score. Private renters and social housing tenants can opt in to a free scheme that records rental payments on your Experian credit report. If you pay on time, it could boost your score - and therefore your ability to get a mortgage, credit card etc. If you don't pay rent on time it'll hurt your score, so think carefully about joining if worried you may be late.
   
   The scheme's actually been running in the background for 2yrs+ with 1.2m renter's payments recorded, but the payments were only made visible in people's files last month were , so it now has a real impact on how firms score you. See make rent boost your credit score for full info, incl how to join.
   
   
2. Renters - you're free to switch broadband provider and many can save £100s/yr. You don't need your landlord's permission unless you require a new line fitted (eg, switching to cable). As about 85% of UK homes with a landline are already connected to the BT network, used by most providers incl Plusnet, Sky and TalkTalk, it's often nice and simple.
   
   And it's vital to check what you pay, as millions are fleeced with up to £45/mth charges even for slow broadband and line. Yet hot, short-lived promos can slice bills in half - or better. The current top deals for new customers based on broadband speed are below. Links go via our Broadband Unbundled tool to check if it's available in your area.
    
   - Standard speed, avg 10Mb: Plusnet '£10.24/mth'
   - Fast fibre, avg 36Mb: TalkTalk '£18.34/mth'
   - Faster fibre, avg 63Mb: Sky '£24.78/mth'
   - Check our Broadband Unbundled tool for more options, eg, if you're already a customer of those firms.
    
3. New. The 'pimp your home for less' checklist. Save space and spruce it up - without losing your deposit. Top tips from the mass of experts at MSE Towers, eg, you'd be surprised how much you can store on the back of a door without nails. It's a first incarnation and we want to harness the collective wisdom of MoneySavers with lots more, so please add your ideas in the comments in the Pimp your home for less blog.
   
   
4. Renters - you don't need your landlord's permission to switch energy tariff. If you pay the energy bill (ie, it's not part of your rent), you don't need your landlord's permission to switch tariff, unless you change the meter.
   
   To find the cheapest, and get £25 dual fuel cashback if we can switch you, use our Cheap Energy Club comparison. Unlike many comparisons, it searches the whole market. Fi emailed: "Thanks for nagging us to switch. Saved £402/yr – it was easy." 
   
   PS, some landlords may wrongly claim you need their approval, but regulator Ofgem says they can't unreasonably stop you. If in dispute, show 'em our Landlord Energy-Switch Factsheet.
   
   
5. £1,000s free towards your first mortgage. There's no shame in renting. Yet if you're lusting to own, ALWAYS save for your deposit the right way to reach your goal sooner. A better credit score helps, and for most first-timers a top Lifetime ISA or Help to Buy ISA is a no-brainer too, as you get a 25% bonus on your savings - £250 more per £1,000.
    
   Plus if you're starting the first home journey, read our free 56-page MSE First-Time Buyers' Booklet.
   
   
6. Save 60%+ on rent by becoming a property guardian. For those who can be flexible in exchange for cheap rent, you can babysit empty properties to deter squatters - these can be private homes, office blocks, fire stations, churches, schools and more. We found a former school in Somerset for £225/mth, and a care home in London for £300/mth. Full info in Property guardians.
   
   Here's MSE Becky's story: "I've lived in guardian properties for 2+ yrs and pay a third of normal London rent. Places can be huge but you often don't know how long you've got, while facilities can be basic." 
   
   
7. Check your deposit's protected - if not, you could get it back plus 3x the value. If you've the most common tenancy called an 'assured shorthold tenancy' and moved on or after 6 April 2007, your landlord or letting agent MUST put your deposit into a Govt-backed protection scheme by law in Eng & Wales (similar schemes apply in Scot/NI). See deposit protection help.
   
   
8. Grab cheap contents insurance. Your landlord is responsible for buildings insurance, so you only need contents cover (essentially for the stuff that'd fall if you turned your home upside down). When buying, NEVER auto-renew, and here are the easy steps to save (full help in Cheap Contents Insurance for Tenants)...
    
    - Combine comparison sites for dozens of quotes in mins. Use this order to bag max quotes in the min time: MoneySupermarket*, Compare The Market*, Gocompare* & Confused* (see How we order them).
   
   - Then check if deals not on comparisons can win. Try Aviva* and Direct Line*, which aren't on any comparisons, and hot deals comparisons miss, incl a £75 Amazon vch from Age Co.
    
9. How to fight nasty letting fees. We've heard of fees of up to £60 for photocopying a contract or references. Sadly, although new rules have been proposed in Eng & Wales, there are no regulations on how much these charges are (they're already banned in Scot). You can try to negotiate lower, but there are no certainties – get any reductions in writing. For more, see Fight unfair fees.
   
   
10. Dispute with landlord? How to get help. Your landlord must keep the home safe and in good working order. If it's failed to then there are official bodies to help you complain, though they have limited powers. See landlord responsibilities and your rights.  
    
    
11. Furnish for FREE - sofas, beds, TVs & more. If you've gone unfurnished or part-furnished, online community giveaway sites can help you - for nowt. For sites to use and full help, see our How To Use Giveaway Sites tips. Alternatively, get stuff cheap on eBay with our 41 eBay buying tips.
    
    Forumite Pippilongstocking says: "We're a single parent family, and have had lots of goodies, incl a chest freezer, a sofa bed & plants".
    
    
12. Claim council tax discounts. If you live alone you are entitled to 25% off, plus full-time students don't pay council tax. See council tax discounts, incl help for part-student households.
    
    PS, renters can claim for council tax overpayments. Many are in too high a band and are due big cash back. See Check & Challenge Your Council Tax Band (out of courtesy, it's best to tell your landlord).
    
    
13. You may be eligible for help paying rent. If housing benefit is still available where you live, you can apply if you need help with your rent. However, if universal credit has been rolled out in your area, you'll have to apply for that instead. To find out more, read our universal credit guide, and then take some time to do a benefits calculation to see your full entitlement.