TENANTS ADVICE

Our personnel are specially trained and equipped to assist you to find properties to rent that will meet your needs. We maintain a database of properties available to rent, along with prospective tenants and their requirements. As properties become available, our first action is to contact waiting tenants on our database whose requirements match that of the property. Typically, properties to rent become available about two months before occupancy date, so where possible, it is advisable to start looking at your earliest convenience.

Viewings:- Having potentially identified a suitable property, we will arrange a viewing. This will be at a time to suit you, subject of course, to the occupiers’ permission. All viewings will be accompanied by a member of staff who will be able to provide advice and answer any questions you may have.

Offer / Application:- Having decided on a property, each applicant will need to complete an application pack. At this time, any details or requirements can be provisionally agreed, such as occupancy date, duration of the letting etc. Upon application, a Reservation Deposit will be required. This will be equal to two weeks rent. Assuming the rental then proceeds, this will be deducted from the monies due before occupation. These monies are outlined in more detail in the Rent, Deposit and Administration / Agency fees sections, shown below. If we or the landlord decline your application, this deposit will be refunded (minus the fee for the referencing and Credit Check which unfortunately are non-refundable). It will however, not be refunded if you decide not to proceed for any reason or if the tenancy fails to progress due to incomplete or inaccurate information provided in the tenancy application.

References:- We will take references on behalf of the landlord. Typically, these will include your employer, a former landlord and a Character Reference. In addition, a Credit Check will also be undertaken

Rent:- Rents are normally quoted on a calendar month basis. In addition, the tenant is usually responsible for Council Tax, Water Rates, gas, electricity and telephone costs. Rents are payable monthly, in advance, by standing order (unless alternative arrangements are previously agreed upon). The first months’ rent is therefore due before taking occupation of the property.

Deposit:- A deposit is also required prior to the occupation. This amount could vary but is normally equal to five weeks rent depending on the individual requirements of the landlord. Where we are managing the property, we hold this as stakeholders in a Client Account until the end of the tenancy. Where we are not managing the property, it will be passed over to the landlord. The deposit is held to cover any breakages, damage or other tenant liabilities. Where we are managing, at the end of the tenancy, we will check the property (in the presence of the tenant, if requested) and assess any damages and deductions due, in line with the check out report compiled by the independent inventory company. Further detail on the comprehensive inventory and schedule of condition is covered below.

Please note that the deposit cannot be used to cover rent

Tenancy Agreement:- The Tenancy Agreement will be produced prior to the commencement of the tenancy. All tenants will need to read and then sign the agreement.

Check-in and Check-out:- We use an independent inventory company to compile a comprehensive Inventory and Schedule of Condition. This records the condition of the property and any contents prior to the commencement of a tenancy. This ensures that the property is returned to the landlord in the condition

Frequently Asked Questions
When do I need to start looking for a property?

You should start looking about 2 to 4 weeks before you need to move. If you start looking too early, you are likely to see a property that is available before you are.

How much rent should I be looking to pay?

We would advise that your earnings are at least 2½ times the rent and referencing agencies insist on this or require a guarantor.

What sort of Agreement will I have?

We will give you an Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement. This will usually be for a minimum of six months but is usually for a year.

What sort of Agreement will I have?

We will give you an Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement. This will usually be for a minimum of six months but is usually for a year.

I have seen a property that I really like. What should I do next?

Once you have decided to take a property, you should talk to your negotiator as soon as possible and agree on the terms of the Tenancy. We will need a holding deposit (normally the equivalent of 1 week rent) to take the property off the market and start the referencing process. The holding deposit is deducted from the final amount payable. Once the references have come back, contracts have been signed and we have received the remainder of the monies due in cleared funds, you are able to move into the on the agreed date.

What do I need to pay before I can move in?

You will normally have to pay one month’s rent in advance and a minimum of one month’s rent as a damage deposit.The full amount (minus the holding deposit) would need to be paid to us in cleared funds before you can move in. Cleared funds would be cash, a bankers draft, a bank transfer (this takes at least 2 working days to show in our account) or a cheque (provided you have allowed at least a week for it to clear).

What do I do about utility bills etc?

We will inform all the utility companies (Council Tax, Water, Gas and Electricity) of the date that you moved in and the meter readings where appropriate. The utility companies will then contact you directly. You will need to arrange telephone accounts, TV licence and any other services that you might require (like broadband or digital TV).

Should I take out contents insurance?

You will be required to have insurance for your own personal belonging and cover for possible damage you may cause to the property or its contents – this effectively protects your damage deposit. We will be able to provide you with details of companies who specialise in providing cover for Tenants.damage deposit. We will be able to provide you with details of companies who specialise in providing cover for Tenants.