Tenants Guide to Renting Property

If you are currently seeking a property to rent, check out our property listings page. If you have seen a property that you would like to view you can use the contact form on each of the individual property details pages to arrange a viewing or make an enquiry, or alternatively, you can give us a call.

If you have a specific type of property in mind we can take details of your requirements and contact you should a suitable property become available.

Once you have viewed a property and decided to proceed with the letting we will start the process of arranging the tenancy agreement, deposits, references etc...

References

Before commencing with the tenancy we will need to obtain satisfactory references from your employer and/or a previous or current landlord. There may also be instances when we require a personal reference or guarantor. We may also use the services of an independent referencing agency to obtain and evaluate these references. Personal & photographic identification may also be required, such as a passport or driving licence.

The Tenancy Agreement

Once the terms have been agreed by both parties and satisfactory references received, the relevant documentation will need to be signed by you and the landlord.

Tenants Fees

It is important for tenants to understand that some charges may apply unless otherwise stated:

Holding Deposit (Per Tenancy)

A holding deposit is applicable to reserve a property. It is equivalent to one week’s rent to reserve a property and will then contribute towards the first month's rent. This sum shall be retained if any relevant person, including any guarantor, withdraws from the tenancy, fails a Right to Rent check, provides materially false or misleading information, or fails to execute the tenancy agreement or Deed of Guarantee within 15 calendar days, or within any alternative written Deadline for Agreement.

Security Deposit (Held in DPS)

This covers damages or defaults on the part of the tenant during the tenancy. The security deposit, equivalent to one month’s rent, rising to six weeks rent when the annual rent is in excess of £50,000.

Utility Bills

The rent and utility bills as outlined in the Tenancy Agreement.

Unpaid Rent

Unpaid rent will potentially incur interest at 3% above the Bank of England base rate, as outlined in the Tenancy Agreement.

Lost Keys or other Security Services

Tenants are liable for the cost of replacing any lost keys or security device, including a change of lock or replacement of device if required.

Change in Contract (Tenant’s Request)

To cover the costs (subject to obtaining the landlord’s instructions) for preparing or executing revised legal documents, tenant-requested amendments to the Tenancy Agreement will incur a minimum fee of £50 per amendment, subject to increase depending on the complexity of the work required.

Early Termination (Tenant’s Request)

Should the tenant seek to terminate the tenancy before its contractual end date, they shall be liable for the landlord’s reasonable costs of re-letting the property, together with all rent payable under the tenancy until the commencement of a replacement tenancy. In all circumstances, the total costs charged shall not exceed the outstanding rent due for the remainder of the tenancy.

Inventory & Schedule of Condition

Before the start of the tenancy, an inventory is prepared detailing the contents and condition of the property. You will be provided with a copy and so will the landlord.

Deposit & Rent

Prior to the commencing of the tenancy, we will require a deposit and the first rental payment, a month in advance. Your deposit will be treated under the tenancy deposit protection scheme (DPS), which is a scheme accredited by the Government.

As part of the Housing Act 2004 the Government has introduced tenancy deposit protection for all assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs) in England and Wales where a deposit is taken. From April 6th 2007, all deposits paid under an AST have had to be protected within 14 calendar days of receipt by the agent/landlord.

How the DPS Scheme works?

1. The tenant pays the landlord or letting agent their deposit.
2. The letting agent/landlord pays the money in to the DPS scheme within 14 days of receiving it.
3. Upon receipt of the deposit, the DPS provides confirmation and details of the protection scheme to the letting agent/landlord and tenant.
4. When the tenancy comes to an end, the letting agent/landlord and tenant agree repayment of the deposit including any interest accrued, usually within 10 days.
5. In the case of any dispute, The DPS return any undisputed monies plus interest to the relevant party, but hold the disputed portion until the Alternative Dispute Resolution Service (ADR) or courts decide what is fair.

Your deposit cannot be used to pay your rent.

When can I move in?

Once the tenancy has been signed and rents & deposits have cleared, the tenancy can proceed. You can now collect the keys to your new home.

Can I have pets in my new home?

You must consult us prior to obtaining a pet.

What if I find any faults or repairs that need addressing?

If you find any problems with the property you are renting, you should contact us immediately. Once we have been informed of any issues/faults we will instruct the landlord and await their instruction.

Can I decorate the property?

You must consult us prior to carrying out any changes to the property. We will contact the landlord and await his permission.   

Do I have to pay for Council Tax & Utility Bills?

As a tenant you will be responsible for any utility bills like water, gas, electric as well as council tax, unless there is a special arrangement with the landlord of the property. You will also be responsible for a TV license at the property, if you watch TV without a license you risk being fined. Please check the tenancy agreement details.

Do I need insurance, as a tenant?

The landlord of the property is responsible for insuring the building and any furnishings that come with it. You will be responsible for insuring your own contents/personal possessions stored within the rented property.

Can I run a business from the property I rent?

No. You must use the property solely for residential purposes unless specifically agreed in advance, in writing.

As a tenant, what am I responsible for?

As a tenant, you are responsible for:

• Prompt payment of the rent
• Prompt payment of gas, telephone, electricity, council tax
• Reporting any damages to the property or furnishings within the property as soon as possible
• Taking general good care of the property
• Respect the needs of your neighbours