Tenants Guide
Referencing Procedure
As soon as a suitable property has been found, you will need to complete reference application forms. We either check references in-house or utilise the services of a credit-referencing agency to take up the following references, here are the references we will generally need: Employers Reference (Stating length of employment, current annual salary and job title. Personal & Photographic identification (passport or driving licence). Three Recent Payslips (Six if paid weekly). Bank Statements covering at least three months. Previous Landlord references. Students (Guarantor letter, proof or funding and student letter of acceptance). Self-Employed (Accountants references, trading details etc)
Holding Deposit
A holding deposit of usually one weeks rent (not subject to VAT) will be required. This is in order to reserve the property and remove it from our availability list. The holding deposit will be deducted from the first months rent due. Should the tenant withdraw from the proposed letting, through no fault of the landlord or the agent, the 'Holding Deposit' will be retained in order to cover costs or losses caused. None of the Holding Deposit will be retained should the Tenant's withdrawal be due to a breach of the proposed letting agreement by the landlord or managing agent. The holding deposit shows good faith on the part of a prospective tenant enabling the landlord to take further action in the confident knowledge that the applicant is serious and fully committed to the property: For example: Cancel any advertising for the letting Tell other applicants that the tenancy has been taken subject to satisfactory references Prepare a letting agreement Take up references Carry out credit checks (some landlords make a charge for this - administration fee)
Tenancy Agreement
Both the Landlord and tenant/s will be required to sign a tenancy agreement prior to the tenancy commencing, the agreement outlines both tenant and landlord obligations. Generally, most tenancies run for a period of twelve months, we will contact you at the end of the tenancy to see whether you wish to renew your agreement for a further period and will liaise with the landlord to organise the documentation. It is important you note that the agreement is made between landlord and tenant. Back to top Payment Once a moving date has been agreed and references have all been approved by the landlord, the tenancy agreement will need to be signed by all parties and the initial monies in full will become due less any holding deposit previously paid: This is made up of the following: Deposit normally equal to six weeks rent. The first months rent in advance. (rent is worked out on a per calendar month basis), which is, if you are not aware; the weekly rent, multiplied by 52 weeks and divided by twelve months to give the per calendar month rental figure. The above monies need to be in a cleared form before the tenancy is able to commence, payment by means of either a bankers draft, cash or paid directly into our client bank account and showing as cleared.
Managed Properties
We do get instructed to fully manage some of our landlord’s properties, if this is the case, with your tenancy we will inform you prior to your tenancy commencing. If we are managing then any faults with appliances or problems within the property will need to be reported to us and we will deal with the problem as quickly and efficiently as possible. Failure to report an ongoing problem may turn the onus onto you; please report any problems you feel need attention.
Rental Payment
Rental payments are always made by standing order from the tenants’ bank account to the landlord’s bank account, with the exception of managed properties whereby the rental payment is made to us. Back to top Notice to end a tenancy To terminate your tenancy subject to term, you will normally be required to give us at least two months notice in writing of your intention to leave, unless otherwise specified in your specific tenancy agreement. Insurance The responsibility for your belongings are down to you, you must ensure you have adequate contents insurance, the landlord accepts no responsibility and cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage to tenants possessions.
Inventory
A well-prepared inventory and check-in report protects landlords and tenants alike, providing an accurate description of the condition and contents of a property at the start of a tenancy. The condition of the property and its contents at the end of the tenancy is then compared back to this report in the form of a check-out report. The inventory clerk will also provide an opinion on whether any damage that has arisen during the tenancy is attributable to the tenants, to ‘fair wear and tear’ or to the landlord as required maintenance. It is in a landlord’s interest to ensure that inventories are prepared for properties that they own. In the worst case scenario, should you end up in court, the judge will tend to look more favourably on an impartial, unbiased inventory prepared by a third party unconnected to either the landlord or the tenants. Normally an inventory of the property condition, furniture and fittings and effects will be prepared by the landlord, or an independent inventory clerk instructed by the landlord prior to the tenancy commencing. The tenancy is checked and agreed between the tenant and the landlord at the tenancy commencement. Back to top Deposit Returns When your tenancy ends, an inspection of the property will be carried out, either by the landlord or an independent inventory clerk instructed by the landlord.
Tenants’ obligations
The responsibility for the property lies with the tenant during the period of tenancy, always ensure that the property is fully secured and that during the winter months steps are taken to prevent freezing of the water and heating system. Back to top Property Inspection If we are instructed as managing agents for your property, we will carry out quarterly inspections to assess the condition of the property and that everything is being kept in a satisfactory condition. We will always arrange this with you at a mutually convenient time. Back to top Council Tax & Utilities It is the tenant’s responsibility to inform the utility companies of their occupation of the property at the commencement of the tenancy, and to pay council tax to the local authority. Students, who may be exempt from the payment of council tax, are responsible for informing the Local Authority of this. Wherever applicable VAT will be charged at the current VAT rate.