Menu

Tenant Guide

  1. Referencing Procedure
  2. Holding Deposit
  3. Tenancy Applications
  4. Tenancy Agreement
  5. Payment
  6. Managed Properties
  7. Rental Payment
  8. Notice to end a tenancy
  9. Inventory
  10. Deposit Returns
  11. Tenants obligations
  12. Property Inspection
  13. Council Tax & Utilities

Referencing Procedure

As soon as a suitable property has been found, you will need to complete reference application forms. We utilise the services of a credit-referencing agency to take up the following references:

  • Confirmation of employment, salary confirmation.
  • Personal & Photographic identification (passport or driving licence).
  • Previous Landlord references.
  • Students (Guarantor or proof or funding).
  • Self-Employed (Accountants references, trading details etc)

Back to top


Holding Deposit


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, all or a proportion of the 'Holding Deposit' will be retained in order to cover any reasonable costs (which will be outlined in full). 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)

Back to top


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. Our application process and tenancy sign up is all done on line. Once you have decided which property you want we will set you up on our system which will email you the full details of the sign up procedure.

By legal requirement we will issue you with a sample template agreement which we ask you read very carefully, should any questions arise regarding this legal document we advise you to seek independent legal advice.

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.

These monies need to be in a cleared form before the tenancy is able to commence. We do not accept cash or cheques.

Back to top


Managed Properties

We do get instructed to fully manage some of our landlords 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.

Back to top


Rental Payment

Rental payments are always made by standing order from the tenants bank account to the landlords 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 one full months notice in writing of your intention to leave, unless otherwise specified in your specific tenancy agreement.

Back to top


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.

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.

Back to top


Deposit Returns

When your tenancy ends, an inspection of the property will be carried out, either by us or the landlord or an independent inventory clerk instructed by the landlord. Your deposits are held in the Government backed Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme and are paid back directly to you from the scheme when you leave the property. When you sign your tenancy agreement you are given an account number so that you can see your deposit is safe.

Back to top


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. You must ensure it is cleaned and well looked after.

Back to top


Property Inspection

If we are instructed as managing agents for your property, we will carry out 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

We have a range of houses for families, professionals and students. Some of our houses will include utility bills, WiFi and Council Tax, so please ask us about what will be included in your tenancy agreement. 

Wherever applicable VAT will be charged at the current VAT rate.

Back to top


Other Tenant Information


Has your property's value increased? 01517334770