As a tenant a regulated landlord and agent to give safe rent assurance, quality of property and regular maintenance for term of contract is a guarantee we offer.
Registration
The first step to finding the right property is to register with us either by calling us on01273 777 010 or visiting us in the office, where you can discuss your property requirements with one of our specialist staff. You can also register your interest about a specific property online if you are short of time.
Viewings
Viewings will be arranged at times to suit you, including evenings and weekends. You will be accompanied by a member of staff who can give you advice and answer any questions you may have.
Reserving the property
In order to reserve the property an administration fee is charged. Until the administration fee is paid we are unable to reserve the accomodation and the property will continue to be marketed.
Once the application fee has been paid you will be sent a link via email to begin your online referencing application.
You will also need to provide photo identification – Passport or Driving Licence
At this point the following information is agreed with the Landlord:
- The rent and deposit is confirmed
- The date of the commencement of the tenancy
- The duration of the tenancy i.e. 6 or 12 months
References
As a minimum we will require satisfactory references from your employer (or place of education), a previous or current landlord and a credit reference report. We may also require a personal reference and sometimes a guarantor. We always use the services of an independent referencing company to obtain and evaluate these references.
Moving in date
Once acceptable references have been received and approved, we will contact you to confirm your moving in date. The moving in date will have a specific time for all tenants and the guarantor (if applicable) to attend the office in order to sign the tenancy agreements, Inventory and Schedule of condition and pay all the monies in advance.
Monies payable in advance
All monies payable in advance can be accpted either by cash or bank transfer. This must be paid prior to the moving in date and failure to do so may delay your moving in date. Monies paid in advance consist of the following:
- First month’s rent in advance
- Security deposit
- Application fees
Rents
Rents are normally quoted calendar monthly and payable monthly in advance. The tenant is usually also responsible for Council Tax, Water Rates, Gas, Electricity, and Telephone costs. All rents are payable by bank standing order to our company bank account or your landlord’s bank account.
Deposit
A security deposit of a minimum of six weeks rental will normally be required. This deposit will be treated in accordance with the Tenancy Deposit Protection regulations, and you will be informed which protection scheme is utilised. The deposit is held to cover damage, breakages, and any other liabilities under the terms of your tenancy agreement. Please note that under no circumstances can the deposit be used by the tenant to cover rent.
During the tenancy
Property visits
A property visit will take place approximately once every 6 months. The visit is to ensure that you are keeping the property to a good standard and also to address any concerns. A property visit takes approximately 15 minutes depending on the size of the property. A property manager will look in every room and outside, and will note any details of issues or concerns, speak with you and give you a copy of the property report. You do not have to be present for the property visit.
Your responsibility as the tenant
You have certain responsibilities when you have secured a property. You must:
- Pay all utility bills such as Gas, Water, Electricity, Telephone and Council Tax.
- Allow regular inspections of the property.
- Report any maintenance and repair issues.
We also advise you to seriously consider the need for insurance that covers the Tenants’ and Landlord’s contents.
Repairs and maintenance
You need to contact us primarily as the managing agent for the property and we will liaise with the landlord and contractors regarding any work to be done. Your property manager will contact you to discuss arrangements for any work to be done.
Renewing the tenancy
All tenancy agreements are offered on an initial six months basis on an assured short hold tenancy agreement (AST). Both Landlord and tenant are sent a letter asking whether they would like to continue the tenancy. If both parties agree for a further six months the renewal fee is paid and a new tenancy agreement is drawn up and sent.
Terminating the tenancy
To end a tenancy one month written notice is required from the tenant subject to the conditions of the tenancy agreement.