Why rent through us?
We can offer a professional and helpful service to help find the right home for you. Please find below some useful information that will guide you through the process of renting with us.
Application
Once settled on a particular property you wish to rent, we will ask you to complete a written application form. The planned commencement date shall also be determined.
Agency Fees
For properties in England, the Tenant Fees Act 2019 means that in addition to rent, lettings agents can only charge tenants (or anyone acting on the tenant's behalf) the following permitted payments:
- Holding deposits (a maximum of 1 week's rent);
- Deposits (a maximum deposit of 5 weeks' rent for annual rent below £50,000, or 6 weeks' rent for annual rental of £50,000 and above);
- Payments associated with early termination of a tenancy (capped at the landlord's loss or the agent's reasonably incurred costs);
- Where required, utilities (electricity, gas or other fuel, water, sewerage), communication services (telephone, internet, cable/satellite television), TV licence;
- Council tax (payable to the billing authority);
- Interest payments for the late payment of rent (up to 3% above Bank of England's annual percentage rate);
- Company Lets are subject to an administration fee of £240 (including VAT) per dwelling.
- If you lose your keys or do not return the full complement of keys or fobs at the end of your tenancy, you will be charged the full cost of replacing them, as well as an administration fee not more than £20 (including VAT).
- If you wish to add or change a tenant within a Lettings property, you will be asked to pay an administration fee of £50 (including VAT) per dwelling.
- Contractual damages in the event of the tenant's default of a tenancy agreement; and
- Any other permitted payments under the Tenant Fees Act 2019 and regulations applicable at the relevant time.
Holding Deposit
In order to take the property off the market until the planned tenancy commencement date, a holding deposit is required. The holding fee secures the landlord against all reasonable costs incurred should you withdraw from the agreement or fail to take up the tenancy within the agreed timescales, mislead the agent or fail a right to rent immigration check.
Referencing
As part of the application, we will endeavour (with your permission) to obtain written references to support the information you provide. This will usually mean contacting your employer, current or previous landlord and someone to give you a character reference. We will also carry out a credit search, using an independent referencing company.
Should we decide a guarantor is required before a tenancy can be granted; the same process of referencing will apply to the guarantor.
Self Employed Applicants
If you are self-employed, we will require a written reference from your bank and accountant. We will also require accounts, usually dating back 3 years.
Student Applicants
If you are a student who cannot prove a consistent and sufficient income, you will need a parent, relative or close friend to guarantee the rent and adherence to any other tenant obligation listed within the agreement.
Tenancy Deposit Scheme
At the start of every tenancy we collect a deposit, normally equal to a minimum of one month’s rent. This is used in the event of breakage or damage caused.
In accordance with the Housing Act 2004, landlords are no longer permitted to retain a tenant’s deposit and must select either an insured based or custodial based scheme in which to hold a tenant’s deposit. A statutory certificate is then supplied to the tenant, advising on which approved scheme protects the deposit. This must be done within 14 days of the tenancy start date. Please speak to one of our representatives for further information.
What happens if there is a dispute at the end of the tenancy?
In the event of a dispute, both parties will have 10 days to resolve the matter. If no resolution has been reached, they will be invited to make use of the Alternative Dispute Resolution process that is provided free with their chosen deposit scheme. Should the parties opt for Alternative Dispute Resolution they will be bound by its decision with no redress to the courts.
As soon as we receive satisfactory replies to our reference enquiries, we shall contact you to agree a time to move in on the planned commencement date.
We would advise that for the start of the tenancy, you arrange for gas, electric, water, telephone and council tax accounts to be transferred into your name. Please speak to one of our representatives, who will instruct you further.
Tenants Insurance
When renting a property it is very important to make sure you are covered by insurance for any damages that may occur. The landlord’s own insurance will not cover the tenant’s belongings. It will also exclude cover for if a tenant accidentally damages the landlord’s property and therefore it could result in the loss of your deposit to cover the repairs.
Please speak to one our representatives for further details.
Rent
Rents are paid in advance and by standing order unless otherwise agreed by the landlord / agent.
