Tenants Info
Our aim is to find you the perfect property to suit your requirements with the minimum of hassle.
Finding a property
The first step is to contact us to provide brief details about yourself and about the accommodation you require. We then search our database
for suitable properties for you to view. If not urgent, we log your details so that we can contact you as suitable properties become
available. It is wise to start looking about a month before you wish to move, as the nicer properties are viewed and reserved quickly.
Our tenancies are granted for a minimum term of 6 months, which may be renewed if all parties are in agreement.
- To view our selection of available properties to let please click on 'Property Search' on the left
- To register your requirements please click on 'Contact Us' on the left.
Please note that for your safety and peace of mind -
- All of
our managed properties are Gas Safe certificated, and
inspected for electrical safety, and furniture fire safety.
- Energy Performance Certificates are available on request.
-
All Tenancy Deposits (bonds) are held in accordance with the Deposit Protection Regulations.
Viewings
Viewings will be arranged at times to suit you, including evenings
and weekends, and you will invariably be accompanied by a member
of staff, who can give advice and answer any questions you may have.
Applying for a tenancy can be stressful and confusing, especially if
it's your first time. Don't worry - we'll leave you with plenty of
information which you can read through at your leisure.
Applying for the property
Once you have decided on a property, you will need to formally apply for it.
We will require from you:
- An Application Form
We need this to run a credit and reference check. It's quite detailed, so
make sure you have all the information you need, including six years worth
of residence history. Our forms are available to download here
- Identification Documents
We will need either a passport or a driver's license with a photo ID, along
with a utility bill or other document addressed to you.
- An Administration Fee
This £99 charge covers our administration costs as well as charges relating
to our full credit and character referencing checks. Unfortunately it's
non-refundable, however this level of early commitment is exactly what our
landlords look for in a good tenant.
This may look daunting, but don't be discouraged - we just require as much
information from you as possible upfront, to make the rest of the process
as smooth and as painless as possible. We will keep you informed at all stages
of your application and seek to process it as quickly as possible - we recognise
that nobody wants to be kept in suspense over a future home!
If you're worried that you do not have something we require from you, please don't
be put off. We're flexible and can adjust to any circumstance as long as you tell
us beforehand. For instance, if you have bad credit or an otherwise low income,
you can use a guarantor as insurance for your tenancy.
References
As a minimum we will require satisfactory references from your employer
(or college, or accountant), a previous or current landlord, and a credit reference report. We may also require
a personal reference, and sometimes a guarantor. We may use the services of an independent
referencing company to obtain and evaluate these references.
Reserving the property
After you pass the necessary checks, you need to pay for a 'holding deposit' (aka 'reservation
deposit'), usually around £300. Assuming that the tenancy goes ahead, this will be deducted
from the monies due before you move in. At this point, we will cease to advertise the property
and your tenancy will essentially be reserved. If the landlord later declines to grant
the tenancy, it will be refunded less our admin fee. However the deposit will be forfeit if
you decide not to proceed for any reason.
Final steps
Closer to the date of the tenancy, we will require you to sign an Assured Shorthold Tenancy
lease. This document will usually have your signature, our signature, and the landlord's
signature and will protect all parties during the tenancy period. Finally, we will provide
you with a standing order form which you must fill in and take to your bank.
Moving in
On the day you move in, you will need to pay the bond (see below) and the first month's rent
in cash. You will be provided will all the necessary documents pertaining to the utilities
in the property as well as a set of keys. You will be asked to sign an inventory assessing
the state of the property and all fixtures, fittings and furnishings. At the end of your
tenancy, we will inspect the property and any damage will be deducted from your bond. Of
course, we hope it won't come to that!
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.
Bond
A bond ('security deposit') of a minimum of one month's rental will normally be required. This deposit will be treated in accordance with the Tenancy Deposit Protection regulations, and you will be informed of 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.
Insurance for Tenants
As appointed agents for more than one insurance broker we are able to offer a variety
of insurance policies for both landlords and tenants, including
the following -
- Tenant's Contents
- Landlord's Contents
Further details are available on request.
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