To ensure a trouble-free renting , we take care of any issues or concerns you may have.
Here are some often asked questions
Do I need to supply any information when renting and how long will it take to move in?
It is normal to supply the agent with referees, which normally include the following: employer, building society or bank, previous landlord, and accountant/solicitor or some other. This will confirm your ability to meet the monthly rental payment. In some cases a guarantor may be required. Once all references have been received, this usually takes 5 to 7 days, arrangements are put in place for your move in. However, beforehand an Inventory will have to be drawn up along with a Schedule of Condition, and arrangements made for utilities to be transferred over. On sign up, you will have to pay any monies due, i.e. rent, deposit etc., by banker’s draft. No responsible agent will allow possession prior to completing all the necessary paperwork.
Fees Payable
Unlike other agents we do not charge introductory fees , however their is an administration costs.
Signing your Lease and monies required
On signing your Lease, you will have to pay in advance at least one month’s rent, plus a deposit which is usually equivalent to the monthly rent.
Your Tenancy Agreement and responsibilities
The Tenancy Agreement is a legally binding contract between the Landlord and the Tenant. It will confirm the length of the tenancy, the rent, responsibilities and rights. The agreement will more than likely take the form of an Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement under the 1996 amended Housing Act. We normally require a minimum letting period of 6 months.
What other charges do I have to pay?
As a tenant you will have to pay council tax, gas, water, electricity and telephone charges during your occupancy, also a television licence fee. We strongly recommend that you insure your belongings, which we can arrange if you wish.
Safety Regulations
We have an obligation under the law to ensure that each home we let meets the current legislation with regard to gas, furniture and electricity. All tenants will have attached to their lease a gas safety certificate where gas is installed in the property.
How do I terminate my tenancy and will I have my deposit returned?
Providing you comply with the terms of the lease and ensure that the property is left in a clean condition, then your deposit will be refunded. However, should any damage occur which is not down to wear and tear, e.g. carpets dirty and stained, cookers, fridges left in a poor state, then monies will be deducted to rectify these problems. Any shortfall will be billed for payment. Remember the deposit cannot be set against any unpaid rent.
Tenant’s Legal Obligation
Where there are several tenants sharing a house, there is a legal obligation for all parties to sign the lease and inventory. Remember you are all jointly responsible for payment of rent and utilities and complying fully with the terms of release for the whole period of the tenancy.
Where has my deposit been held during my tenancy and is it safe?
Legislation has been introduced to protect tenants deposits, this came into force on the 6th April 2007 as part of the Housing Act 2004.
The act requires that all tenants deposits are held in a Government run custodial scheme or in an insurance protected client account and that all Landlords and all Agents must join one of these schemes to be able to take deposits. The act further requires that the Landlord/Agent also joins a Dispute Resolution Service and must register all tenancy details with this service.
We have these facilities in place.