Tenant information

Securing A Property

If you’re not used to renting, it can feel overwhelming with a lot to remember for a smooth Tenancy. Fortunately as an Arla Propertymark approved Agent you can rest assured that we follow their code of practice and work to the highest of standards and will be happy to help you with securing a property that is compliant with legislation. Whatever your needs, we will do our upmost to assist you.

Initially prior to you being offered a viewing, we will request basic information from you to ensure that you meet the affordability criteria for the property and also that the property is a suitable size for your situation.

Whilst video viewings can be helpful, we do like to meet all prospective tenants and ensure that prospective tenants like the “feel” of the property and are happy with its presentation and location.

To apply for a property, tenants are required to complete online application forms.

Any Tenancy offered will be subject to references and contract. On receipt of a completed application and landlord approval in principal, applicants will be required to make payment of a week’s holding deposit. This holding deposit is deductible from the month’s rent and month’s deposit that is required on move in. It is not however refundable in the event that an applicant’s references are declined or they withdraw their application.

A Tenancy Agreement is a legally binding agreement between both landlord and tenant and once a tenancy has been offered and prior to moving into a property, Tenancy paperwork will be issued to you enabling you to thoroughly check documentation and take any independent advice required.
We do however insist that all tenants have a pre-tenancy review where documents will be explained and we will answer any questions you may have.

Alongside being provided with a Tenancy Agreement for the property, all tenants are provided with the following documents.

• ‘How to Rent’ guide produced by HM Government (England only)
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for your property
• A current Gas Safety Certificate for your property—if there is a gas supply
• A copy of the electrical installation inspection report for your property
• Details of the scheme with which your Deposit will be registered, including details as to how you will recover your Deposit on your departure
• A checklist of the key Deposit registration information generally described as ‘Prescribed Information’ (to be provided within 30 days of paying your Security Deposit)

Every year we help numerous tenants find the perfect property and we are here to help you every step of the way! From the moment you first apply, through to the successful occupation of the property and throughout the duration of the Tenancy!

 

TENANT FEES

Whilst Agents are not permitted to charge fees to tenants, it should be noted that the following permitted payments may be requested from tenants.

Holding Deposit (per Tenancy) Equivalent to 1 weeks rent

This will be requested for all Tenancies as previously detailed and there will be an expectation for all applicants to sign the Tenancy Agreement within 15 days of formally applying for a property (or other deadline for agreement as mutually agreed in writing).

Security Deposit (Normally equivalent to a months rent, although up to the equivalent of 5 weeks rent can be requested)

This covers for damages or defaults on the part of the tenant during the Tenancy. 

Unpaid rent

Interest at 3% above the Bank of England base rate from the rent due date until paid in the event that rent is more than 14 days late.

Lost key(s) or other security devices

Tenants are liable to the actual cost of replacing any lost key(s) or other security devices. If the loss results in locks needing to be changed, the actual cost of a locksmith, new lock and replacement keys for the tenant, landlord and any other person requiring keys will be charged to the tenant. 

Variation of contract or change of sharer (Tenant’s request) - £50 (including VAT)

To cover the costs associated with taking landlord’s instructions as well as the preparation and execution of new legal documents, alongside any new tenant referencing and Right to Rent checks.

Early Termination (Tenant’s request)

Should the tenant wish to leave their contract early, they shall be liable to a proportion of the landlord’s costs in re-letting the property as well as all rent due under the tenancy until the start of the replacement tenancy. These costs will be no more than the maximum amount of rent outstanding on the tenancy.