Choosing the right property for you To help you choose the right property, we display available properties with both the tariff and location. Once you have made a selection, then contact us to arrange a viewing.
After viewing, should you choose to rent a property, we will require the following:
References - Proof of identity will be required; this will be in the form of your driving license, passport and utility bill. We will then require references on behalf of the landlord, an employer's reference, a previous landlord's reference or character reference. The applicant may be required to provide a Bankers Reference. We will also perform a credit check.
Fees - An administration fee will be charged to set-up your tenancy. This covers:
Credit checking
Preparation of the tenancy agreement
Referencing
This fee is non refundable.
Prior to the commencement of the tenancy, the following has be to considered:
Rent - The rent that you will pay will be calculated on a per calendar month basis and paid each month in advance. The first months rent will be required prior to the commencement of the tenancy; subsequent payments must be made by Standing Order on the date stated in your tenancy agreement.
Security Deposit - A security deposit may be required prior to occupancy, this will be equal to one month's rent, and a Government appointed Deposit Scheme would hold this.
The Tenancy Agreement - an Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement must be signed before the tenancy can commence.
The Tenants responsibilities
As a tenant you will be responsible for:
Maintaining the terms set out in your Tenancy Agreement
The purchase of a Television Licence if required
Payment of Council Tax direct to the Local Authority
Payment of Utilities such as; Gas, Electric, Water etc
Tips for Tenants
Most tenants, will have an assured short hold tenancy, this gives you a number of basic rights, including;
The right to live in the accommodation
Stop other people entering without permission
The right to have their property free from disrepair
The right to safety, such as fire resistant furniture and professionally checked gas and electrical appliances
The right to end their tenancy agreement
Before you start looking, here are a few things to consider:
How much can you afford to spend on rent each month?
How much can you afford for utility bills?
Is it close to work?
Is it close to schools?
Is it close to shops?
Is it close to public transport?
Are there appropriate parking facilities?
Does the house have central heating with fires or storage heaters?
Do you want the house to have shower, bath or both?
Do you want the house to have a garden or yard
Do you want the house to have parking or non-parking?
If you are thinking of house sharing with friends or a partner, you will need to agree on your priorities before you begin looking for a house or flat, so that you can limit your viewing to houses that meet everyone's needs.
Searching for rental properties
When you view a property, you should look further than the decor and size of the rooms. There are a number of important signs to look for when searching for a property to let to ensure you find a nice house or flat in good repair for a reasonable price in a pleasant area.
Look at the neighbourhood to make sure you feel comfortable. Visit the area at different times of the day and night to see of you'd feel safe etc. Check the condition of the property, look for damp or cracks in the wall and ceilings, check that the stairs are safe and if there are any leaning walls, and most importantly check that plug sockets are safe.
You should also check the property for signs of infestation, such as ant trails or mouse droppings.
If there are any obvious problems please ask for this to be dealt with. Other considerations include:
Is the house warm enough, and does it have double-glazing?
Has the house been burgled, and if so how many times? (Is there a neighbourhood watch scheme?)
Does the property have an alarm, window locks and a secure door?
Also, does the property have smoke detectors, (if the house was built after July 1992, by law the landlord must fit smoke detectors on every floor)
You will have to establish if you or the landlord pays the bills separately, it is usually the tenant that pays for the bills.
If the house is not decorated to your taste, ask the landlord of the property you're viewing if you can redecorate.
Rental Costs
Before you sign the tenancy agreement there are some important things to note. Be clear about what you must pay before you move in, how much your monthly outgoings will be.
If you agree to rent a property that is out of your price range, be careful not to fall behind on the rent and leave yourself open to eviction.
You will probably be required to pay a deposit (bond, as it is sometimes known); this is usually the equivalent of a month's rent although some landlords don't require a deposit (please read the information about deposits).
Along with the deposit, you will also have to pay the first month's rent in advance.
Remember that when you move into the property, contact all utility suppliers so that bills in your name, or the landlords, depending upon your agreement.
In addition you should check exactly which bills you need to pay on top of your rent, and take out contents insurance to cover the cost of your possessions.
Once you have sorted out your insurance, have your first month's rent and the deposit together and make sure which bills you'll need to pay.
About the Tenancy Agreement
A tenancy agreement is a contract between the tenant and the landlord, and gives certain rights to both the tenant and the landlord.
Most tenants sign a short hold tenancy agreement, which usually lasts for a period of six to twelve months with a view to being renewed at the end of each period.
The main clause in a tenancy agreement is the tenant's right to occupy the accommodation and the landlord's right to receive rent for letting the accommodation.
The tenancy agreement may also include:
Details of the furniture provided by the landlord (both the tenant and landlord have rights and responsibilities given by law)
A notice period for both parties concerned
It is worth noting here that if a term in the tenancy agreement gives either tenant or landlord less than their statutory rights, that term cannot be enforced.
Under a basic tenancy agreement, the landlord has a responsibility to ensure the property is in good repair, with adequate water, gas, electricity, sanitation and heat. You can also ask that the landlord repair any damp, cracks in the wall and so on.
The law also states that the landlord has to provide a CORGI safety check certificate for the gas supply even though this may not be a part of the tenancy agreement, (Faulty gas supplies are extremely dangerous and can result in carbon monoxide leaks, these can be fatal). In addition, all electrical appliances supplied by the landlord must pass a safety test.
In terms of the tenant's responsibilities within the tenancy agreement, the landlord has a right to be paid the rent on time and late or unpaid rent could result in eviction. The landlord will also expect you keep the house and any contents supplied to an acceptable condition, and this is often a standard part of the tenancy agreement.
At the end of the Tenancy
The first thing you must do is to give the landlord written notice for the length stated in the tenancy agreement (this is usually four weeks).
You must inform the phone, gas, water and electricity companies of your leaving date and arrange disconnection or for the bills to be transferred back into the landlord's name.
On the day you move out remember to take a final meter reading for the gas, electricity and water and inform the suppliers of these as soon as possible so your final bill can be processed.
If you have paid a deposit, you will need to arrange a suitable time either on the day you move out or just before or after, for the landlord to check that, beyond reasonable wear and tear, no damage has been caused to the property, fixtures or fittings. Once this has been done your landlord should return your full deposit.
Finally, arrange removal transport in advance and don't forget to send out change of address cards so your friends and family will know where to find you!
