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Tenant Information
Letting process
Finding one of my properties
I advertise my properties through OpenRent which is an online letting portal for private landlords. Through Openrent I am able to advertise on property sites such as Rightmove and Zoopla.
Viewings
Once we have agreed a mutually convenient viewing time I will meet you at the property and show you around myself. I will provide you with the EPC (energy performance certificate) of the property and answer any questions you may have regarding the property.
Applying for a property
After the viewing if you are interested in the property I would ask you to complete an application form . I ask all prospective tenants to complete the form to register their serious interest in the flat and also to provide essential background information.
Holding deposit fee and passport ID
If we agree to go ahead with a tenancy I will ask for a holding deposit of one weeks rent, this is taken to secure your interest in the property and on receipt of the fee I will stop viewings of the flat. The holding deposit, assuming all references are acceptable, will go towards the first month’s rent. The holding deposit fee will be returnable if I decide after receiving the references not to go ahead with the letting. I will also need to see your original passport this is a requirement of the government's new Right to Rent .
Reference fee, Referencing, credit checks
I will instruct a credit rating agency to carry out checks which will provide a report on your credit worthiness, previous landlord reference, character reference and employer reference. The credit rating agency will ask you to provide your last 6 months bank statements and payslips.
Draft tenancy agreement an assured shorthold tenancy AST
Whilst checks are being carried out I will send you a draft tenancy agreement for the property. Although this is a long document it is aimed to ensure clarity as to both party’s responsibilities.
Rent and deposit
You will need to ensure that the deposit and first month’s rental are cleared funds in advance of the tenancy commencement date. Keys will not be handed over until funds are received. The monthly rental payment will be required to be paid in advance by standing order, directly to my bank account. The assured shorthold tenancy security deposit which is equivalent to 5 weeks rent will be held by DPS Deposit Protection Scheme using their ‘custodial scheme’ in accordance with the Housing Act 2004. In the event of any dispute about the deposit the DPS will determine the outcome. I will provide you with prescribed information about the authorised scheme.
Signing of AST and handover of keys
The signing of the AST will take place usually the day before the tenancy commences and assuming all funds have been received the keys will be handed over. On the day I will check that the smoke alarm is working.
Tenant Information Folder
All our flats have a folder providing valuable information about the property. The folder provides a copy of the EICR, a full copy of the EPC, manuals of all appliances, and the government's How to Rent guide. You will also receive a health and safety checklist
Inventory and Schedule of Condition
A full written inventory supported by photographs will be drawn up prior to the commencement of the tenancy. This details the contents and condition of the property when you move in and you should check this document carefully to make sure that you agree with the contents. You will have 7 days from the start of the tenancy to notify me in writing of anything with which you do not agree and if you do not contact me I will assume that you have accepted it as written. The inventory will be used to resolve any dispute about the condition of the property when it is taken back by me at the end of the tenancy.
Utilities and other costs
The tenant is usually also responsible for Council Tax, Water Rates, Gas, Electricity, Contents Insurance, internet, telephone costs, and TV licence.
Pets
Please note that no pets are allowed in any of our properties.
No Smoking
Please note that smoking and vaping is not permitted inside any of our properties.
Joint Tenants
Normally all adults residing at a property will be named as tenants on the tenancy agreement and they will all be jointly and severally liable. This means that each tenant is individually responsible for ensuring compliance with the terms of the tenancy.
Insurance
Tenants must make their own arrangements to insure their contents and possessions as the Landlord will not accept any responsibility.