Tenant Guide

STEP ONE - 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.

All Tenancy Deposits (bonds) are held in accordance with the Deposit Protection Regulations.

STEP TWO - VIEWINGS

Viewings will be arranged at times to suit you, including evenings and weekends. Viewings will be accompanied by a member of staff, who can give advice and answer any questions you may have.

STEP THREE - RESERVING THE PROPERTY

Once you have decided on a property, you will need to reserve it by paying a 'holding deposit' (aka 'reservation deposit'), of £250. This is made up of:

• £100 Agency fee
• £50 referencing fee (for one person)
• £100 of the deposit that will later be held in a secure deposit protection scheme.

Assuming that the tenancy goes ahead, this will be deducted from the monies due before you move in. At this point we will provide you with an invoice itemising the money left to pay upon the commencement of the tenancy and a copy of the “prescribed information”.

If the landlord declines to grant the tenancy, it will be refunded less our agency fee. However, the entirety of the £250 will be forfeit if you decide not to proceed for any reason, or if you fail to provide complete and accurate information in your application.

You will then complete and submit your application form/s to us along with your additional documentation below:

• A photocopy of your UK passport (should you not hold a UK passport, you will need to pass the “right to rent checks” – please ask for more details).
• Utility bill or bank statement (in the last three months)
• Last 3 months pay slips
• A copy of your employment contract (were possible)

If you do not have a passport we will require a copy of your birth certificate.

STEP FOUR - REFERENCES

As a minimum, we will require satisfactory references from your employer, 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.

Once your references are complete we will agree a commencement date for your tenancy. Note: This will be the day the ongoing rent is due, so if you are paid at the end of the month it may be advisable to move 2/3 days after that date.

STEP FIVE - MOVE IN

On the agreed move in date you will be required to make a payment for the invoiced outstanding balance including your rent and deposit. Upon receipt of the monies we will then meet you at the property to complete the hand over. This includes signing two copies of the tenancy agreement, receiving a copy of the inventory, receiving a copy of the keys. At this time, we will take meter readings together to ensure clarity. Once you are happy and comfortable we will leave you to start your enjoyment of your new home.

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. All payments must be paid via direct transfer or set up a standing order into our account. Failure to do so will incur penalty charges, we do not accept cash. Rents must be cleared through the bank in cleared funds on or before the rent payment date, so you do not incur penalty for late payment of £30.

Deposit

Your rent due date will generally be the same date as the date you move in, so it might be worth considering this at the start of the tenancy. If you do need to change the rent due date, we can arrange this with you and your landlord and make amendments to the tenancy agreement in accordance with this. The cost of changing your rent due date is £30.

A security deposit of a minimum of one month's rental plus £100 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.