Tenant Information Guide

ON FINDING A PROPERTY

You may be required to pay a documentation fee and/or holding deposit. We will then take up references to enable your tenancy to proceed. We will apply for a bank reference, employer's reference, suitable character reference and previous Landlord's reference (if applicable). It may be necessary for you to supply a Guarantor (and reference). Subject to all references being satisfactory, occupation of the property can take place. Should the tenancy not proceed due to your default (i.e. change of mind, bad references), your documentation fee and holding deposit will be forfeited.

ON SIGNING THE AGREEMENTS

You will have the opportunity to read and understand the tenancy agreement before signing.

This will take place on or before the date of occupation at a pre-arranged time. One month's rent must be paid in advance, plus a dilapidations deposit. This initial must be made either by BUILDING SOCIETY, CHEQUE BANKERS DRAFT drawn in favour of this company, or BY CASH (PERSONAL CHEQUES ARE NOT ACCEPTED). The deposit will be held against possible breakages or damage to the rented property, and will be returned subject to everything being found satisfactory at the end of the tenancy. ALL FURTHER PAYMENTS ARE TO BE MADE BY STANDING ORDER BY THE MONTHLY DUE DATE.

PRIOR TO YOUR OCCUPATION

Gas, electricity and water boards, British Telecom and Local Council Tax Department must be informed of your intended move, as these are payable by the Tenant. Arrangements to take over these services should be made at least ONE WEEK before your occupation. PLEASE NOTE: Deposits may be required by certain utilities in some circumstances. Also remember to advise the Royal Mail to redirect your mail. We also need to see proof that a direct debit has been set up to pay your rent prior to occupation.

ONCE YOUR TENANCY HAS COMMENCED

A property visit may be carried out (in case of full management), and a letter will be sent to you approximately one week before. If you encounter any problems regarding the maintenance of the property you should contact your local Lettings Co-Ordinator. If your Landlord is managing the property, then you must contact him/her direct. You may be required to allow access for your Landlord or Landlord's representative for the purposes of the inspection etc. A mutually convenient appointment will be made prior to any visits of this nature.

WHEN YOUR TENANCY EXPIRES

A final inspection will be made of the property against the inventory. Should the property be left in an unsatisfactory condition, or any breakages or damage be noted at the time of the final inspection, then suitable deductions will be made from your deposit (excluding fair wear and tear). YOUR DEPOSIT WILL NOT BE RETURNED ON THE DAY OF VACATION, BUT WILL BE SENT TO YOUR FORWARDING ADDRESS.

GENERAL INFORMATION

In most circumstances, we will be acting as your Landlord's Managing Agent, and as such, any queries or problems you may encounter during the tenancy should be directed through this company. Should you require our assistance at any time, please contact your Lettings Co-Ordinator.

It may be the case that your Landlord has instructed us on a Let Only basis, and in this instance, you should deal direct with him/her with regard to any repairs or queries that you may have during your tenancy. Please do not hesitate to ask a member of our staff for information in this respect.

Whatever type of accommodation you are moving into, it is important that you see the inventory on the day of occupation. It is your responsibility to make notes regarding any discrepancies and omissions from it - make a special note of the overall cleanliness and condition. A copy should be sent to this Company and/or your Landlord, and a copy should be retained by yourself to avoid any problems that may be encountered at the time of your final inspection.

IMPORTANT DO'S AND DON'T'S

Advise us of any change in your personal circumstances. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of your tenancy agreements. Make sure you have checked your inventory. Advise the relevant utilities of your move into rented accommodation.

DO:

- Give us all keys that are in your possession.
- Ensure your rent reaches this company or the Landlord by the due date.
- Advise Royal Mail of your move.
- Advise us or your Landlord immediately of any maintenance problems.
- Always ask if you are in doubt.

DON'T:

- Alter the Terms and Conditions of your tenancy agreement.
- Move out without advising this Company.
- Use your dilapidations deposit as your last month's rent.
- Change the names on the tenancy agreement, or take in paying "guests".
- Redecorate or carry out maintenance, repairs/renewals without contacting this Company and/or your Landlord.
- Refuse reasonable access to your Landlord's representatives and/or tradesmen.

Information For tenants and frequently asked questions

As a tenant, what should I ask my self?
Do I pay any fees to the Agent?
What money do I need to find at the beginning?
What information will I need to supply?
How long does it all take?
What is a tenancy agreement?
How long is a typical let?
What happens if I want to stay on or leave early?
What else do I have to pay for?
What must I do at the end of a tenancy?
How do I get my deposit back?
Who has been holding my deposit?
What is a holding deposit? Do I get it back?

As a tenant, I want to rent. What should I ask?

First you should ask your self if you can afford the property and it is in a the required area, which you are looking for.

Do I pay any fees to the Agent?

You should not pay introductory fees but there will be certain costs for you to cover, for inventories and for administration including the preparation of the tenancy agreement and taking up references.

What money do I need to find at the beginning?

Normally at least a month's rent in advance and the equivalent of a month to six weeks' rent to be held as a deposit against damage (and the administrative charges noted above).

What information will I need to supply?

The addresses of referees for the agent to write and confirm your ability to meet the rental commitment. These will normally include your bank or building society, employer, previous landlords, or for some, your solicitor and/or accountant.

What are my responsibilities?

These should be clearly set out in your tenancy agreement, which you should read carefully before you sign. If in doubt, ask the agent. There is a duty for professional agents to ensure that anyone relying on them is offered correct advice.

What is a tenancy agreement?

It is a legally binding document between you and the landlord, applicable only to you and the property you are renting, that states the amount of rent, the length of the tenancy, your rights and responsibilities. Your agreement will most probably be an Assured or an Assured Shorthold tenancy under the Housing Act 1988. For bona fide companies and/or rental values over £25000 a year, the agreement will be drawn up under contract law.

How long does it all take?

Normally, about ten working days to take up and confirm references, clear your cheque covering the first rent period and the deposit, arrange for inventories and the transfer of utility accounts into your name. No professional agent should allow you possession before all this has been done.

How long is a typical let?

Most agents require it to be a minimum if six months and rarely write a tenancy agreement for longer than a year.

What happens if I want to stay on or leave early?

Tenancies are frequently renewed and agents often agree the terms for renewal at the beginning and include them in the tenancy agreement. If you're likely to leave before the end of the original term agreed, you must negotiate break clauses to be written into the agreement. If not, you will remain responsible for the rent until the end of the term agreed, unless a new and satisfactory tenant can be found.

What else do I have to pay for?

The tenant usually pays the utility bills such as gas, electricity, water and telephone during the course of the tenancy, TV. Licence, etc; and the Council Tax applicable to the property.

What must I do at the end of a tenancy?

Ensure you fulfill your obligations stated in the tenancy agreement to leave the property in the condition it was in at the start, or deductions will be made from your deposit. These will include thorough cleaning and all linen, used or not, freshly laundered. If you have moved furniture, return it to where you found it at the time of the inventory.

How do I get my deposit back?

After an inventory check and condition inspection, provided there are no missing items or damage, your deposit should be returned shortly after you leave the property. You cannot set your deposit against the last rent payment due.

Who has been holding my deposit?

Normally, the agent in a designated client's deposit account.

What is a holding deposit? Do I get it back?

Holding Deposits - usually 2 weeks rent - can be required when you make an offer on a property. If, for any reason, you decide not to go ahead by an agreed date, the holding deposit or part of it will be retained against administrative costs already incurred. Otherwise it will be off-set against the first rent and full deposit payments. If the landlord decides not to proceed then the holding deposit will be returned. Paying a holding deposit in no way legally obliges either party to enter into the tenancy.

Any other Questions can be fully answered by your lettings consultant.