Tenant Information

How do I find a property?

To find a property simply click on the Properties to let page of our web site.
Everything we have to let at the present time will be listed. You can click the properties for further information.
You can also find our advertised properties on Prime Location, Property Finder and Rightmove websites.

I can’t find the property I am looking for

If you cannot find what you are looking for today don’t worry.
We add new properties to our database regularly. If you cannot see anything that suits your needs now then register your details with us and we can keep you up to date with new properties matching your requirements.
In addition, our web-site is updated regularly so do keep checking back with us.

Applying for a property

The first step
Find a property that suits your needs and budget and CALL US ON 01635 37222. We will take it from there.
The first step is for you to view the property with a member of staff at a time to suit you.
If you would like to proceed then we can give you an application form there and then. Take the form away, complete it then call us to arrange an informal interview where we will discuss your application and set out the timetable for your move.
We ask for a reservation fee when you bring in your application. Don’t worry - if your application is declined or the Landlord decides not to let the property then the fee is returned.

The Deposit. How much is it and when do I have to pay it?

A standard deposit is the equivalent of one 1 ½ months rent.
You will usually NOT have to pay the deposit until you sign the contract which can be as little as one day before you move into the property. However, this will need to be paid by bankers draft or bank transfer.
An inventory of the property detailing its fixtures, fittings and contents will be produced at the commencement of the tenancy. We will recommend that the tenant should check this document thoroughly noting any discrepancies and comments prior to returning it to our office. At the end of the tenancy the inventory will be checked as part of the check out procedure. The tenant’s share of the costs for this service will vary between £100.00 - £200.00 (inclusive of vat) dependent on the size of the property. You will be advised of their share of the costs prior to undertaking a tenancy, however the fee does not become payable until the end of the tenancy when this will be deducted from the deposit.
We will lodge the Deposit with the Deposit Protection Service ("DPS") within fourteen days of the commencement of the Tenancy. The Tenant should contact DPS after the fourteen days to check the Deposit has been lodged. The terms and conditions and Alternative Dispute Resolution Rules governing the protection of the Deposit including the repayment process can be found on the web siteDeposit Protection. For further information on Tenancy Deposit Protection in general the Tenant please visit www.communities.gov.uk/tenancydeposit

How soon can I move in?

All tenancies are subject to references and the landlord's subsequent approval. References are obtained via a professional referencing agency that will carry out the most thorough checks on all applicants. These include identity checks, financial, credit and employment status checks. If you have been a tenant before, checks on how any previous tenancies have been conducted will also be made.
The fee payable is £58.75 (inclusive of vat) per applicant and £70.50 (inclusive of vat) per company let.
The first months rent is payable prior to the commencement of the tenancy and thereafter monthly in advance by bank standing order.
Please be aware though, that some properties are already tenanted or being purchased and will not be available until a given date. The availability date will be discussed with you at your initial interview.
To speed up the application process as much as possible please complete your application form accurately and giving as much detail as possible. e.g. providing fax numbers, and email addresses for referees can speed up the process immensely.

Move in – The contract

Utility bills

The tenant is responsible for the payment of water rates, council tax, gas, electricity, fuel, telephone and television licensing. The tenant is also responsible to register with the aforementioned utilities immediately upon entering into a tenancy
The landlord is responsible to insure the property as it is presented to the tenant at the commencement of the tenancy. The landlord’s insurance will not cover damage caused by tenant or any peril that may occur to their personal effects. The tenants are responsible to take out their own insurance cover.

How long is the contract?

The most common tenancy agreement entered into is an Assured Shorthold Tenancy under the Housing Act 1988 as amended by the Housing Act 1996. This will usually be for a minimum term of 6 to 12 calendar months. The prospective tenant will receive a draft copy of the tenancy agreement prior to proceeding with a tenancy in order to obtain separate legal advice if required.
PLEASE BE AWARE: Even though the contract is for six months, you still have to provide a one month notice period to us if you wish to leave the property at the end of the first six months.
Please do not assume that, because the contract is only initially for a six month period that the property is only available for a short-term let. This is standard procedure for most letting agencies.

Will the contract be renewed?

The contract will be offered for renewal as long as the following conditions apply:
1. We inspect the property at three monthly intervals (approximately) and expect to see that the property is being looked after.
2. All rental payments are made on time.
3. The Landlord wishes to renew.
With reference to point 3 above: Most of our tenancies are classed as long term lets and Landlords simply allow us to renew the contract on their behalf

What do I do if I want to leave the property?

Any notice we act upon must be in writing and is only effective from the day we receive the notice at our office.
If you wish to leave at the end of the first six months then we need to receive your written notice at least one month before the end of the term.
Whilst you are in a six month contract you can serve notice to the end of the contract (minimum notice is one calendar month).
Outside the six month contract period, you can submit notice of one calendar month to expire on the day before a rent payment day.

Making changes

Redecoration

You may wish to redecorate parts of the property during your tenancy.
You must request permission before making any kind of changes to the property.
We will usually ask you to submit a colour chart to our office indicating which rooms are to be painted in which colours. We will forward this to your Landlord for consideration.
Most Landlords will understand that you may wish to decorate and grant permission subject to a satisfactory finish and neutral colours.
If you do decorate then the quality of the decoration will be checked during your next routine inspection or at the final inspection after you have vacated.

General changes

Please read this carefully.
We do understand that, in making your property your home, there may be various changes you wish to undertake to improve your enjoyment of the property (including decoration).
Whatever you consider you must obtain written permission from ourselves before making any changes.
Also, please be aware that the cost of any changes you make will not be off-set against rental payments nor dilapidation charges at the end of the tenancy.
As mentioned above (unless by prior agreement) all changes agreed and implemented are for your enjoyment during the tenancy.

Maintenance

With any property old or new, invariably things can go wrong from time to time.
It may be anything from a problem with the hot water to a leak.
Whatever the problem call us immediately. We aim to resolve maintenance issues as soon as possible. Whatever the problem, we will have to consult with your Landlord in order to seek the best solution.
Please do not leave a problem. Report it immediately. We have an answer-phone in operation outside normal working hours so leave a message and we will call you back.

We look forward to helping you secure a property that meets with your requirements.