Why are references required?

We use references to check applicants’ credit history and also a reference from your former landlord (unless you have been an owner occupier), Your current employer and previous employer if you have been employed in your current job for less than one year. We check your credit history to check whether you have had any court orders or CCJs against you in the past. The reference is to help us ensure that you are a reliable tenant who pays on time and doesn’t damage the property. You employer reference is to ensure that you are in the employment that you have stated on your application form. However if you have a bad credit history you may still be able to apply for the property, as long as you tell us beforehand. If you mislead us about your credit history then your application will automatically be rejected.

Do I have to pay an application fee when applying to take a property? What is this?

A fee is taken from the applicants to reserve to property. This fee includes the cost(s) of referencing each adult who will be moving into the property, together with the administration costs involved in preparing for the tenancy commencement.

What ID do I need to show, before I can move in?

We require proof of residency and proof of identity.

Do I have to pay a deposit?

Yes, a security deposit is required in case of any of damage or dilapidation of the property during your tenancy.

Is my deposit refundable?

Your deposit will be held for the duration of the tenancy. At the end of the tenancy you will be checked out of your property and an assessment of damage / dilapidations will be made. If any of these items are identified, then we will confirm the proposed deductions, but it will be your responsibility to ensure that you have fulfilled the terms of the tenancy, left the property in accordance with the inventory and schedule of condition.

When can I pick up the keys to my new home?

We will not release any keys to you until the commencement date of the tenancy agreement. You will be required to visit our office on this day in order to finalise any paperwork, such as signing the tenancy agreement, and completing a standing order form. Once all of these have been completed and the monies paid over for the rent and deposit, you will be given the keys to your rental property.

What am I responsible for?

As a tenant you are responsible for:

Prompt payment of rent.
Prompt payment of gas, electricity, telephone and utility bills.
Reporting any damages and repairs to the property as early as possible.
Carrying out odd jobs in the property in a Tenant like manner such as changing light bulbs etc.
Repairing any damage caused by you at the property which includes unblocking a sink or toilet which has been blocked due to your misuse.

What is classed as reasonable wear and tear?

Fair wear and tear is the normal deterioration of an item in normal use, however it is a landlord's decision on what is reasonable wear and tear and what is excessive dilapidation. Fair wear and tear is based on the length of the tenancy, the number of the Tenants, the condition and ages of the items and the expected lifespan of these items. The inventory will ensure that the condition of the property is noted down in the inventory prior to the tenancy beginning for reference of the original condition of items in question. 

Can I make any alterations to the property or redecorate?

You cannot decorate or alter the property without the landlord or property owner’s consent.

How will I get my deposit back?

The return of the deposit is subject to tenancy agreement and the deposit protection scheme we are members of. The scheme provides an alternative dispute resolution process whereby an independent adjudicator will make a final decision on the disbursement of the deposit money.