Tenants
are our clients too!
We know how important it is to find a property that meets your exact requirements. We have a variety of available properties to meet your needs.
Find Your Ideal Home
For those tenants looking to rent for the first time or for those searching for a new home, we understand that matching the right property to each persons individual requirements is essential.
Have you ever missed out on the perfect property just because you heard about it too late, or the agent never told you about it as it was slightly outside of your criteria?
Never miss out again by using our ‘Heads Up Property Alerts’. Simply create your profile and our system will constantly give you the ‘Heads Up’ on suggested properties and price reductions that might specifically interest you. You can update, refine or unsubscribe at any time so try it for yourself and be first to get the heads up on your ideal home.
Tenant Information
We are always transparent with our processes and requirements and it is important that you read our tenant guide carefully so you understand the renting process in full.
The Tenant Fee Act 2019 has changed many aspects of renting a home and it is important that you are aware of the changes to protect yourself.
Quick Response Management
Repair and Maintenance issues need resolving as soon as possible and our dedicated property management team are on hand to deal with those unexpected issues.
We have a fantastic online reporting service which can, in the first instance, try and help resolve your issue. If this is not possible, then the issue will be logged into our system and will be actioned quickly and efficiently.
Ten Steps to a Successful Tenancy
Your Budget and Requirements
Budget: Knowing your financial limit will help narrow down your property search. This budget should cover monthly rent, utility bills, council tax, internet, and other expenses such as tenant insurance.
Requirements: Are you looking for a one-bedroom or two-bedroom? Do you need a parking space? Understand your needs and desires for your new home. Think about location, proximity to work or school, local amenities, and property type.
Start Your Search
Online Portals: Websites such as Rightmove or Zoopla allow for comprehensive filtering based on your requirements, giving virtual tours, area information, and even estimated utility costs.
Letting Agents: Engaging with them can give you access to new listings before they appear online. Check out our ‘Heads Up’ property alerts! They can also handle viewings and negotiations on your behalf.
Local Adverts: Private landlords may advertise their properties in local newspapers or community boards.
Viewing Properties
Arrange Viewings: Never rent a property without visiting it! Photos can be deceptive. You’ll also get a feel for the property and the area.
Ask Questions: This is your chance to find out about any potential issues, e.g., whether pets are allowed, how old the boiler is, or when was the property last renovated.
Safety Checks: Ensure the property meets all required safety standards, especially in terms of electrical and gas safety. You can also ask about the energy efficiency rating as detailed on the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
Application and Referencing
Rental Application: It may include your current address, job details, income, previous landlords, and sometimes a personal reference. You may also be asked for a basic credit report even prior to viewing.
Holding Deposit: You will need to complete a ‘Holding Deposit’ form and pay the equivalent of 1 weeks rent to ‘hold’ the property whilst full referencing is carried out.
Referencing: This process ensures you’re a reliable tenant. A poor credit score or negative reference might require you to have a guarantor, a person who agrees to cover the rent if you fail to pay.
Security Deposit
Tenancy Deposit: This is paid prior to the start of the tenancy together with your first month’s rent. The deposit is to cover any potential damages. It must be a maximum of 5 weeks rent unless the monthly rent is over £4167 per month!
Deposit Protection: Legally, the deposit should be registered in a protected scheme within 30 days to ensure you get it back if you meet all the terms of your tenancy agreement.
Tenancy Agreement
This legally binding document outlines the terms of your tenancy, the responsibilities of both parties, and provides a basis for resolving any disputes.
Your tenancy will more than likely be an Assured Shorthold Tenancy which will have an initial fixed term – usually 6 or 12 months. After this initial term, you may have an option to renew the tenancy for a further fixed term, or, the tenancy will become periodic which rolls over on a monthly basis.
Property Inventory
Prior to moving into the property, your landlord or agent should prepare a property inventory.
This is a comprehensive schedule, often with photos, documenting the property’s condition and contents at the point of move in. It is vital for determining any discrepancies or damages when moving out. When you do move out, the inventory will be updated to reflect any changes in the condition of the property.
Move In Day
Once the tenancy agreement, property inventory and any other relevent paperwork has been signed off and the initial payments made, you can move in.
Ensure you keep all related documents safe. It’s a good idea to keep both a paper version and digital backups.
Set up your utilities straight away – they can be a nightmare if left too long! Register for gas, electricity, water, and council tax.
During The Tenancy
Read your tenancy agreement thoroughly and ensure that you understand its contents in detail. This is the document that you must adhere to to ensure a stress free tenancy in your new home.
Repairs and Maintenance: For larger repairs, it’s the landlord’s responsibility, but always check your tenancy agreement. Minor repairs or damages caused by you, might be your responsibility. Report issues quickly to prevent small problems becoming larger ones.
Rent: Consistent, timely rent payments will ensure a good relationship with your landlord and positive references in the future when it is time to move on.
Ending The Tenancy
Notice: Typically, you’ll need to give at least one month’s notice if you plan to leave after your fixed term, however, you should always check your tenancy agreement.
Final Inspection: To maximise the return of your deposit, ensure the property is as close to its initial state as possible. This may involve professional cleaning or minor repairs.
Return of Deposit: Ensure you get your deposit back in a timely manner. If there are delays or deductions you disagree with, the tenancy deposit scheme can mediate the situation.
Finally…
Enjoy the time in your new home. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for any advice – whether you are a tenant of ours or not!
Good Luck.
The ‘Bricks & Banter’ Podcast has been created to help share knowledge that is essential for everyone that has an interest in the property market.
We are passionate about giving sellers, landlords, buyers and tenants the right information to enable better property decisions to be made.
We often have a special guest on the show to offer expert opinions on all things property. Ranging from solicitors, accountants, mortgage brokers as well as successful property investors.
Each new episode drops every two weeks each Friday so subscribe to get an alert and we hope you enjoy the show.
Popular Tenant Questions
How much is the rent and what does it include?
The rent is determined by looking at factors like living space, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, overall condition, any recent renovations, special amenities, and the energy efficiency rating. Our agents stay updated on economic trends, employment rates, transportation developments, and other factors that can influence rental demand in the area.
The rent includes does not include utilities such as council tax, gas, electricity and water rates. These are the responsibility of the tenant.
How long is a tenancy and what happens at the end?
The tenancy agreement is usually for an ‘Assured Shorthold Tenancy’ and is typically for an initial fixed term such as 6 or 12 months. At the end of the initial term, you may have the option to renew the tenancy, subject to the landlord’s agreement.
If neither party wishes to renew, the tenancy will become a ‘periodic’ tenancy and will transition to a month-to-month agreement after the initial period.
How can I end a tenancy?
The tenancy agreement is usually for an ‘Assured Shorthold Tenancy’ and is typically for an initial fixed term such as 6 or 12 months. After the initial fixed term, the tenancy will become a ‘periodic’ tenancy and will transition to a month-to-month agreement after the initial period.
The tenant can only give notice to end a fixed term tenancy if there is a break clause written into the agreement. A break clause is a term in the contract that allows the tenant to end the agreement early.
The tenant can end the tenancy by giving notice once it becomes periodic. The agreement may specify the amount of notice they need to give.
A ‘notice to quit’ must be in writing. The notice period must be at least four weeks, or equivalent to the period of the tenancy if this is longer.
How much is the security deposit?
A tenancy, or secuiry deposit cannot usually be more than the equivalent of 5 weeks’ rent.
This limit applies to assured shorthold tenants, students in halls of residence, and lodgers – as long as the rent is less than £4,167 a month.
This deposit is used to cover any potential damages or unpaid rents. At the end of the tenancy, a property inspection will be conducted. If the property is returned in the same condition as it was rented (minus normal wear and tear) and there are no outstanding payments due, the full deposit will be returned.
How are maintenance issues handled?
All maintenance issues should be reported to us immediately. Agents have different ways to report issues, this can be via phone, email or by using a dedicated app on a smartphone. We use FixFlo – a dedicated software application which keeps all parties updated as the issue is resolved.
We have a dedicated property management team that handles repairs and issues. For emergencies, there’s a 24-hour hotline.
Can I personalise or make changes to the property?
It is your home.
Minor personalisations, like hanging photos, are generally acceptable. However, any major changes, such as painting walls or making structural changes, require prior written consent from the landlord. It’s essential to discuss and get approval for any modifications you’re considering.
At the end of the tenancy, the landlord may require you to put the property back into it’s original state of decoration.
What checks do you perform on potential tenants?
The tenant referencing that we undertake is a comprehensive process.
We will ask for proof of ID and a basic credit report for each applicant even before we book a viewing.
We use the services of Let Alliance, a market leading tenant referencing company to conduct a thorough referencing check which will include more detailed credit histories, examining not just the score but any past bankruptcies, county court judgements, large debts, or patterns of late payments.
We also ensure the prospective tenant’s reason for moving aligns with their references, ensuring there are no discrepancies.
Are you a member of a regulatory body?
Yes, our agency is a member of the United Kingdom Association of Letting Agents (UKALA) which means we adhere to high professional standards and are regularly audited. We are also members of The Property Ombudsman, a redress scheme for both landlords and tenants.
We use the the Deposit Protection Service (DPS) custodial tenancy deposit scheme to register and hold all deposits from tenants.
Membership to professional bodies ensures that we adhere to industry-best practices. These bodies often require their members to undertake continuous professional development, ensuring we’re up-to-date with the latest legal changes, market trends, and innovative practices.
Our UKALA membership includes ‘Client Money Protection’ which safeguards any funds that are entrusted with us.