Tenants' guide

Referencing Procedure

As soon as a suitable property has been found, you will need to complete a reference application form. Here is an example of just a few of the references sought:

  • Confirmation of employment and salary confirmation.
  • Photographic identification (passport).
  • Previous Landlord references.
  • Students (Guarantor and proof or funding).
  • Self-Employed (Accountants references, trading details etc)
  • Proof of right to live in UK (if applicable)

Administration Fees

Holding Deposit:

One weeks rent. (This is to reserve a property. Please Note: This will be withheld if any relevant person (including any guarantor(s) withdraw from the tenancy, fail a Right-to-Rent check, provide materially significant false or misleading information, or fail to sign their tenancy agreement (and/or Deed of Guarantee) within 15 calendar days (or other Deadline for Agreement as mutually agreed in writing). Security Deposit (per tenancy. Rent under £50,000 per year): Five weeks rent. (This covers damages or defaults on the part of the tenant during the tenancy) Security Deposit (per tenancy. Rent of £50,000 or over per year): Six weeks rent. (This covers damages or defaults on the part of the tenant during the tenancy)

Unpaid Rent:

Interest at 3% above the Bank of England Base Rate from Rent Due Date until paid in order to pursue non-payment of rent. Please Note: This will not be levied until the rent is more than 14 days in arrears.

Lost Key(s) or other Security Device(s):

Tenants are liable to the actual cost of replacing any lost key(s) or other security device(s). If the loss results in locks needing to be changed, the actual costs of a locksmith, new lock and replacement keys for the tenant, landlord any other persons requiring keys will be charged to the tenant. If extra costs are incurred there will be a charge of £15 per hour (inc. VAT) for the time taken replacing lost key(s) or other security device(s).

Variation of Contract £50 (inc. VAT) per agreed variation. (To cover the costs associated with taking landlords instructions as well as the preparation and execution of new legal documents) Change of Sharer £50 (inc. VAT) per replacement tenant or any reasonable costs incurred if higher. (To cover the costs associated with with taking landlords instructions as well as the preparation and execution of new legal documents) Change of Sharer £50 (inc. VAT) per replacement tenant or any reasonable costs incurred if higher. (To cover the costs associated with taking landlords instructions, new tenant referencing and Right-to-Rent checks, deposit registration as well as the preparation and execution of new legal documents. Early Termination: Should the tenant wish to leave their contract early, they shall be liable to the landlords costs in re-letting the property as well as all rent due under the tenancy until the start date of the replacement tenancy. These costs will be no more than the maximum amount of rent outstanding on the tenancy.

Tenancy Agreement

Both the Landlord and tenant/s will be required to sign a tenancy agreement prior to the tenancy commencing, the agreement outlines both tenant and landlord obligations.

Generally, most tenancies run for a period of six or twelve months. We will contact you at the end of the tenancy to see whether you wish to renew your agreement for a further period and will liaise with the landlord to organise the documentation. It is important that you note that the agreement is made between landlord and tenant.

Payment

Once a moving in date has been agreed and references have all been approved by the landlord, the tenancy agreement will need to be signed by all parties and the initial monies in full will become due less any initial deposit paid:
This is made up of the following:

  • Deposit normally equal to five weeks rent (unless otherwise advised by the Landlord).
  • The first month rent in advance

The above monies need to be in cleared funds before the tenancy is able to commence. Payment can be made by means of a bankers draft or paid directly into our client bank account and showing as cleared. Please note that we do not accept cash payments.

Properties Managed by Reside

We do get instructed to fully manage some of our landlords' properties; if this is the case with your tenancy we will inform you prior to your tenancy commencing. If we are managing the property then any faults with appliances or problems within the property will need to be reported to us and we will deal with the problem as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Rental Payment

Rental payments are always made by standing order from the tenants bank account to the landlord's bank account, with the exception of managed properties whereby the rental payment is made to us.

End of tenancy and viewings

To terminate your tenancy subject to term, you will normally be required to give your landlord/managing agent at least two months notice in writing of your intention to leave, unless otherwise specified in your tenancy agreement.

The responsibility for your belongings are down to you and you must ensure you have adequate contents insurance. The landlord accepts no responsibility and cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage to tenants possessions.

The landlord or his agent have the right to conduct viewings to re-let or sell the property before the tenant vacates the property. This is arranged with the tenant prior to viewings taking place.

Tenants Obligations

The responsibility for the property lies with the tenant during the period of tenancy, always ensure that the property is fully secured and that during the winter months steps are taken to prevent freezing of the water and heating system.

Insurance

Tenants are encouraged to take their own contents insurance. The landlord’s insurance will cover his property and contents but it will not be extended to the tenants’ contents.

Property Inspection

If we are instructed as managing agents for your property, we will carry out quarterly inspections to assess the condition of the property and that everything is being kept in a satisfactory condition. We will always arrange this with you at a mutually convenient time.

Council Tax & Utilities

It is the tenant's responsibility to inform the utility companies of their occupation of the property at the commencement of the tenancy, and to pay council tax to the local authority. Students, who may be exempt from the payment of council tax, are responsible for informing the Local Authority of this.

Wherever applicable VAT will be charged at the prevailing rate

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