Applying for a Property
References & Guarantors
Commencing the Tenancy
Inventory
Utilities & Council Tax
Insurance
Maintenance & Repairs
End of Tenancy

Once you have chosen a property you will usually need to complete a Tenancy Application Form and return this to us with an administration fee. Upon Receipt of your application and fee, the necessary reference and credit checks will be carried out. In some circumstances a guarantor may be required.

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Upon receipt of the application the letting agent will normally take references from your employer, bank, previous landlord and a character referee.

In certain circumstances a guarantor may be required. The guarantor is normally a member of the applicant's family who is of sufficient means to guarantee the payment of rent.

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Once satisfactory references have been obtained you will usually be contacted by the Property Manager responsible for the property to arrange a tenancy start date. On this date all parties to the agreement usually sign the tenancy agreement and to complete a standing order mandate for the payment of future rent. Payment will be required for apportioned rent and the dilapidation deposit. The total amount will be detailed on a statement which will be provided prior to the commencement date.

You will then be given the keys, a copy of the tenancy agreement and a copy of the inventory, if available, otherwise this will normally be sent to you within a week of occupation.

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An inventory of contents and schedule of condition is usually prepared for each property prior to letting. You will usually be supplied with two copies and you should check the list carefully. Retain a copy for your records.

It is important that you do check the inventory as it forms the basis of the inspection to be made after the end of the tenancy.

You will usually be responsible for electricity, gas, council tax and telephone bills on the property.

The Letting Agent will usually arrange the transfer of electricity and gas accounts by taking meter readings prior to the start of the tenancy and then submitting the necessary forms to the supplier concerned.

The Letting Agent will usually notify the relevant Local Authority of the commencement of your tenancy so that they may invoice you directly for Council Tax. Please note that if you are a single occupier you are entitled to a 25% discount.

A television licence and any cable, digital or satellite television arrangements will be your sole responsibility. However, if a cable, digital or satellite service is not already available at the property you must contact the Letting Agent for written permission prior to installation.

The landlord is responsible for insuring the main structure of the building and any of their fixtures and fittings. It will not cover your belongings and you are therefore advised to take out separate insurance cover in this respect. Visit our Insurance Center to obtain an online quote.

Maintenance & Repairs

You must contact the letting agency immediately in respect of any maintenance problem. The landlord is responsible for the fabric and services of the building, plus any fixtures and fittings such as kitchen appliances; except in the instance whereby the damage or fault has arisen due to neglect or misuse. Expenses incurred without prior approval may not be refunded.

If the property has gas an annual safety check is required by law. You will be expected to allow an appointed engineer reasonable access.

End of Tenancy

When you wish to vacate the property you must usually give one months notice in writing (unless a longer notice period is specified in the tenancy agreement).

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