Information for Specialist Letting Agency Tenants
VIEWINGS
Viewings are strictly by appointment only. All viewings will be accompanied by a member of our staff unless alternative arrangements have been agreed. It is not standard for our website particulars to include room sizes so we recommend bringing a tape measure with you.
Although television and telephone lines may be present in a property this is not an assurance that there is an aerial present or active telephone line, it is the responsibility of the tenant to make their own enquiries with regards to these services.
Permission must be obtained prior to the installation of Satellite or Cable television.
PETS AND SMOKING
Pets or smoking are not permitted in any or our properties unless by prior consent of the landlord.
SAFETY
All our properties that have gas appliances will have a valid GAS SAFE certificate throughout the period of the tenancy.
TENANCY DEPOSITS
A tenancy deposit usually amounting to one months rent will be compulsory on all properties. This will be required in cleared funds on or before the moving in date. We will consider accepting deposit bonds but full details will need to be provided before acceptance can be given.
All monetary deposits taken after the 6th April 2007 will be protected in a government-authorised tenancy deposit protection scheme. The scheme we use is mydeposits unless the landlord is registered as overseas in which case the deposit will be protected by the Deposit Protection Service (DPS).
RENTS
A minimum of one months rent will be required in cleared funds on or before the move in date. Please call us for full details of payment methods accepted.
BENEFITS CLAIMANTS
We do not exclude tenants claiming benefits, however it is at the discretion of the landlord and therefore we recommend you consult us first before booking an appointment.
For benefit claimants we will require a guarantor who must be a home owner or working. Please call to confirm the amount the guarantor would need to be earning in order to qualify.
REFERENCES
All our properties will require all adult tenants to be referenced. The references will include an employers reference, current landlords reference (if applicable) and a credit search. We also require one piece of picture I.D. and proof of address.
AGENCY FEES
To proceed with the rental of a property we manage the tenant will need to pay a moving in/holding fee as listed below.
Moving in Fee/Holding fee:
Agency administration fee £166.67
VAT @ 20.00% £33.33
TOTAL £200.00
Additional tenants over the age of 18 incur additional charge of £50.00 inclusive of VAT.
This deposit is non-returnable should you withdraw from negotiations, but will be returned if for any reason the Agent cannot proceed with the tenancy, less the reference charges of £50.00 inclusive of VAT per person.
Tenancy Renewal Fees:
A charge of £35 + V.A.T is made for renewing the tenancy agreement at the end of each term.
Check out Fee:
A charge of £40 + V.A.T is made for checking the inventory when a tenant vacates.
Early Termination of Contract
Tenants will normally be required to sign a Tenancy Agreement for a fixed term. Tenants requiring to terminate their tenancy early may in some cases do so, subject to Landlord’s consent being first obtained to breaking the contract. In this event the tenant is required to pay administrative costs in the sum of £90 + V.A.T., plus the Agreement fee of £50.00 + V.A.T and Inventory costs for the new tenancy, which would normally have to be borne by the Landlord. Until such time as the Landlord’s consent is obtained and a suitable new tenant(s) have taken up a legal tenancy of the property, then and only then will the existing tenancy liabilities be fulfilled.
UTILITIES AND COUNCIL TAX
On taking up a tenancy it is the responsibility of the tenant to pay rent, council tax, gas, electricity, water/sewerage, telephone and television license unless otherwise agreed. It is essential that you call the relevant suppliers to set up your account details.
CONTENTS INSURANCE
Although it is not compulsory, it is recommended that all tenants take out a contents insurance policy. We have a preferred supplier Ray Millard Insurance who can be contacted on 01202 528726. Mention that you are a tenant of Specialist Letting Agency for a preferential rate.
REPAIRS
Every effort is made to ensure that your rented home is of the highest standard. However, from time to time you may find the odd problem. Please call our office on 01202 548400 to report the matter and we will take the appropriate action. For out of hours enquiries please try our mobile number 07711 306096, if there is no reply, please leave a message or text details of the problem and we will endeavour to get back to you as soon as possible.
Please note that tenants will be charged for any call out made deemed unnecessary or falling under the tenant responsibility. Common examples of this are blocked drains caused by baby wipes, no gas/electric left on meter.
