Reserving a Property
In order to reserve the accommodation, an Administration Charge will have to be paid which is equivalent to 25% of the first month's rent + VAT. This is non refundable and only holds the property for a period of 14 days from paying initial agency fee.
Having paid the Admin Charge you will be asked to fill in a Personal Details Form and provide two forms of identification i.e. Driving Licence, Passport, Debit Card, etc.
It is very important to bring your general details with you i.e. previous landlord information, national insurance no, previous employer, etc.
In order to reserve the accommodation, an Administration Charge will have to be paid which is equivalent to 25% of the first month's rent + VAT.
Until the Administration Charge is paid CHURCHILL will be unable to reserve the accommodation, and the property will be continued to be advertised.
At this stage the following information is agreed with the landlord:
- The rent and bond is confirmed and paid
- The date of the commencement of the tenancy
- The duration of the Tenancy i.e. 6 or 12 months
- Additional facilities in the property if required
- Any other questions you may have relating to the Tenancy
If I decide not to take the property will I lose my Administration Charge?
The Administration Charge is refunded if the Landlord declines the Tenancy.
However if the tenant declines from the Tenancy or fails the references, or incomplete or inaccurate information is given in the Tenants Details Form, you will forfeit the Administration charge.
At this point a time will be arranged to sign the Tenancy Agreement. Tenancy Agreements are signed in our office. A copy of a blank agreement will be given to the tenant in order for them to read the contract before coming into the office.
References
The tenant will be expected upon signing the Tenancy Agreement to bring along references. This will include obtaining three of the following:
- Employer Reference
- Landlord Reference
- Character Reference
- Bank Reference
In addition where necessary a Credit Check will be undertaken.
What if I cannot provide references?
Where the tenant is a student or not currently in employment the tenant can have a financial guarantor to agree to underwrite any rent, utility bills, breakages, liabilities.
A financial guarantor might have to be obtained in the event of the tenant been in employment for less than 12 months.
Normally the financial guarantor would be the parents or relative or possibly an employer. The guarantor will be responsible for paying for any monies outstanding as a result of the Tenancy.
It is very important for the tenant not to over stretch himself or herself when looking for a property to avoid any liabilities on the financial guarantor.
Rent
Rents are normally quoted on a calendar month basis (i.e. £ 40.00 per week x 52 weeks a year / 12 months = £ 173.33 pcm).
The tenant will be have to provide one month rent in advance upon signing the contract. Following the 1st months rental payment, you will be required to pay your rent either by standing order or post dated cheques depending on the Landlord's requirements.
However some landlords have different arrangements therefore upon signing the contract. CHURCHILL lettings manager will discuss the payment method with you.
If you move into the property in the middle of the month the rent will generally be calculated on a daily basis up until the end of the month and worked out thereafter on the 1st of each month.
Deposit
A deposit is also required before taking occupation which generally is 1 month rent plus £100 however some landlords ask for larger amounts of deposit. If CHURCHILL manage the property then CHURCHILL hold the bond deposit, however if providing a letting service ONLY the landlord will hold the bond deposit.
What is a bond deposit?
A bond deposit is required prior to occupation of the property. The bond is normally 1 months rent + £100, but may vary depending on the landlord . The deposit is held to cover any breakages, damage, or other household liabilities. The deposit cannot be used by the tenant to cover rent.
Who holds the Bond?
If the property is managed by CHURCHILL the bond deposit is held in a secure client account until the termination of the Tenancy. If the property is not managed by CHURCHILL then the Bond is kept with the Landlord.
When do I get my bond back?
The bond deposit is returned back to the tenant at the end of the Tenancy Agreement after CHURCHILL has inspected the property. The property is checked by the inventory that was drafted up at the beginning of the Tenancy and the Lettings Manager will check the property in the presence of the tenant and assess any damages and deductions due. Proof of payment of utility bills, is also required, in the form of a receipt.
How do I pay the bond and rent?
The bond and rent should be paid in cleared funds i.e. Bankers draft or cash if the tenant wants to move into the property within 5 days of signing the contract.
There is a charge from the Bank for Bankers draft. Tenants will not be able to move into the property without cleared funds.
Tenancy Agreement - Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement
This is the name of the commonest forms of arrangement for the letting of houses or flats by private landlord and Agents. They were introduced by the Housing Act 1988. Depending on the Landlords requirements will determine whether he will offer you a 12 or 6 months contract.
Once you have entered into a Tenancy Agreement you are legally bound to the contract until the end of the Tenancy Agreement.
You must be very sure that you want to proceed with the property and that you have read the contract carefully.
What is a Joint Tenancy?
Joint tenancies can be agreed with two or more people from the outset of the tenancy. Each tenant is then responsible jointly and individually for meeting the terms of the Tenancy in full including paying the rent. Therefore if one joint tenant leaves the property before the end of the Tenancy without your agreement and you cannot recover the rent due from him, the remaining tenant will be responsible for paying the full rent.
Under a joint Tenancy, all the tenants have equal rights under the Tenancy.
Can the tenant leave during the tenancy?
As a tenant, you wish to terminate your tenancy before the expiry of the contract, you have the following two options:
- Continue to pay the rent until the end of the tenancy
- To find a suitable replacement, subject to the Landlords permission
Moving In
- Tenants will need to make an appointment to be checked into the property
- All of the tenants will need to be present
- The tenants will meet either at CHURCHILL, and be escorted by a CHURCHILL representative to the property or at the property
- All tenants will all be issued with a front door key and a bedroom door key (where Applicable)
- An Inventory will be done at the property, which will give in detail a list of fixtures and fittings and their condition
- Check the inventory carefully as you will need to sign this document which is a legally binding (see inventory section for information)
- Please take this opportunity your ask any questions you may have regarding the property (Central heating, Gas, Electric, Stop cock Location etc)
- The meter reading will be recorded for Gas and Electric. It is the tenants responsibility to inform the suppliers of their occupation
Mandatory Insurance
The Landlord grants the tenancy of the property to the named Tenant upon the condition that the Tenant holds insurance that the landlord or his Agent considers adequate to protect the Tenant's personal possessions and accidental damage caused by the Tenant to the furniture, fixtures and fittings at the property as described in the attached inventory.
The Tenant must provide the Landlord or his Agent with a copy of his current insurance certificate prior to the commencement of the tenancy detailing the cover held, the name and address of the insurer, the policy number and the date of renewal.
Landlords insurance on your rented accommodation will usually cover the building itself and the landlords contents for example carpet, curtains and fixtures and fittings. Your personal possessions will therefore not be covered under your landlords insurance.
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