Advice for tenants

Most Landlords will require prospective tenants to have been working in full-time employment for at least 6 months. In the case of graduates, applicants relocating or otherwise starting new employment, they must be able to supply a copy of a formal written contract indicating their salary and start date.

If the employment is of a temporary nature, it must be through a recognised employment agency and proof of 12 months earnings must be provided. A guarantor may still be required.

To qualify as a tenant, you must be able to produce:

• a good credit history (subject to appeal where proof can be provided)

• satisfactory references from the previous landlord / letting agent (if applicable)

• proof of a gross annual salary which will support the required rent due
  
   

Whether this is your first move or one of many, our aim is to make it as straightforward and trouble free as possible. Rental properties can be snapped up as quickly as they come on the market, so we will help you draw up your specific requirements so that we can match you immediately to available properties that come onto the market.

Renting a property doesn’t have to be a stressful affair if you are in good hands. Get in touch today, and we can guide you through the process.

The Assured Shorthold Tenancy has become the default form of tenancy for most residential tenancies. AST is the most common type of agreement used by landlords to let residential properties to prospective tenants.

Most AST's are negotiated over 6 to 12 months, renewable at the end date, but subject to references and credit checks.

A landlord may require possession at the end of the fixed term as agreed in the AST, in which case the relevant notice must be served on you as the tenant. We as the Landlords Letting Agents will carry out the service of this notice on the request of the Landlord.

Holding Deposit

You will be required to pay a holding deposit to secure the property you wish to rent. This holding deposit will be deducted from the deposit due when you take possession of the property. The deposit will be refunded should the Landlord for any reason decide not to let the property to you.

In certain circumstances, should you fail the referencing process and were made aware of the criteria required for you to be an acceptable tenant, then the holding deposit may be retained as work on your behalf will have been completed and expenses incurred.

Deposit

Before you take possession of your rental property, you will be required to pay a deposit. This is normally 5 weeks. All deposits are held within the Deposit Protection Service (The DPS) for more information please see here.

The deposit required is in addition to the first month's rent and the holding deposit is deducted from the amount required, with the balance being due before occupation can take place. These monies will need to be cleared funds prior to your move in date, otherwise it may delay your ability to move into the property.

Tenant Fees

Please note that our administration charges are per person, as we need to obtain references for each person moving on behalf of the Landlord.

Contents Insurance

As a tenant your own personal possessions will be at risk, from fire, storm, water damage and particularly from theft whilst in your rented property. You may also suffer loss or accidental damage to your possessions whilst away from home. Whilst in your home, you are legally responsible for your landlord's contents should the property you are renting be furnished or part furnished.

You should consider taking out contents insurance to cover your belongings.