Frequently asked questions

• How do I view a property I am interested in?
• How do I apply for a property?
• What references do I need to provide?
• What happens once my application is successful?
• How much deposit do I have to pay?
• What does the rent include?
• How long does a tenancy last?
• What safety checks are made on the property?
• What do I do if I need repairs to the property?
• Do I need insurance?
• If I want to leave, how much notice do I have to give?
• When do I get my deposit back?

How do I view a property I am interested in?

Please contact our office on 0115 933 3047 to arrange a convenient time for an accompanied viewing.

How do I apply for a property?

When viewing you will be given an application form. This must be completed in full and returned to our office, together with payment of the referencing fee of £30 (+ VAT). We will then make a decision from all the applications we receive.

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What references do I need to provide?

You do not need to provide any references directly - all reference checks will be carried out by an independent referencing company, who will make enquiries to your employer/accountant, existing/previous landlord and make a credit reference check.

What happens once my application is successful?

Once a proposed tenancy is agreed you will be asked to pay our arrangement fee of £135 (+ VAT) (for singles and couples, plus £25 + VAT for each extra person). We will then draw up the tenancy agreement and other legal documentation. You must read these carefully and all parties must sign it in the presence of a witness. It should then be returned to our office, together with your deposit and the first months rent. Once funds have been cleared and we receive signed agreements from both tenant and landlord, you can move in.

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How much deposit do I have to pay?

Deposits are equal to one months rent. Additional deposits may be required if you smoke or have pets. In compliance with Government Legislation this money will be held under the terms of the Tenancy Deposit Scheme. Full details of the scheme are available from our office.

What does the rent include?

Unless otherwise stated, rent is exclusive of all services to the property, e.g. gas, water, electricity, telephone and Council Tax. Tenants are responsbile for making all these payments in addition to the rent.

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How long does a tenancy last?

Tenancies are usually for an initial six months on an Assured Shorthold Tenancy basis. Once the initial lease period has expired, a new term may be negotiated or the tenancy may become 'periodic' i.e. it continues until either party gives notice (two months for the landlord to the tenant and one month for the tenant to the landlord).

What safety checks are made on the property?

All gas appliances, electrical circuits and furniture must comply with the relevant legal requirements. We keep a record of all checks and arrange to renew them when necessary, for example a CORGI gas certificate must be issued annually. See the Tenant safety page for more information.

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What do I do if I need repairs to the property?

All repairs to the appliances or structure of the building are the responsibility of the landlord. You should contact our office and we will advise our local tradespeople to arrange a suitable time to visit your property. They will provide us with a quote, and when authorised by the landlord the work will be carried out. All bills are sent to our office for the attention of the landlord.

Please note that you are responsible for the upkeep of the garden (unless otherwise agreed), and for minor replacements such as tap washers or lightbulbs.

Do I need insurance?

Whilst the landlord must insure the property and their contents, you are advised to cover your own possessions against damage or theft. We can recommend a tenants' contents policy by Homelet which deals specifically with rented accommodation.

If you would like further information, you can also visit the Homelet website by clicking on the image below.

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If I want to leave, how much notice do I have to give?

To end the tenancy you must give one months notice to expire the day before a rent due date, provided the vacation date is after the initial assured six months. Please note that if you wish to leave before this time you are still liable for the first six months rent and also the landlord's re-let fee.

When do I get my deposit back?

When you vacate the property we will make an inspection, based on the inventory and statement of condition prepared when the tenancy began. Once we and the landlord are satisfied with the property and any outstanding amounts have been paid, your deposit will be returned to you by cheque.

Please note that the deposit cannot be used as payment for the final month's rent.

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