TENANTS

INFORMATION FOR TENANTS

FINDING A PROPERTY

The Letting HUB are specially trained and equipped to assist tenants in finding properties to rent that will meet their needs. We maintain a database of properties available to rent furnished or un-furnished. As properties become available, our first action is to contact waiting tenants on our database, whose requirements match the property. Typically, properties to rent become avialble about two months before occupancy date, so where possible it is advisable to start looking early.

Having identiifed a potentially suitable property, we will arrange a viewing. This will be at a time to suit you, subject to the Landlord's or current occupier's permission. All viewings will be accompanied by a memeber of our staff, who will be able to provide immediate advise and answer any questions you may have.

OFFER/APPLICATION: Having decided on a property, you will need to complete application forms. At this time any details or requirements can be provisionally agreed, such as occupancy dates, duration of tenancy etc.
Upon application, a holding deposit will be required. Assuming the rental proceeds this will be deducted from the fees due, before occupation. If we or the Landlord decline, it will be refunded. It will however not be refunded should you decide not to proceed for any reason, or the tenancy fails to proceed due to incomplete or inaccurate information provided in the tenancy application.

REFERENCES: We will take references on behalf of the Landlord, normally these will include your employer, any forma Landlord and a character reference. In addition, a credit check will be undertaken.

You will be expected to provide:

IDENTIFICATION/PROOF OF RESIDENCY: All tenants must be over the age of 18yrs, be in full-time employment and show proof of address. Only the following forms of identification are accepted:

• Utility bill (less than 3 months old)
• Full driving license
• Council tax bill (less than 3 months old)
• Mobile phone bill (less than 3 months old)

If you are self employed we will need to contact your accountant.

To assist us in collating the necessary references, it would be advantageous for you to warn the above individuals in advance that references are required as these can be return to us within a matter of a few days, barring any delays.

Where a tenant is unable to meet the necessary income or credit check requirments, the Tenant may have a guarantor agree to underwrite any rent liabilities. Please note that the same criteria applies to the guarantor and, furthermore, the guarantor must earn the equivalent of 3 times the yearly sum of the rent, be in full time employment or be able to prove by bank statements that they have “independent means”. All tenants should be able to provide a guarantor and should the tenant be unable to provide one, we will decide that the tenant has withdrawn their application. The tenant will therefore forfeit their deposit.

The guarantor must be aware that they will stand as guarantor for you, (and your partner if you are moving in to the property with some one else), for the entire occupancy of the property, not just for the period of the initial tenancy term.

RENT: Rents are normally quoted on a calander month basis unless otherwise specified. In addition, the Tenant is usually responsible for Council Tax, Water Rates, Gas, Electricity and Telephone charges.

Rents are payable by standing order either directly to the Landlord or where The Letting HUB has been appointed managing agent, into our Company bank account, monthly in advance. The first month's rent will be due before taking occupation of the premises.

DEPOSIT: A deposit (or bond) is required prior to occupation. The deposit is required for the full tenancy against loss, damage or charges payable at the termination of the tenancy.This is normally equal to one month's rent but maybe more. Please check with The Letting HUB. Where we are managing the property, this is held in a DPS (Deposit Protection Scheme) until the end of the tenacy. The Letting HUB act as an official agent of FCC Paragon and, subject to terms, insurance policies can be arranged that will substitute the necessity to pay a deposit. Please request further details from your representative.  Where we are not managing the property, the deposit will be passed over to the Landlord.

Please note the deposit cannot be used by the Tenant to cover RENT PAYMENTS.

ADMINISTRATION / AGENCY FEES: A fee is due to The Letting HUB prior to the start of the tenancy to cover the tenant's share of administration costs, including preparation of the Tenancy Agreement, any legal notices, referencing costs, credit checks and check-in and check-out charges. 

COMPANY LET - Company applications are acceptable where the company will be paying the rent. Please note that all monies to be paid on the signing of the agreement prior to the occupation and should be paid in cash or by bankers draft, unless they are paid a minimum of seven working days prior to occupancy

OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST:

1. The Tenant will be responsible for insuring their own possessions
2. The Tenant will take over all utilities such as Gas, Electricity, Water/Sewage charges, Council Tax & Telephone upon moving into the property and will be responsible for contacting the relevant suppliers accordingly prior to commencement of the tenancy.
3. The Landlord is responsible for any repair/maintenance problems to appliances etc. but the Tenant is responsible for any breakages which should be reported immediately.
4. Decoration of the property must only be done with your Landlord’s permission
5. No pets are allowed unless the Landlord has given consent
6.  Reasonable notice should be given in the event that The Letting HUB or Landlord wishes to inspect the property outside pre-agreed times. It is usual for us to inspect the property at least quarterley during your Tenancy and the Tenancy Agreement should cover this eventuality.
7. Most lets are for 12 months, although some Landlords may consider shorter terms of say 6 months.
8. Should you wish to quit your Tenancy earlier than the agreed term, you will be liable for all rent until the end of the agreed Tenancy. However, it may be worth considering negotiating a BREAK CLAUSE with the Landlord which, for example, could entitle you to give notice after 4 months.
In this case, you would only be liable for the rent for the notice period of 2 months, releasing you from the remaining 6 months of a 12 month Tenancy.
9. The most common type of Tenancy Agreement is the assured short hold (AST) used for 6-12 month lets and usually takes the form of a standard contract between both parties.
However, should any “extras” be agreed such as certain furnishings to be provided by the Landlord, you should ask that an extra clause be added to the agreement to this effect. It should be noted that the landlord is not obliged to carry out promises so it is important that your requests are documented.
10. The Letting HUB will deal with the property viewings, references, agreements and getting you moved in. If the agent has been instructed to manage the property then you will normally report any repairs or queries to them. If not, then you will deal directly with the Landlord.
11. The Letting HUB whilst acting for the Landlord, operates within accepted guidelines in the industry to ensure that you are able to rely on a professional letting agent taking your concerns seriously and advising the Landlord if they are being unreasonable. In this regard, you should be assured that the property conforms to all safety regulations and is fairly priced.

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