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TENANT
INFORMATION GUIDE ON FINDING A PROPERTYLandlords
or letting agents may require a holding deposit from you on finding a
property to secure the property for you. They will also wish to take
references on you before proceeding with the tenancy, which may include a
bank reference, an employer's reference,
suitable character reference and previous landlord's reference if
applicable. It may
be necessary for you to have to supply a Guarantor (who may also
need to be referenced)
if any of your reference replies are not satisfactory as security. Subject
to all references being accepted as satisfactory, occupation of the
property can start to take place subject to the signing of the tenancy
agreement and inventory. Should you decide not to proceed with the
tenancy, i.e. you have a change of mind or your references prove to be
unsatisfactory for what ever reason and your landlord deckles not to
proceed, You may have to forfeit all or part of your holding deposit you
paid depending on the terms and conditions of your payment PRIOR
TO YOUR OCCUPATION
Gas,
electricity, water, telephone and the Local Council tax department must
all be informed (if applicable) of your intended move, as in most cases
these bills will be the responsibility of the tenant to pay. Arrangements
to take over these services should be at least
ONE/TWO
WEEKS before
your occupation, so that everything is in order and ready for
you when you move in. hi
some circumstances, certainly utility companies may require a deposit from
you if you are
a new customer applying for the supply service for the first time. Also,
you need to remember to advise the Royal Mail to redirect your mail to
your new address as well as your
bank and employers. SIGNING
OF THE TENANCY AGREEMENT, INVENTORY AND RENTAL You
should be given the opportunity to read and understand the tenancy
agreement before signing it This will take place on or before the
commencement date of the tenancy at a pre- arranged time. On the signing
the tenancy agreement, the landlord or agent will normally collect from
you the first month's rental in advance phis a security deposit/bond. This
initial payment is usually made either by BUILDING
SOCIETY CHEQUE BANKERS
DRAFT, OR BY CASH,
which have been to be cleared funds. (Personal cheques
are usually not accepted, as they are not considered as cleared funds). The
deposit/bond taken win be held against possible breakages or damage caused
by you during
the tenancy and for any other breaches of your tenancy terms and
condition, such as
unpaid rent The
deposit/bond will only be returned to you, subject to everything being
left in a satisfactory condition at the property at the end of the
tenancy. The
landlord or agent will set up with you how to pay your future rent. This
may be by cheque,
cash, standing order or direct debit. If the rental is paid monthly, the
rent due date will
be the same as the tenancy commencement date for each month. Whatever
type of accommodation you are moving into, it is important that you see
the inventory for the property by the day of occupation. It will become
your responsibility to make
sure it is accurate before signing and to note any alterations regarding
discrepancies and
omissions from it The
inventory is a legal document and puts the responsibility on to you as the
tenant to look after the Hems listed on it. It should list all the hems of
the property left by the landlord for your use during the tenancy, such as
furniture, furnishings and overall cleanliness
and condition of the property when you moved in. A
copy of the inventory should be provided for you to keep in a safe place.
Should you damage, break or not clean the property when you move out at
the end of the tenancy, the landlord can charge you from your deposit/bond
to have it put right. (Reasonable fair wear and tear can be taken into
consideration). ONCE
YOUR TENANCY HAS COMMENCED
Any
queries or problems you may encounter during the term of the tenancy or
any repairs or
maintenance that needs to be carried out should be directed to your
landlord or agent as soon
as possible, if it falls under their responsibility. You
may also find that the landlord or agent may wish to carry out property
visits of the property whilst you are a tenant every few months or so to
check on the condition of the property whilst you are a tenant every few
months or so to check on the condition of the property and how you are
looking after it. This is quite normal and mutually convenient appointment
should be made with you prior to any visits of this nature. You
may at certain times be asked to allow access to representative of the
landlord for the purpose
of any property maintenance or repairs mat the property may require and is
the responsibility
of the landlord. Besides
these formal visits and maintenance inspections, the landlord must not
disturb you or breach your legal entitlement of quite enjoyment of the
property during this tenancy. Before
vacating the property you should check that any breakages or items damaged
during the tenancy are replaced or fixed by you before me final check by
the landlord and that
the property is cleaned and left tidy. On
the expiry of the tenancy, a final inspection will be carried out of the
property by the landlord or the landlord 's agent against the inventory
you initially signed. This is to confirm that the property has been left
in a satisfactory condition as mentioned, and that there are no breakages
or damage to the property. The
landlord will be entitled to any deductions from your deposit for any
breach of your tenancy obligations or excess wear and tear and damage to
the property. If there are no dilapidation's or deductions the landlord or
the agent should return your deposit/bond soon
after you vacate the property. IMPORTANT DO'S AND DON'TSDO1.
Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of your tenancy
agreements. 2.
Make sure you have checked your inventory. 3.
Advise the relevant utilities of your intended move into rented
accommodation 4.
Give up all keys that are in your possession at the end of the
tenancy. 5.
Ensure that your rent reaches the landlord or the landlord's agent
by the due date. 6. Advise Royal Mail, your bank and employers of your move.
7. Advise your landlord or
agent immediately of any maintenance problems and 8.
Always ask if you're in doubt. DON'T 1.
Alter the terms and conditions of you tenancy agreement 2.
Move out or leave the property vacant for a long period of time
without advising your
landlord or agent. 3.
Do not use your deposit, as your last months rent. 4.
Do not take in paying guests or sublet the property. 5.
Do not re-decorate or carry out maintenance, repairs /renewals
without contacting your
landlord first. 6.
Do not refuse reasonable access to your landlord or representative
and/or tradesmen. TENANTS
PROTECTION SCHEMES
Many
tenants do not realize when renting a property that they may not be
covered under their landlords content insurance for theft, fire or damage
caused to their own goods. It is important to take adequate steps to
protect your personnel contents and valuables by taking out the contents
insurance cover as soon as possible. Rent
Shield is a comprehensive Rental Payment Protection policy. It will
provide tenants with valuable financial assistance in event of:
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