Can I Rent A House?
Landlords ask us to find reliable tenants for their properties. We have to be sure that anyone to whom we let a house will look after it, keep it clean and pay the rent on time and in full. Most landlords want their tenant to be in permanent employment, with a good credit record and a responsible outlook. If this sounds like you, we may be able to help you.
What About Pets?
That really depends on the landlord – and the pet! A budgie is less of an issue than a pair of Rottweilers to most landlords. Ultimately, it is the landlord’s decision whether he will permit pets. However, if you were to have a pet in a property without the landlord’s permission, you could be in breach of the agreement and have to move out. So honesty is the best policy.
Do I Have To Look After The Property?
Very much so. The landlord will expect you to leave the property in a similar state to when you moved in – so decorations, cleanliness, the state of fixtures, fittings and furniture – and the garden – will all be checked. If you do not keep the property clean and in good order, you might have to pay to put it right.
How Do I Find A House To Rent?
You must decide how much rent you can afford to pay. Don’t forget you will have other expenses to pay each month, like Council Tax, gas and electricity, telephone etc., in addition to normal household costs like food, running the car and going out. Once you have an idea what you can afford, give us a call, or look at the properties on our To Let list on this site. We will help you find the right property in the right location at a rent you wish to pay. If we do not currently have the property you are looking for, you can register your details with us and we will continue to property search for you.
Arranging A Viewing
Viewing possible properties could not be easier. Contact us and we will arrange an appointment for you with the owner or, if the house is empty, one of our staff will show you the property by appointment. Once you see a house you want, move quickly to avoid disappointment!
Making The Application
We will ask you to fill in an application form, giving information about you. We may, if necessary, ask for details of someone who is willing to stand as Guarantor on your behalf – perhaps a relative. When we have all this information, you will be asked to pay a processing fee which may not be refundable, whether or not you are successful with your application. Please note that, unless married, all applicants (joint tenants) will be asked to complete an application form.
Getting The Keys
Once you have passed the Credit Checks and the landlord has accepted you as tenant, you will be asked to sign the Tenancy Agreement and pay the first month’s rent, plus the security deposit. You must make these payments to us before you can have the keys to the property, and the payment must be in the form of a Bankers Draft. Unfortunately, we cannot accept cash, credit cards or ordinary cheques unless paid in advance to allow for clearance. You will need to arrange to take over the gas and electricity supplies and notify the Local Authority that you have moved in.
Is My Deposit Safe?
All deposits are required by law to be held under an approved Tenancy Deposit Scheme which provided independent settlement of any disputes and ensures that your money is safely held during the tenancy. We hold all deposits under this scheme where we are managing agents; if your Landlord wishes to mange the property himself, he must comply with the law too.
Paying The Rent
We will complete a Standing Order for you and send it to your Bank for them to set up on your account. The rent will be paid on a set day each month – usually the same day you have moved in. For example, if you move in on the 25th day of the month, your rent will be due on the 25th day of each month. It is your responsibility to ensure there is enough money in your account for the rent to be paid. If you do not pay the rent, or pay it late, you will hear from D B Roberts & Partners/ the Landlord. Failure to pay on time could result in further action being taken and loss of your tenancy.
Nearing The End Of The Tenancy
You will have agreed to rent the house for a set term, usually 6 or 12 months. We will write to you and your Landlord to see if you would like to continue with the tenancy. Provided you both do, we will either prepare a new Tenancy Agreement for a further fixed term, i.e. 6 or 12 months, or the tenancy may, with the Landlord’s instruction, continue on a monthly basis until you give the required one month’s notice to vacate the property, Or your Landlord gives the required 2 months’ notice to have the property back. We will write to you regarding the final property inspection and security deposit release, if we manage the property.