Tenant frequently asked questions
Moving into your new home, you are sure to have a few questions, we have tried to answer the most usual ones here, but if we haven’t please do not hesitate to contact us.
AM I ALLOWED TO DECORATE?
Once you have started your tenancy, should you wish to decorate the property, we ask that a request be submitted in writing to your Landlord via our agency, detailing what you propose to do, which rooms/walls you would like to decorate and include a paint sample chart or wallpaper sample with your letter.
Once we have spoken to your Landlord, we will confirm to you in writing whether your request has been permitted. Dependent upon the situation, you may not have to return the property back to its original colour shortly before you vacate.
CAN I INSTALL SKY TV?
Each property and Landlord is different however, in most cases, Landlords do not mind if Sky is installed at the property as long as it is carried out neatly, within the terms of any lease or planning approval, and installed by professional engineers.
Permission should be sought from your Landlord where sky is not already installed in the property.
Please note that it is up to the tenant to check whether they are able to receive Sky/Virgin in that area, as this is not something we can guarantee.
HOW LONG IS MY NOTICE PERIOD?
Due to the terms of the agreement, you are contracted to remain at the property as stated in your assured short hold tenancy. Should you decide to leave at the end of the period in the agreement or at a later date, you must notify us in writing, giving a minimum of one months notice from your rent due date prior to the end of the period.
HOW DO I PAY RENT?
Your rent will be due on the same day as when you started the tenancy every month. It is preferable to set up a standing order where rent will be deducted from your bank on the same date each month.
If it is not possible for you to set up a standing order, you are able to pay in cash or cheque; however, you will need to allow 3- 5 working days prior to your due date to allow for the cheque to clear.
If you are in receipt of Housing Benefits you have an obligation to ensure that payments are made as quickly as possible.
WHAT IS A HOLDING DEPOSIT
Holding Deposit: 1 weeks rent
A holding deposit is money paid when you’ve agreed to rent a property, but haven’t signed a contract.
If you pay a holding deposit you’re guaranteeing you’ll take up the tenancy. If the agents accept it they’re guaranteeing they’ll let the property to you, subject to references being accepted.
If your reference or credit check is rejected because the information you provided at the time of application was not accurate or complete, or if you change your mind and no longer wish to rent the property, the holding deposit will not be refunded.
If the agreement is cancelled through no fault of your own, the holding deposit would be returned to you.
A holding deposit is usually deducted from your first months rent.
If you have any questions, please contact us
WHAT ABOUT GUARANTORS?
A guarantor is any person known to you who would be willing to support you throughout your tenancy and indemnify the Landlord against all costs and associated issues that may arise during the Tenancy. If you know that you have a poor credit rating or would fail your own reference check as your income does not fall above the required referencing amount for your monthly income, then we recommend adding a guarantor.
The Guarantor would be required to pay any outstanding rents and cover damage expenses that may be over and above the security deposit amount. Guarantors are usually family members but more importantly, they must earn or have in savings 33 times the monthly rent and willing to have references taken up on them.
Can’t find the anwer? Get in touch
Whether you’re a landlord or a tenant, we’d love to hear from you and offer our expert advice, at no cost to you.