Guidance for Tenants
Tenancy Application/References
When a suitable property to rent has been found ALL persons aged eighteen or over will complete an Application Form and will be named in the Tenancy Agreement. We will take up references on behalf of our client, the Landlord, which may include a bank reference for which your bank will charge a nominal fee, a credit reference, an employer's / accountant's and previous landlord reference (if applicable). A payment to indicate your commitment is required when you submit your application and is held against expenses. If your application is successful this payment will be deducted from your initial money.
The payment is non-refundable should your application be unsuccessful or withdrawn in certain circumstances, the details of which are set out in the confirmation letter. Please note that this money in advance does not constitute a tenancy or offer of a tenancy but is required as proof of your serious intention to proceed.
Security Deposit
Before your tenancy commences you will be required to pay a security deposit equivalent to a maximum of one and a half months rent. This deposit is held by us as stakeholders or passed to the landlord.
The deposit is held against any damages or expenses arising during your tenancy and will not be released until after you vacate the property, all rent has been paid up to date and we have written confirmation of any costs for damages from both parties. No interest is payable to either party.
Tenancy Deposit Protection
Legislation regarding tenancy deposits came into force on the 6th April 2007. If you are not protecting a tenant's deposit as a Landlord, you may be ordered to repay the tenant 3 times the value of the deposit amount and will not be able to service a Notice of Possession. When a Landlord takes a deposit from a tenant, the deposit must be protected in a government- authorised tenancy deposit scheme. The schemes:
- Allow tenants to get all or part of their deposit back when they are entitled to it.
- Make any disputes easier to resolve
- Encourage tenants and Landlords to make a clear agreement from the start on the condition of the property
Inventory and Schedule of Condition
An Inventory and Schedule of Condition of the property, its contents, furniture, fittings and effects will normally have been prepared. This will be checked and agreed with you at the commencement of your tenancy and a charge will be made to you.
It is important that you take care in agreeing the Inventory and Schedule of Condition at this stage as it will form the basis of any claim for damages, by your landlord, at the end of the tenancy.
At the end of tenancy the Inventory and Schedule of Condition will be checked again, the cost of which is borne by your landlord. In your own interests we strongly recommend that you are present at both the check-in and check-out.
If, however, the landlord does not require an inventory, there will be no charge for a check in.
Rental Payments
All rent is payable in advance by standing order. Please note that all standing order payments should be made 3 days prior to your rent due date to allow for clearance.
Should you experience any financial problems during the course of the tenancy it is essential that you contact us immediately.
Tenant's Obligations
You should be aware that responsibility for the property rests with the tenant during any tenancy. It is particularly important that any gas or electrical problems are reported immediately and the property is fully secured when you leave it unattended at any time. During the winter months, necessary steps must be taken to prevent the freezing of the water and heating systems.
In leasehold properties, mainly flats and maisonettes, the tenant will be bound by the rules and regulations affecting all residents within the block contained in the head lease.
The Agent's Obligations
The obligations of CRL will vary depending on which of the following services we provide for the Landlord:
- Let and manage the property
- Let the property and accept the rent
- Purely let the property
You will be advised which of the above apply prior to your tenancy commencing but should you need further details regarding a specific property please contact your local branch.