Rowland Gorringe Tenants’ Guide
We have produced this guide to inform tenants of the procedures and requirements relating to a typical tenancy.
It is important that you read it carefully so as not to delay the securing of a property.
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, your landlord, which may include a bank reference for which your bank may charge a nominal fee, a credit reference, an employer’s reference, an accountant’s reference, and a previous landlord reference.
A Good Faith Payment of £200.00 is required to indicate your commitment when you submit your application and is held against expenses. If your application is successful this payment is deducted from your Initial Monies. The payment is non-refundable should your application be unsuccessful or withdrawn in certain circumstances. Please note that this payment in advance does not constitute a tenancy or offer of a tenancy but is proof of your serious intention to proceed.
Tenancy Agreement
Before any tenancy begins you will sign a Tenancy Agreement setting out the landlord’s and tenant’s obligations. A charge is made for the preparation of the original Agreement and a further charge for any extension Agreement(s) subsequently entered into. See Tenant Fees.
Security Deposit
Before your tenancy commences you will be required to pay a security deposit equivalent to one and a half month’s rent. 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 on the deposit is payable to either party.
Tenancy Deposit Protection
When you pay a deposit your landlord or agent must protect it using a Government authorised Deposit Scheme. This is to ensure you get all or part of your deposit back when you are entitled to it and any disputes will be easier to resolve. Within 14 days of paying your deposit your landlord or agent is required to give you details about how your deposit is protected. This includes the contact details of the deposit scheme and what to do if there is a dispute at the end of the tenancy.
When do you sign and what do you pay?
Once acceptable references have been received and approved, a date will be agreed for the commencement of your tenancy. It is essential that you sign the Tenancy Agreement and pay the Initial Money before this date.
The Initial Money consists of:
- First month’s rent in advance
- Security Deposit – one and a half month’s rent
- See Tenant Fees
*Initial Monies will be detailed in the confirmation letter and must be paid by bankers draft, building society cheque or direct transfer.*
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 the tenancy. You will also have a further 3 days to report any discrepancies; failure to comply with this timescale will assume your agreement with the original document. It is important that you take care in confirming 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 the tenancy the Inventory and Schedule of Condition will be checked again. In your own interests we strongly recommend that you are present at both the check-in and check-out.
Rental Payments
All rent is payable in advance by standing order. Please note that all standing order payments should be made three 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.
Tenants’ 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. In leasehold properties, the tenant will be bound by rules and regulations contained within the head lease. You will also be responsible for all utilities and television licence unless otherwise stated within your Tenancy Agreement.
Agent’s Obligations
Our obligations will vary depending on which of the following services we provide for your landlord:
- Purely let the property
- Let the property and accept the rent
- Let and manage the property
You will be advised which of the above applies prior to your tenancy commencing but should you need further details regarding a specific property please contact your local branch
Keys
Your local branch will normally hold a set of keys to the property.
Property Visits
Properties may be subject to visits. The purpose of these is to check the condition of the property, its cleanliness, garden maintenance and the way in which the tenancy is being conducted generally. A mutually agreeable appointment will be made in advance with the tenant.
Pets
Should you wish to keep one or more pets in the property we will negotiate this individually with your landlord, and include a specific clause in your tenancy agreement. A fee will be payable, See Tenant Fees.
