Tenant Information
Application Forms
Click on the relavent link below to download the form.Reserving a property
Having selected a property with property first you will be asked to fill in an application Form.( Please refer to the referencing section) and provide two forms of identification i.e. Driving Licence, Passport, Debit Card etc.It is important to bring your general details with you i.e. previous landlord information, national insurance no, previous employer etc. In order to reserve the property an administration/holding fee is charged. Until the administration fee is paid Property First is unable to reserve the accommodation, and the property will continue to be marketed.
At this stage the following information is agreed with the landlord: -
- The rent and deposit is confirmed
- The date of the commencement of the tenancy
- The duration of the tenancy i.e. 6 or 12 months
- Additional facilities in the property if required
- Any other questions you may have relating to the tenancy
The Administration Charge is refunded if the landlord declines the tenancy.
However if the tenant declines from the tenancy or fails the reference/credit checks, or incomplete or inaccurate information is provided in the tenants application form, they will forfeit the administration charge. At this point a time will be arranged to sign the Tenancy Agreement. Tenancy Agreements can be signed in our Office or at the property. A copy of a blank agreement will be given to the tenant in order for them to read the contract before signing. Referencing
The tenant will be expected to provide details on the application of the following following: -
- Employer Reference
- Landlord Reference
- Character Reference
- Next of Kin
What if I cannot provide references?
Where the tenant is a student or not currently in employment, the tenant can have a financial guarantor to agree to underwrite any rent, utility bills, breakages, liabilities. A financial guarantor might have to be obtained in the event of the tenant being in employment for less than 12 months.
Normally the financial guarantor would be the parents or relative; sometimes an employer; the only requirement being that they must be a property owner and over 18 years of age. The guarantor will be responsible for paying for any monies outstanding as a result of the tenancy.
Therefore it is very important for the tenant not to over stretch himself or herself when looking for a property to avoid any liabilities on the financial guarantor.
Contract procedure
What will I have to pay when signing the contract?
Rents are normally quoted on a calendar month basis (i.e. £550.00 pcm). The tenant will have to provide one months rent in advance upon signing the contract. Following the first months rental payment, they will be required to pay your rent ether by standing order.
However, some landlords have different arrangements therefore upon signing the contract a representative will inform you of the payment method.
If you move into the property in the middle of the month this will be your rent due date. Should you or the landlord require the rent to be paid on the 1st of the month the rent will generally be calculated on a daily basis up until the end of the month and paid thereafter on the 1st of each month.
A deposit is also required before taking occupation; this is usually one months rent, however some landlords ask for larger amounts of deposit. If Property First manages the property then we will hold the deposit in a bonded clients account; however if the property is ‘let only’ the landlord will hold the bond deposit separately in an approved scheme.
How should I pay the bond and rent?
The bond and rent should be paid in cleared funds i.e. Bankers draft or cash. Tenants will not be able to move into the property without cleared funds. You can find more information in Bond Deposits.
What kind of contract will I sign?
Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement
This is the name of the commonest form of arrangement for the letting of houses or flats by private landlord and agents. They were introduced by the Housing Act 1988. Depending on the landlords requirements it will determine whether he will offer you a 12 or 6 month contract. Once you have entered into a Tenancy Agreement you are legally bound to the contract until the end of the Tenancy Agreement. Therefore at this stage you must be very sure that you want to proceed with the property and that you have read the contract very carefully.
What is a Joint Tenancy?
Joint tenancies can be agreed with two or more people from the outset of the tenancy.
Each tenant is then responsible jointly and individually for meeting the terms of the tenancy in full including paying the rent. Therefore if one joint tenant leaves the property before the end of the tenancy without your agreement and you cannot recover the rent due from him, the remaining tenant will be responsible for paying the full rent. Under a joint tenancy, all the tenants have equal rights.
Therefore if you have any doubts about living with anyone you should not proceed as you will be jointly liable for the full rent. Can the tenant leave during the tenancy?
As a tenant, if you wish to terminate your tenancy before the expiry of the contract, you have the two following options:
- Continue to pay the rent until the end of the tenancy.
- Request the landlords permission for us to remarket thr property. You would be liable for all the landlords costs if permission is given.
Deposits
What is a deposit?A bond deposit is required prior to occupation of the property. The bond is normally equal to 1 months rent, but may vary depending on the landlord. The deposit is held to cover any breakages, damage, or other household liabilities. The deposit cannot be used by the tenant to cover rent.
Where is the bond deposit kept?
If the property is managed by Property First the bond deposit is held as a stake holder in a bonded and secure client account until the termination of the tenancy. If the property is not managed by property first then the monies are kept with the landlords in an approved scheme.
How and when do I get my bond back?
The bond deposit is returned back to the tenant at the end of the Tenancy Agreement after Property First has inspected the property. The property is checked against the inventory that was drawn up at the beginning of the tenancy; we will check the property in the presence of the tenant and asses any damages and deductions due. Proof of payment of utility suppliers is also required, in the form of a receipt, including gas, electric, water and council tax.
Move in procedure:
- Firstly tenant/s will need to make an appointment to check into the property. Please book an appointment as far in advance as possible, so as not to be disappointed, as certain dates of the year become fully booked very quickly The individual/group will need to be present.
- The tenants will meet at the property or our Office.
- Tenants will be issued with a front door key and a bedroom door key (if applicable), and any buzzers, fobs, door entry systems will be given as well as parking space numbers (if applicable).
- An inventory will be carried out at the property, which will provide a detailed list of fixtures and fittings and their condition.
- Check the inventory carefully as you will need to sign this document which is legally binding (see inventory section for more information).
- Please take this opportunity to ask any questions you may have regarding the property (central heating, gas, electric, stop cock location etc).
- The meter reading will be recorded for gas and electric. It is the tenant’s responsibility to inform the suppliers of their occupation.
Insurance
Tenants Insurance
Landlords insurance on your rented accommodation will usually cover the building itself and the landlords contents, for example carpet, curtains, fixtures and fittings. Your personal possessions will therefore not be covered under your landlords insurance.It is essential that you consider the options of taking out your own insurance for your personal possessions. There are various companies, which provide specialist insurance for rented accommodation.
Different policies will cover different criteria and it is important that you find the cover to suit your needs. For example some policies will provide (included in the price) cover for the landlords fixtures and fittings. This is an additional security on your bond deposit (after all accidents do happen and can be costly).
Summary of Cover
- Malicious act or right
- Fire, explosion, lighting, earthquake
- Storm, flood, escape of water
- Collision by aircraft, vehicles or animals
- Theft
- Your liability under Tenancy Agreement for damage to landlords building and contents
- New for old cover on your contents
- Accidental damage to TV and audio equipment
- Replacement locks following theft of keys
- Your personal liability - £ 1 million
- Cost of alternative accommodation
- Contents in your garden, garage etc
- Fatal accidental benefit
- Frozen food
- Money and credit cards
- Pedal cycle
Visit www.fccparagon.co.uk for a no obligation quote.
