Clarifying Rental Processes

Tenants References, Identification & Credit Checks

We have to ask for references from current and previous employers, as well as current or previous Landlords. This is in order that we can check that you are able to take complete care of our properties, and have been a reliable tenant who has always paid your rent on time.

We need to know about your credit history to confirm whether or not you have CCJ's, at this point we ask that all applicants are honest with us about from the start. We do not reject applications even when you have a bad credit history, however we do ask that potential tenants provide accurate detail before we carry out checks.

References are sought from employers to confirm that application details are accurate.

We need to see ID to confirm proof of identity and residency.

To prove your place of residency, we will require one of the following:

• A current tenancy agreement
• A recent (within 3 months) utility bill in your name
• A council tax bill

Your identity should be proven by presenting us with one of the below:

• A driving licence or passport for photo identification
• Official permission that you are eligible to live in the UK (if you are not already a resident in the UK)
• Any additional identification that the credit reference agency ask for

Obvious attempts to mislead us will lead to applications being rejected. We have to be strict because our tenants and Landlords deserve the very best service that we promise, and so that we can make our lettings relationships the best they can be.

Tenancy Deposits & Agreements

Whilst it is important that you pay a deposit, it is equally important that we ask you to sign and read an agreement that will help keep your deposit secure and keep you safe in your rental property.

Security deposits are always necessary in case the property is damaged whilst you are the occupier. Deposits are refundable when you move out of the property, once we have fully inspected it and are happy that there is no loss of property, damage or dilapidation.

In the same respect, when you move into the rental property we would ask you to make a comprehensive 'snagging' list in addition to our team conducting an inventory before you have collected the keys. You should list anything you find that is not as it should be, such as existing damage or broken and missing items.

By doing this before you move your personal items into the home, and making us aware right away, you will avoid being charged for damage, breakage or loss that was not your responsibility. This is how you can secure your deposit and ensure it is paid back to you when you have moved out.

Agreements and leases are vital. To form a contract between you, us and the Landlord we will ask you to read and sign relevant forms that will be copied and retained by all parties. This ensures that we cannot be liable for out of pocket expenses should the tenancy agreement not go to plan – that is, should you move out earlier than when your contract ends for any reason.

Maintenance, Repair & Wear and Tear

Before you move in we will carry out an inventory of all present items in the property. We also ask that you write a list as soon as you have opened the door to the property, before you have moved your items in.

This is very important and helps us to put serious issues right, or file your list to check against a second inventory when you have moved out – hopefully keeping your deposit secure and being able to refund it to you.

General wear and tear is what the Landlord deems as reasonable wear for the time you lived in the property. We aim to help you and the Landlord equally and will always contact the Landlord regarding issues you contact us about.

Normal deterioration of any item is fair to class as wear and tear, however major breakage due to lack of care and respect will be taken into account and could mean you lose some, or all, of your deposit.

We ask that you take pride in the property you live in for the duration of your rental and report breakages, damage or missing items immediately.

Problems and Issues – Landlord

if your agreement means that we fully manage your rental contract then we ask that you contact your professional agent at the office, should you wish to report to us any problems or issues with your Landlord.

On the occasion that we do not fully manage your rental, which is made clear both when we talk to you about your initial requirements and is stated on your agreement, then we would recommend you to contact the Property Ombudsman:

Property Ombudsman
Beckett House
4 Bridge Street
Salisbury
Wiltshire
SP1 2LX

Please bear in mind that we offer some contracts that include offer fully managed services. This means that we deal with the Landlord on your behalf and you can then have piece of mind that we are acting directly for you.