Information for tenants
Finding a suitable property
When you are looking for rental accommodation you should allow a minimum of two weeks to find a suitable property, however if the need arises we can organise a tenancy in a matter of days.
Viewing properties
You must make arrangements to view any property with one of our letting staff, who will usually accompany you on the viewing.
Tenancy Application
When you have chosen the property you wish to rent, you must complete a tenancy application form, which will allow us to forward all relevant details to our client. If so instructed we will then proceed with written references. These references are essential to satisfy landlords that their property is likely to be looked after and the rental paid on time. In some cases it may be necessary for you to nominate a guarantor, who will provide security for your compliance of the tenancy agreement. If references are acceptable we will then draw up the tenancy agreement.
Tenancy Agreements
It is important that you read and understand the tenancy (Assured Shorthold) agreement and all the clauses in it. If you are unsure please ask one of our lettings staff or your solicitor, if you wish to take independent advice.
Once you and the Landlord or his agent, have signed the agreement, and we have dated and exchanged them, you are legally obligated. You will be given the agreement signed by the landlord so you have a record of your rights and obligations regarding the property you are renting.
Initial Costs
Administration Charges
Each prospective tenant is liable to pay an administration charge. This charge covers the cost of application, taking up references and preparing the tenancy agreement. This charge is non-refundable should the references prove unsatisfactory or the tenant withdraws prior to completion.
Deposit
The deposit should be the equivalent to 6 weeks rent and is held by Sansome and George/Landlord as stakeholders for the duration of the tenancy. We do not pay interest on any monies held in our client's account. This is a non-interest bearing bonded account.
Initial Monies
The first months rent, together with the deposit and check-in monies must be received in cleared funds before the commencement of the tenancy. If payment is made by cheque, a period of 10 working days must be allowed to guarantee clearance. Please note any cheque that has to be represented will incur a charge of £50, to cover bank charges.
Rent
All rent must be paid by standing order, the appropriate form will be sent to you with the tenancy agreement.
Check-in / Check-out
Before the commencement of the tenancy, an Independent Inventory Clerk will draw up a schedule of the contents and the condition of the premises. The inventory is extremely important as it protects both tenant and landlord from any disagreements at the end of the tenancy. As such the cost is borne equally, with the tenant paying for the check-in and the landlord paying for the check-out.
Council Tax / Utilities
The tenancy agreement requires that the tenant accepts responsibility for all utilities and council tax. The utility companies will be advised by your landlord, of the change of tenancy and moving in date, or us but you should also contact the companies direct to ensure that there is no disruption of service and the correct billing name. You will also be liable for the Television license.
Renewal of Tenancy
At the end of your tenancy, you may wish to extend the Agreement. If after negotiation the landlord agrees, we will draw up the relevant renewal documentation.
Deposit Dispersal
If your Property is fully managed by Sansome & George, our property management departments will liase with both tenant and landlord to ensure that any dilapidation's are costed and agreed between both parties. In the event of any dispute arising the property manager will arrive at a fair decision based on all the information available.
If your property is not managed by Sansome & George, you will receive a copy of the check out inventory and you will have to liaise directly with your landlord and agree on any dilapidation's. When we have received written confirmation from both parties we will disperse the deposit as appropriate.
Early Termination
If you wish to terminate your tenancy earlier than the end date of the agreement, and if the landlord agrees to an early release then the following terms apply:
The tenant remains fully responsible under all the terms of the tenancy agreement until such time as a new tenant has been found and the property is re-let, or the end date passes, whichever is the earlier.
If a new tenant is found prior to the end of the tenancy, the outgoing tenant will pay us a sum equivalent to three weeks rent, plus the landlord's costs for setting up the new tenancy. These sums are payable immediately contracts are exchanged.