The following is a list of the questions most frequently asked by tenants. WardHorne Residential Lettings will always have a good range of available properties in the area, from 1 bedroom apartments to 4/5 bedroom country homes. Please call or email us for up to date listings.
To reserve a property you will be asked for an application fee plus a deposit (dependant on the value rental of the property). This is only refundable in the event that the landlord withdraws the property from the market or the references are unsatisfactory. If the tenant gives back word it is non refundable. This deposit is to guarantee (subject to satisfactory references) that the property is secured for you whilst agreements are drawn up. On successful completion of the tenancy application this sum can be transferred and used as part of the dilapidations bond held by us.
The deposit is generally equivalent to one months rent. The deposit is not subject to interest payments.
Rents are paid monthly.
The renting process in the UK may be different from that of your own country. We recommend the use of Google’s free translation service at www.google.com/language_tools.
Normally the tenant takes over all of the utilities including water and council tax, which are not included in the rent
The agent is employed by the Landlord so the agent will act in their best interest. However professional letting agents will abide by best practice rules that work for both landlord and tenant. Using a NALS agent such as WardHorne Residential lettings, ensure that you sign a property AST agreement that clearly sets out the responsibilities of both the landlord and tenant. To find out more about the letting agents’ role, continue reading our guide to renting
WardHorne Residential Lettings will deal with the property viewings, references and agreements. From that point onwards, your point of contact depends on whether the landlord pays the agent to ‘manage’ their property. If the property is ‘managed’ the tenant will normally report any repairs or queries to the letting agent, otherwise the tenant and landlord must liaise directly with each other
The landlord should arrange any repairs including appliances unless otherwise stipulated. However tenants are responsible for breakages which would normally be deducted from the deposit unless otherwise agreed. A tenant should report repairs and breakages as soon as they occur.
A tenant’s privacy is respected by gaining prior agreement to inspect a property during the tenancy. As a general guide, whilst you are renting, the letting agent or landlord will always give you 24 hours notice of a visit. This subject is normally addressed in the tenancy agreement.
An Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) is used for the majority of residential tenancies. This is normally a standard contract between Landlord and Tenant.
As any guide to renting will explain, the names of all the occupiers must be declared on the Assured Shorthold Agreement (AST). If a tenant sublets to a flatmate or flatshare which is not detailed on the AST, they will be breaking the terms of the agreement. Where several people are sharing a property the tenants are ‘jointly and severally’ responsible, and as such are listed on the AST. This expression means that each tenant is liable for any breach of agreement and to pay all of the rent.
It is a dangerous practice to withhold rental payments for whatever reason because you would be in breach of the tenancy agreement, for which the Landlord could take you to court. Discuss any concerns with the agent (if it is a ‘managed’ property). To avoid ambiguity, many letting agents ask tenants to report any requirement for repairs in writing. If the landlord is managing their own property , then it may be worth taking advice from a solicitor of any important repair is not dealt with. Letting Agents often hold a small deposit from the landlord for minor repairs that crop up during the tenancy, but they may still have to seek their permission.
If you leave earlier than the agreed end of tenancy date you will be liable to pay rent until the end of the tenancy. After the initial six months once months notice on the anniversary date of the move-in is required in writing
By law landlords must arrange for a Deposit or Custodial Deposit Schemes to hold or insure tenants’ deposits. Deposits must be returned within a maximum of 10 days of the end of the tenancy if there is no dispute.
After the property has been inspected at the end of the tenancy the deposit will be returned minus any deductions for damages. Letting agents encourage landlords to make the process as fair as possible by having an inventory clerk examine the property. A report is prepared at the beginning of the tenancy recording the condition of the property, and then again at the end of the tenancy.
Landlords are required by legislation to pay a tenant’s deposit into a separate custodial or insurance based Deposit Scheme. Either type of scheme protects tenants’ deposit monies. If only part of the deposit is in dispute, then the remainder that is not in dispute must be returned to the tenant within a maximum of 10 days of the tenancy ending. Deposit schemes vary but they all act to protect a tenant’s deposit. The tenant and landlord can jointly or separately apply to the Deposit Scheme to have their case referred at Resolution or in Court. Once a resolution has been reached, the deposit must be retuned within a maximum of 10 days.
If you rent a property through WardHorne Residential Lettings the landlord is likely to use Tenancy Deposit Solutions scheme – to find out more see http://www.mydeposits.co.uk/tenants/how.aspx
To ensure you receive a professional service its best to choose to rent a property via a NALs approved agent (National Approved Letting Scheme) such as WardHorne Residential Lettings.
A NALs agent works to professional standards that work well for both landlords and tenants: a tenant renting through a NALs agent can expect that the landlord will carry out safety checks eg. gas, electricity and furnishings. The correct tenancy agreement will be used, ensuring that responsibilities are clearly set down and privacy of the tenant is adequate.
