A GUIDE FOR TENANTS

Woodsies Property Services would like to thank you for using our website as a prospective tenant. We hope that you will find a suitable home through us. Below is a guide to finding a rental property with us, including charges and requirements.

Viewing a Property.

You will need to make an appointment to view any properties directly with our agency. One of our staff will always accompany you on the viewing. When viewing the property, you must consider what fixtures and fittings are to be included. Any discussions or correspondence with our staff are expressly deemed to be subject to application, reference and contract.

Applying for a Tenancy.

Once you have chosen the property you wish to rent, you must formally apply for the Tenancy by completing a Tenancy Application Form. This provides us with the details we need to submit to the Landlord for consideration. If the Landlord instructs us to proceed, we will require the Processing Fee (£185.00) and take up references. Please note that acceptance by the Landlord to proceed with the offer is subject to contract and references and may require a credit check.

Processing Fee.

Each prospective applicant is liable to pay the Processing Fee of £185.00. This is the cost of considering the application, taking up references and preparing documentation relating to the Tenancy. The Processing Fee in non-refundable in the event of references proving unsatisfactory or if the Tenant withdraws the application before completion.

References.

References are taken up on all prospective tenants in order to satisfy Landlords that their property is likely to be well looked after and that the rent will be paid on time. Our staff will advise you of the references we require. In some cases, if insufficient information has been obtained on the prospective tenant, it may be necessary to nominate a Guarantor, who acts as security for the term of the Tenancy Agreement. The Guarantor needs to be UK based, in full time employment and own their own property. They will have to provide similar references to those required for the prospective tenant. If the references are acceptable we will draw up the Tenancy Agreement. If requested, or if we deem it appropriate, your references will be forwarded to the Landlord for consideration. There is a charge of £50, should a Guarantor be required. You will also need 2 forms of ID for each applicant ie. Passport or driving licence, the second being a current utility bill in your name.

Tenancy Agreement.

We use an up to date Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement. It is important that you read the Tenancy Agreement carefully and make sure you understand all the clauses in it. Anything you do not understand can be explained by a member of staff, or a solicitor, should you wish to take independent advice.

Signing the Agreement.

Once your application has been approved, a move-in date can be agreed. You will need to arrange for clear funds to be paid prior to the move-in date. Once you, the Landlord, or his agent has signed and we have dated the duplicate and exchanged them, you are legally committed. You will be given a copy of the Tenancy Agreement so you will have a record of your rights and obligations in relation to the property you are renting. You will need to pay:

Bond

First months’ rent

Guarantor Fee (if not already paid)

Bond Administration Fee.

Bond.

A Bond equivalent to at least one months’ rent is required. This is held by the Deposit Protection Service or a bond certificate is held for the duration of the tenancy to offset any costs required to remedy the failure of the tenant to fulfil the conditions of the Tenancy Agreement. Should there be a dispute between Tenant and Landlord about the condition of the property, the Deposit Protection Service will instruct a mediation company to resolve the situation if an agreement is not made between Landlord and Tenant.

Initial Payment.

The first rental payment, bond and Administration fees must be received in clear funds no later than our receipt of the signed Tenancy Agreement. If payment of the initial costs is to be made by cheque, a period of a least seven working days prior to the commencement of the tenancy is required to guarantee clearance. If payment is made by BACS transfer, allow 4 days for clearance. Any payment which has to be re-presented is subject to a charge of £50. Payments by bankers draft or cash is preferable and is essential in instances where an agreement has to be completed within a short period of time.

Subsequent Payments.

Subsequent to the initial payment, rent must be paid by standing order, internet banking, cash or paying in book. The appropriate information will be given to the tenant upon completion. All rents are payable 1month/4 weeks in advance. If we have to contact you regarding a late or short payment, there is a charge of £25. Should you have any problems paying your rent, you must contact us immediately. Please note, no utilities are included in your rent (unless stated) and must be paid for by the tenant.

Housing Benefit.

Housing Benefit tenants will be considered by some Landlords but will need a Guarantor. Tenants will need to be one months’ rent in advance at all times (even though housing benefit may pay in arrears). If there is a shortfall in Housing benefit payments, it is the tenants responsibility to cover the shortfall.

Inventory.

Before the Tenancy commences, an Inventory will be drawn up to provide a detailed schedule of the contents, their condition and that of the premises. The inventory is a very important document as it forms part of the Tenancy Agreement. It protects both tenant and Landlord from disagreements about these matters at the end of the Tenancy. The Tenant needs to be present at the move-in to sign the Inventory and schedule of condition. Once you have the Inventory, please check the contents thoroughly. If there are items left out, items damaged/broken/dirty, which are not listed, they need to be put in writing to the Agency within one week of receiving the Inventory. A video Inventory of the property is completed.

Pets.

Most Landlords do not accept pets. If a Landlord chooses to accept a Tenancy with a pet, an increased Bond will be required and you, the Tenant, shall be responsible for having carpets and the property professionally cleaned and de-infested when you vacate. Any damages which may be caused by pets will be addressed by way of the Bond

Utilities.

The terms of your Tenancy Agreement require the tenant to accept responsibility for the payment of gas, electricity, telephone and water charges. The utility companies will be advised by us, of your move in date. It is important to register with each of the local companies directly in order to ensure continuity of service and billing in your name. The television licence, burglar alarm, cable TV charges and local parking permits are also your responsibility. You will need to contact us should you change utility provider.

Council Tax.

You are liable to pay council tax whilst you are occupying the property so it is important that you register with the Local Authority.

Insurances.

The Landlord is responsible for providing buildings insurance and contents insurance for his belongings, but he is not held responsible for your possessions. You are strongly advised to make arrangements to insure your own contents and valuables.

Property Management.

You will be informed by letter, when you move in to your home, of who will be looking after the property during the term the Tenancy. The Landlord, or we, the Agent, will be managing the property on a day to day basis, to ensure rent is paid on time and that the property is well maintained. For this reason, it is necessary to complete periodic inspections under the terms of the Tenancy Agreement. We will complete a six week inspection and 6 month inspection (or other inspections deemed necessary at the time).

Tenants Responsibilities.

The tenant must take care proper care of the place, must, if going away in the winter turn off all taps and arrange for the tank to be drained; must replace any electric fuses and change light bulbs when necessary; must unblock the sink when it is blocked by waste. In short, the tenant must do the little jobs about the place that a reasonable tenant would do. In addition the tenant must not damage the house, wilfully or negligently and must see that family or guests do not damage it and respect noise levels.

Renewal of Tenancy.

If, at the end of the Tenancy, you wish to extend the Agreement, and if after negotiation, the Landlord agrees to the renewal, we will draw up the appropriate renewal documents. A full inspection of the property will be completed at this time. The current charge for this is £75. Please note that upon renewal your Bond will be increased to reflect any rent increase. If you do not wish to renew your Tenancy, you need to give one months’ written notice of ending your Tenancy at any time.

Early Termination.

If you wish to terminate a tenancy earlier than the ending date of the agreement currently in operation, and if, at his option, the Landlord agrees to an early release, the following terms will apply:

The tenant remains fully responsible under the terms of the Tenancy Agreement until such time as the property is re-let, or the ending date passes, whichever is earlier.

If a new tenant is found prior to the Tenancy ending date, the outgoing tenant shall pay an agreed sum (usually half of one months’ rent). This sum becomes payable as soon as contract are exchanged.

Vacating the Property.

At the end of your tenancy, you must ensure that all your obligations are met regarding the payment of rent and final utility bill and give a forwarding address for final accounts. You must notify local authorities for council tax payments. In accordance with the terms of the Tenancy Agreement you must ensure that the property is left in a thoroughly clean and tidy condition. You must return all items to the original position as detailed in the Inventory, replace all broken /missing items to equivalent standards, return all keys (including duplicates) to us and to arrange the making good of any breach or non-compliance by you, the tenant. Our charges, on top of any costs incurred for damage are as follows:

Cleaning £50 or 10% the total (whichever is greater)

Gardening £50 or 10% the total (whichever is greater)

Repairs £50 or 10% the total (whichever is greater)

Bond – as Deposit Protection Scheme (terms and conditions)

Should you have any further queries or require any further information on renting a property with us, please do not hesitate to click the contact button and either leave a message via email or give your contact details so we can contact you personally.

We look forward to hearing from you!