Tenants

Answer: If you find a property you’re interested in and your application is provisionally accepted, you may be asked to pay a holding deposit. This reserves the property while referencing checks are carried out. The holding deposit is typically capped at one week’s rent and is usually deducted from your first month’s rent if the tenancy goes ahead.

When is a holding deposit refunded or forfeited?

• ✅ Refunded in full if the landlord decides not to proceed.
• ✅ Deducted from your first month’s rent if the tenancy is confirmed.
• ❗️Forfeited if you:
  • Provide false or misleading information during referencing.
  • Fail to take reasonable steps to enter the tenancy agreement within the agreed timeframe.
  • Decide to withdraw from the tenancy after paying the deposit.

Answer: In most cases, tenants are responsible for paying council tax and utility bills unless stated otherwise in your tenancy agreement. Be sure to factor these costs into your budget when planning your move.

Answer: Referencing is a crucial part of the letting process. It helps demonstrate to the landlord that you can reliably meet your monthly rental payments. Additionally, landlords are legally required to carry out a Right to Rent check to ensure that all tenants have the legal right to live in the UK. This is a government-mandated requirement under the Immigration Act 2014.

Answer:

• Application Submission: After expressing interest in a property, you will complete an application form.
• Reference Checks: The letting agent or landlord will contact your references to confirm your background, rental history, and financial stability.
• Credit Check: A credit check may be conducted to assess your financial standing.
• Right to Rent Check: In accordance with UK law, you must provide documents proving you have the legal right to rent in England.
• Outcome: Once referencing is complete, the letting agent or landlord will inform you of the results and confirm the next steps.

Answer: A guarantor is someone — usually a parent, guardian, or close relative — who agrees to take legal responsibility for your rent if you’re unable to pay. Guarantors are typically required if you have insufficient income, are a student, or have limited rental history. They will need to meet certain financial criteria and may undergo referencing checks.

Answer: If your property is managed by our agency, please contact us directly for support. If your landlord manages the property themselves, you should contact them directly to resolve any issues.

Answer: Tenants should report maintenance issues as soon as possible. Most landlords or letting agents provide a tenant portal for easy submission of requests, but you can also contact the property management office directly. Be sure to provide clear details about the issue, including photos if possible, to help ensure prompt action. Emergency repairs, such as gas leaks or major water leaks, should be reported immediately via the designated emergency contact number.

Answer:

In the UK, landlords are legally required to provide at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering a rental property, except in cases of emergency (e.g., fire, flood, or urgent repairs requiring immediate attention). This notice must be given at a reasonable time of day.

Tenants have the right to quiet enjoyment of their home, meaning landlords cannot enter without consent unless there’s an emergency. If proper notice has been given, a tenant can technically refuse entry, though doing so without good reason may breach the tenancy agreement if the visit is for a valid purpose (such as repairs or safety checks).

If disputes arise, tenants and landlords are encouraged to communicate clearly to avoid conflict.

Answer: If the property is managed by our agency, tenants should contact us directly to request permission before painting or making any alterations. We will liaise with the landlord on your behalf to seek approval.

If the property is not managed by our agency, tenants should contact their landlord directly to request permission. It’s important to obtain written approval before making any changes.

In both cases, some landlords may allow minor changes, while others may require the property to be returned to its original condition at the end of the tenancy. Making changes without permission could result in charges or deductions from your security deposit. To avoid disputes, always provide clear details of your proposed changes and keep a record of any approval you receive.

Answer: Pet policies vary by property and landlord. Some tenancy agreements may allow pets, while others may prohibit them. If you wish to keep a pet, check your tenancy agreement and seek written permission from your landlord. Under the Model Tenancy Agreement, landlords should not unreasonably refuse pet requests. However, additional terms may apply, such as agreeing to cover potential damages.

Answer: If you need to leave before your tenancy ends, check if your agreement includes a break clause. Otherwise, you may need to negotiate an early termination with your landlord. You will likely remain responsible for rent until a new tenant is found or until the agreed end of the tenancy. Contact us to discuss your options.