Below we have compiled a list of the questions that we get asked most frequently, if your question is not covered below please contact our office.
What happens when I find a property I like and want to arrange a viewing?
You can book a viewing either by phone or email. We will arrange a suitable time for you to view the property and we will then meet you at the property to show you around. If there is anybody else who would be involved in making a decision about the property they should also attend the viewing.
I have viewed a property I like, what happens next?
Once you have viewed a property you like, the next step is to make an application for the property to do this you need to:
- Fill in and submit an application form along with:
- Proof of your I.D – Passport/Driving Licence (photographic)
- 2 x Proof of Address – 2 utility bills/ bank statement/ telephone bill
- Guarantor reference application form (if a guarantor is required)
- Administration fee
Payment can be made by cash, cheque made payable to Sure Move Lettings and all major credit/debit cards – Adminstration fee is NON-REFUNDABLE
Do I need to supply references?
No, you will not need to supply references, they will be requested directly by our referencing department once we have received your applaication form, I.D and payment.
Do I have to pay any other fees/deposit?
After we have received your reference and credit checks back and they meet the relevant criteria, we will arrange a date to sign and begin the tenancy agreement. You will be required to pay the 1st months rent in advance, along with the deposit (which is usually equivilant to 1 months rent).
This needs to be in cleared funds, bankers draft, cash or debit cards only. Credit cards will be subject to a 2% surcharge
Note: Properties can be held for upto 4 weeks on agreement with the landlord, the deposit would be required in advance and would be non refundable if you do not proceed with the tenancy on the agreed date.
What happens on the date I am moving in?
An appointment would be pre-arranged with you to sign up the Shorthold Tenancy Agreement, arrange hand over of rent and deposit, give you details of meter readings and sign all the necessary paperwork. This can be done at our offices or at the property you are moving in to. You will receive keys to the property once this process is completed.
Where does my deposit go?
The deposit is lodged with a Government backed deposit scheme, Deposit Protection Service, on the date we receive the deposit. This is held in the scheme until such a time when you leave the property.
What resposibilties do I have as a tenant?
All Tenant and Landlord responsibilties are clearly set out in the Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement. A copy of which can be provided to you, prior to your signing up date, for your perusal. This gives you an opportunity to ask us any questions or advise you on anything you are unclear about, prior to signing the agreement.
Do I have to pay for anything else?
There is an initial administration fee during the referencing process. The 1st months rent in advance and the deposit is taken on signing the Tenancy Agreement on the moving in day. Depending on the Landlords instruction and whether we manage the property or not, there may also be an Inventory charge, where a copy of the comprehensive report will be provided to you as a tenant and to the landlord. This can be used as evidence should there be a dispute in returning the deposit at the end of the tenancy..
How would my tenancy come to an end?
If you wish to leave the property, the landlord requires 1 month's written notice. If the landlord requires the property back, they have to provide you with 2 month's written notice. If there is a breach in the Tenancy Agreement, then the relevant action would be taken to recover the property. This is clearly set out in the Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement.
What will happen at the end of the tenancy?
Once notice has been received/given, a date is set to vacate the property, return the keys, inspection/check out of the property undertaken and the deposit to be returned to the tenant if this is agreed with the landlord. Instructions will be given to follow if their is a dispute over returning the deposit in full.
How do I get my deposit back?
Once an agreement has been reached to return the deposit to the tenant, the Deposit Protection Service is instructed to contact the Lead Tenant to arrange repayment of the Deposit. Only if there is a dispute between landlord and tenant occurs, does it go to the Dispute Service. Full instructions would be given by the Agent.
What is the difference between a Fully Managed Property and a Let Only/Tenant Find Property?
A Let Only/Tenant Find Property means that we source a tenant for the property, reference them and arrange signing of the Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement, take the 1st months rent then hand over to the Landlord. They would then fully manage the property, collect any future rents, arrange any maintenance issues and you would deal with the landlord direct for the duration of the tenancy. A Fully Managed Property means that for the duration of the tenancy, before, during and after, the Agent appointed is resposible for all dealings with the property on the behalf of the Landlord.
How binding will my tenancy agreement be that I sign up to?
The Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement is legally binding to the content of the agreement and is valid throughout the duration of the tenancy. The document should be read and fully understood prior to signing of the document.
Do you accept DSS/pets/allow smoking in your properties?
It is the the Landlord that stipulates whether they welcome DSS/Pets/Smokers into their properties. Therefore, it is always best to ask the question if these are acceptable, prior to making the appointment to view the property.
When would I need a guarantor?
There are different reasons why a Guarantor may be required. We would always discuss this with you prior to the application process. Sometimes the application is declined but would be accepted if a Guarantor is in place. Again, we would discuss this with you at the time of the application. If the applicant/s are unemployed and DSS is accepted on the property then a Guarantor would always be required.
Do I need to take out insurance?
Buildings insurance is the landlords responsibilty, as an agent, we would recommend that you take Contents Insurance on your own personal contents but this is your decision and optional.
Do you have any futher questions?
Contact us by telephone on 01706 751233 or e-mail info@suremovelettings.co.uk . We would be more than happy to help and answer any of your questions.
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