Lettings Guide for Tenants
In your search for your next home you will find SurreyLets here to listen to your needs and work hard to find you your ideal property. Here at SurreyLets we appreciate the various reasons for renting, whether its because you are undergoing building work in your own home, relocating to the area for work or school or whether you are renting whilst you wait too buy. We will assist you in securing a rental that suits you, for the timeframe you need.
What do I do first?
Call SurreyLets on 01483 282470 or e-mail us info@surreylettingsandpropertymanagment.co.uk and tell us all about your ideal new home, how many bedrooms, location and your budget. We will then contact you back with details of suitable property. Please leave us all your contact details, and how you would prefer to be contacted.Viewings
Once you have selected properties that you would like to view, we will arrange that for you. We will detail the arrangement in full to you either by phone, e-mail or text. Most of our viewings will be accompanied by someone from SurreyLets, however some Landlords prefer to meet you personally and show you around.If you have any questions about the property we will be able to answer them for you. If a second viewing is required we can arrange that for you.
What is the normal period of the tenancy agreement?
It is normal for lets to be offered in periods of 12 months with a mutually agreed break clause in the agreement, where, normally after the first 4 or 6 months either party can give the other two months notice. If however you wanted to secure a longer or shorter period this is possible.How is my deposit safeguarded?
From 6 April 2007, all deposits taken by landlords and Letting Agents under Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) in England and Wales must be protected by a tenancy deposit protection scheme. Landlords and Letting Agents must not take a deposit unless it is dealt with under a tenancy deposit scheme. To avoid any disputes going to court, each scheme will be supported by an alternative dispute resolution service (ADR). Landlords and Letting Agents will be able to choose between two types of scheme; a single custodial scheme and two insurance-based schemes. SurreyLets will advise you of which scheme your deposit will be held in prior to the commencement of your tenancy.Rental Periods
Rent is normally advertised and payable in monthly instalments and paid monthly in advance.Deposits
The deposit is normally a month and a halfs rental paid prior to the commencement of the tenancy. The deposit must now be protected by one of the schemes that protect tenants deposits. Should you have pets, it is normal for the deposit to be increased to cover any damage or infestation cause by the keeping of pets in the property.References
We will conduct full references on every occupant over the age of 18. These references will be carried out via our on line referencing company and will normally consist of a credit check, affordability check, employment, previous Landlord and character reference.Administration and Referencing Charge
A small charge is made by SurreyLets to cover the cost of your referencing and administration, prices are available on request.Commitment Deposit
Upon taking a property, whilst we carry out references and prepare for your move in, we shall ask for a non refundable commitment deposit, that will secure the property for you. This money will be offset against the cost of the first months rental and deposit should you proceed with the let. The amount will depend on the property, and is usually equilateral to half a month rental but varies from property to property.Rental paperwork
Once we have agreed the terms of the let, we will prepare Tenancy Agreements for you and your Landlord. Depending on the type of let you take, this will either be an Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement or a Non housing Act Agreement. We will discuss this with you. Both parties have to sign before the tenancy commences.Your Landlord is encouraged to have an Inventory of the property drawn up by someone independent, the inventory should also include a schedule of condition on which you both agree when you check in to the property. It is important to go through this document carefully as it will be referred to at the end of the tenancy, and any damage noted may be charged for. As your deposit is protected, use the inventory to help you safeguard your deposit at the end of the tenancy by ensuring everything is accurately recorded.