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    Key steps involved when renting a property.

Registration

There is no charge for registering with us.

Applying for a tenancy

Once a suitable property has been found you will be required to complete an Application Form. Every individual over the age of 18 who will be residing in the property must complete a separate form. Important Notice – All questions on the Application Form must be answered in full. If you have any adverse credit history you must provide full details as this will most certainly affect your application and we would strongly advise that you discuss this with one of our negotiators before completing the form.

Referencing, Credit Searches and Holding Deposit

Until a signed and completed Application Form(s) is received together with a Holding Deposit of £100.00 (One Hundred Pounds) the property cannot be reserved. All applicants will be referenced and thorough credit searches undertaken. If the information supplied is inaccurate or misleading and results in an adverse report being received from our Referencing Agents the application will be rejected and the Holding Deposit may be retained. If for any reason the property is withdrawn by the landlord the Holding Deposit paid against that property will be returned in full. If for any reason an applicant decides not to proceed or any adverse credit history has not been disclosed the Holding Deposit paid will be retained.

Guarantors

In some instances a Guarantor may be required. If this is the case the Guarantor will be referenced and subject to a credit search in the same manner as the applicant and must be able to show sufficient income or savings to cover the rental payments in the event that the tenant defaults for whatever reason.

Tenancy Agreement

Once all satisfactory references have been obtained and a moving date agreed an Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement will be drawn up ready for signing by the tenant (and if required the Guarantor). Under no circumstances will the tenancy commence until the Agreement has been signed by all parties.

Costs, Charges and Fees

The Security Deposit will be held and protected under the Housing Act 1996 & 2004 (Tenants Deposits Protection Order) by TDS (Tenancy Deposit Scheme) in accordance with their Terms and Conditions and at the end of the tenancy, if a dispute arises between the landlord and tenant with regard to the apportionment of any deductions from the deposit, e.g. for costs or compensation for damage, or for breaches of, or failure to comply with the tenant’s obligations and mutual agreement cannot be reached the amount in dispute will not be paid over to either party and the matter shall be referred to TDS (Tenancy Deposit Scheme) for arbitration. The deposit will be the equivalent of 5 weeks rent i.e. rent £600.00 pcm – Security Deposit £692.31.

Payment of First Month’s Rent & Security Deposit

The first month’s rent, Security Deposit and balance of any fees outstanding must be paid on or before the commencement of the tenancy. Payment must be by cleared funds i.e. Bankers Draft, Building Society Cheque, Cash or Bank Transfer. Personal or company cheques will only be accepted if paid at least ten working days before the agreed tenancy commencement date.

Payment of Rent

Rent is paid monthly in advance. All rental payments (after the deposit and initial month’s rent have been paid) must be paid by Standing Order. A Standing Order Mandate will be prepared for you to sign at the same time as signing the tenancy agreement.

Properties For Rent


Changes to Tenancy

A charge of £50.00 plus VAT will be made for any changes requested by the tenant.

Inventory, Utility Payments and Council Tax

Inventory

Where Matthew Anthony Estate Agency manage the property an Inventory will be prepared listing the contents and the overall condition of the property. The tenant will be handed two copies (one to be retained) of the Inventory with the keys to the property at the commencement of the tenancy. The inventory and associated comments should be checked carefully and adjustments made where necessary. The checked inventory must be returned to The Matthew Anthony Estate Agency within seven days of the commencement of the tenancy.

Utility Payments

Utility accounts – electricity, gas, oil and water – will be transferred into the tenant’s name at the commencement of the tenancy. However, it is advisable for the tenants to also confirm this direct with the utility companies. At the end of a tenancy the utility companies will be informed and final readings passed to them. Again it is advisable for the tenant to confirm this directly with the service provider.

Council Tax

The tenant will be responsible for payment of the Council Tax to the local authority who will be informed of the commencement date of the tenancy.

Telephone Connections and Mail Redirection

Telephone Connection

If you wish the telephone to be connected at the time of occupation then the provider (ie British Telecom) should be contacted at least seven working days in advance. Any reconnection fee(s) is the responsibility of the tenant(s).

Mail Redirection

Mail addressed to the Landlord should be redirected to the Matthew Anthony Estate Agency.

Pets

The acceptance of pets in any property is at the discretion of the landlord. In all cases without exception, the tenant must undertake to have the carpets professionally cleaned and treated against infestation at the end of the tenancy. Matthew Anthony Estate Agency will arrange for this to be carried out and deducted from the Security Deposit. If the tenant makes their own arrangements to have the work carried out a receipt must be provided.

Insurance

Tenants are strongly advised to insure their own possessions. This is not the responsibility of the Landlord, nor will the Landlord’s insurance cover accidental damage caused by the Tenant.

Commencement of Tenancy

A date and time will be arranged for the tenant (and if applicable the guarantor) to come into the office and sign the Tenancy Agreement, collect the keys and make initial payment.

Property Inspections

If we are instructed as managing agents for your property, we will carry out quarterly inspections to assess the condition of the property and that everything is being kept in a satisfactory condition. We will always arrange this with you at a mutually convenient time.

Termination of Tenancy

It is the tenant’s responsibility to inform the utility companies of their occupation of the property at the commencement of the tenancy, and to pay council tax to the local authority. Students, who may be exempt from the payment of council tax, are responsible for informing the Local Authority of this.

If you need any further information or advice, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 01903 608080 or email info@matthewanthony.co.uk