FAQ - Tenants
All your Frequently Asked Questions about renting a house or flat answered.
Q. I need a place to rent where do I start?
A. First and foremost, it will be a good idea to write down a budget. Taking into account of all your monthly outgoings and how much you can spend on rent. Before the keys are released you will be required to pay your first month’s rent and also a refundable holding deposit of 4-6 weeks rent.
Q. What does referencing involve and why do I need to be referenced?
A. Referencing is a process that involves providing the tenants background details to the landlord. This is so that we can prove to the landlord that your income is adequate to meet the rental obligations and they can be sure their tenant will take good care of their property. The documents we ask you to provide us include:
• Details and proof of current and previous address • Employment details • Income Confirmation • Proof of ID • Right to live and work in the UK • Bank statements and payslips • Copy of your current tenancy agreement if applicable
Q. What is a guarantor?
A. A guarantor is an individual who agrees to guarantee the tenancy and tenant. A tenant may require a guarantor if they aren’t approved by the referencing process. The guarantor must pass the same referencing process as the tenant for them to be a suitable guarantor as they will be required to have sufficient earnings to cover your rental commitment and they will be responsible for paying any rental arrears if you cannot, or damages costing more than the deposit.
Q. What is a tenancy agreement?
A. A tenancy agreement is legally binding contract which details the terms and conditions agreed upon of letting of a property between the landlord and tenant. It’s a comprehensive document that includes the start and end dates of contract, details of the landlord and tenant, details of how much the rent is and when to be paid. All of the rules to which both parties must comply and sign the agreement.
Q. How quickly can you find me a property and settled in?
A. Our property experts at Blue Bricks Estates will do everything possible to find you a well-suited property but this will vary depending on your requirements, however the average time between the offer and settling in is 10-14 days.
Q. How are viewings arranged and conducted?
A. When you come to visit Blue Bricks Estates and register your interests with us, we will start searching for the right property and arrange viewings for you. We will liaise between yourself and the landlord and set a convenient date and time. We will accompany viewings on request so you wouldn’t have to worry about going on your own. You will get sufficient time to look around and ask any questions you may have.
Q. How much deposit do I need? And when do I have to pay it?
A. To ensure the property is being looked after and certain safety measures are in good condition your landlord or someone from our team at Blue Bricks Estates will schedule visits to the property. We will always give you sufficient amount of time of notice so you will be informed.
Q. Can I have my pet with me in the property?
A. We will advise to inform us at the first meeting so that we view properties that allow pets. Some landlords do not accept pets due to building lease restrictions or personal preferences. Some landlords do accept pets but expect to be asked to pay a higher rent and\or extra deposit sum. A pet reference is useful if you have one from a previous Landlord.
Q. Do I need my own insurance?
A. Yes, we will strongly advise you take out a tenant’s contents insurance policy to protect your belongings, this is because landlord’s insurance. Policy will not cover your possessions.
Q. What else do I pay for when I live in the property?
A. The utilities – the supply of gas, electricity and water, Council tax and Television licence. Installation and the subscription for cable or satellite services to include broadband internet. Insurance for personal belongings. At the end of the tenancy you will be liable for the costs of all utility final accounts, Council tax and Television licence.
Q. Who is responsible for repairs?
A. It is the responsibility of the landlord to maintain the property in a good state. When a maintenance issue arises, you should report this to the property manager as soon as. At the start of the tenancy you will be advised if the landlord or us at Blue Bricks Estates will be managing the property. If the damage to the property was caused by you then you are expected to cover the cost.
Q. Can I make changes to the property?
A. In most cases, a tenant can only decorate or make changes to the property with the direct permission of the landlord and we would highly recommend receiving this permission in writing.
Q. Can I renew the tenancy?
A. Yes, someone from our team at Blue Bricks Estates will contact both you and the landlord 2-3 months before the end of your tenancy to ask if the tenancy liked to be renewed. Depending on both of the party’s responses we will negotiate terms for a tenancy renewal and will draw up the appropriate tenancy renewal documents.