Useful Information
APPLYING FOR A PROPERTY
After you have viewed a property, you will be required to complete an application form; we will also need your permission to carry out referencing and searches in order for a credit check to be conducted. There is a cost for this service, which will be made clear to you PRIOR to the application process...
To avoid disappointment, we would advise that you contact us at Sensis to register your interest, as soon as possible.
Please click here for our tenant reference form
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UTILITY BILLS
You will be responsible for full payment of the utility bills throughout the term of your tenancy. It is also your responsibility to register with the relevant Gas, Electricity, Water, and Council Tax service provider Other additional services such as Telephone, Sky Satellite, Broadband, TV Licence, are optional if required but must again be your responsibility.
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INSURANCE
We strongly recommend that you take out a contents insurance policy to protect all your personal effects. Whilst this is optional, building’s insurance is compulsory and is the sole responsibility of the owner...
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PERIODIC INSPECTIONS
Initially, we will inspect the property on a quarterly basis. You will be notified of the date and time of these inspections so that you can arrange to be present. You will be asked to sign a Property Inspection Report after each inspection to identify any problems and to agree in principle any required action.
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RENTAL PAYMENTS
You are contractually required to adhere strictly to the rental payment schedule. Rent is payable monthly in advance. The first month's rent must be paid in full with cleared funds before you occupy the property. Rent is payable monthly, in advance, by standing order.
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DEPOSIT
From 6 April 2007, all landlords and letting agents taking deposits for assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs) in England and Wales must safeguard them with a Government-authorised tenant deposit protection scheme. Details of which are available on request
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HOLDING DEPOSIT
A holding deposit is a payment to a landlord or agent to reserve a property. You will get the money back if the landlord decides not to rent to you.
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From 1 June 2019, a holding deposit can’t be more than 1 week’s rent.
How to calculate:
Monthly rent x 12 ÷ 52 = maximum holding deposit
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You have 15 days from when you pay a holding deposit to enter into a tenancy agreement. This is called the deadline for an agreement.
You can agree on a different deadline with the landlord or agent in writing.
If you enter into a tenancy agreement, the landlord can either:
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return your holding deposit within 7 days of agreeing on the contract
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put it towards a tenancy deposit or the first rent payment with your permission
You could lose your holding deposit if you decide not to go ahead, or don't take reasonable steps to agree on a tenancy by the deadline.
Once you've signed a tenancy agreement, this will usually be legally binding unless you can end the tenancy early The landlord might be able to keep the holding deposit as part of any agreement to release you from the contract.
If the landlord decides not to rent to you
You should normally get your holding deposit back within 7 days if either the:
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The landlord decides not to offer you a tenancy
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deadline has passed but you took all reasonable steps to agree on a tenancy by then
When the landlord can keep a holding deposit
The landlord or agent can only keep your holding deposit if you:
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decide not to rent the property
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misled the landlord or agent
The landlord can’t keep the money for any other reason.
For example, you should still get your holding deposit back if you fail a credit check, provided you told the truth about your situation.
The landlord must write to you within 7 days to explain why they are keeping the holding deposit. If they don't, they must return the holding deposit in full.
If you decide not to rent the property
Your landlord or agent can normally keep the holding deposit if you either:
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decide not to go ahead with the tenancy
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don't take the necessary steps to agree on a tenancy by the deadline
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GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
The minimum age in order to take out a tenancy is 21 years and you must be in full-time employment.
The following documents must be provided for each individual prospective tenant:
· Photo ID – Drivers Licence/passport/Employment ID
· Contract of Employment
· Bank Statements
· Previous 3 wage slips
· Reference from Current Landlord
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GUIDE TO RENTING PROPERTY
Private property rental is currently enjoying a resurgence in the UK. Renting a property can often be cheaper than buying, with more predictable bills, with certain costs, such as property maintenance, often met by the owner. These factors, along with the flexibility to move more freely, mean less hassle than if you were a homeowner and ensuring the rental option is an attractive proposition...
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ASK QUESTIONS
Here at Sensis, all our agents have a wealth of experience and local knowledge, so make sure you take advantage of their expertise when you arrange a viewing. Don’t be afraid to ask us about anything, from the whereabouts of local amenities to the nearest transport links and anything in between.
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ASSURED SHORT HOLD TENANCY AGREEMENTS
It pays to have a sound understanding of basic property rental obligations. Provided the rent is under £25,000 a year, almost all rental contacts are Assured Short Hold Tenancies (ASTs) – typically 6 months in length, followed by a periodic tenancy, (which simply renews itself every month). These agreements will specify the deposit you’ve paid, how you’ll get it back, the amount of rent, etc...
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BE PREPARED BEFORE YOU MOVE IN
Moving can be a stressful time. You can ensure a smooth transition into your new home by being prepared beforehand. Checking out the best value utility contracts, reading your meters on moving in day, redirecting post beforehand and taking out contents insurance are all beneficial steps to take.
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BE A MODEL TENANT
First and foremost, always pay your rent on time. It’s your absolute obligation once you’ve signed the tenancy agreement. We will help you to set up a standing order to pay your rent so that it’s always paid on time. Once you’re in the property, be aware that you can’t sublet to other people or run a business from the premises without informing the landlord. Additionally, make sure you’re considerate to the neighbours to avoid antisocial behaviour complaints.
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LOOK AFTER YOUR DEPOSIT
Finally, make sure you take good care of the property throughout the tenancy. General wear and tear can be accounted for, but anything more, such as breakage of furnishings, and you may struggle to get your deposit back. We conduct an inventory before the tenancy begins to ensure any potential disputes are accounted for.
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F.A.Q
How do I report a fault/repair?
Take a photo if possible and e-mail it to info@sensispm.co.uk, this will assist us with addressing the issue for you...
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ENDING THE AST
You must give one month’s written notice on or before your rent due day/date. This can be done either by our contact us page, email to info@sensispm.co.uk or recorded post:-
Sensis Property Management, 1 Sumner Road, Rotherham, S65 1LJ
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HOW TO MAKE A COMPLAINT
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At Sensis, we are committed to providing the highest standards of service to all our customers.
To ensure your interests are protected and that any issues are addressed appropriately, Sensis has clear complaint procedures in place. These processes are designed to resolve any concerns or issues as quickly and effectively as possible. In most cases, matters can be resolved promptly and amicably to our customers’ satisfaction by our branch colleagues.
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As a member of The Property Ombudsman (TPO), Sensis adheres to high standards when dealing with existing and prospective buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants across the UK.
The Property Ombudsman offers a free, fair, and independent service for resolving disputes between customers and sales or lettings agents. By following the TPO Code of Practice, Sensis provides an additional level of consumer protection that goes beyond the minimum legal requirements.
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Please download our complete complaints procedure Click Here to download our latest version