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