Guide for Tenants
Finding a property
As a prospective tenant you are assured that any property listed or advertised on behalf of Prime Surrey Lets will be of a good standard of repair and cleanliness, as well as being compliant with necessary regulations, i.e. Gas Safety Certificates, Energy Performance Certificates etc.
If you are unfamiliar with the area I am able to offer advice on suitability of location with regard to your work commitments or personal preferences. Flexible viewing arrangements, outside of office hours and weekends.
References
It will be necessary to see photographic ID and uptodate references from your employer and current landlord (if possible). If the prospective landlord and yourself agree to the use of the Tenant Performance Bond it will be necessary for you to complete the detailed application form and professional referencing will take place, including credit checks. It is also possible to have a named Guarantor in the event that your application does not meet the requirements of the policy.
The Tenant Performance Bond
This is an alternative to a tenant handing over a deposit. It is in effect an insurance policy, the cost of which will be borne by the tenant, which covers the landlord for any rent arrears, legal fees or damage to his property. Current fee for a 12 month let for one tenant is £100, £35 for each additional tenant. For further information on this scheme please contact me.
Reserving a property
If you find a property that you wish to proceed with a ‘holding deposit’ MAY be taken and the cost deducted from your first months’ rent. In the event that you change your mind or fail to provide complete and accurate information in your application then the holding deposit will be forfeit.
Deposit
Since April 2007 any deposit taken must be legally protected, either through a custodial or insurance based scheme. Prime Surrey Lets will register any deposit taken through one of the authorized government schemes. There is no cost to the tenant in either case. You, the tenant will be notified and a certificate forwarded to yourselves within 14 days of the deposit being received. You will be able to check your deposit online and will be able to avail yourselves of your rights in the event of any dispute at the end of the tenancy. It is important to remember that the deposit cannot be used to cover rent owing.
Tenant Liabilities
Payment of rent in advance by Standing Order
Payment of all utilities for the property, gas, electricity, water.
Payment of Council Tax
Payment of telephone, broadband services etc.
Tenant fees
There are no administration charges to create a tenancy, apart from the cost of the Tenant Performance Bond where any referencing is included in the cost of the bond.
Inventory
A charge of £50 is made to the tenant/s, for the purposes of completing an inventory.(This fee is based on a 1/2 bed flat).
The inventory is an important document and should be as accurate and as fair as possible. Once completed the inventory report is left with the tenant/s for 7 days so that they can themselves verify and agree its contents before initialling and signing.