How to go about finding the right property
- When do you want to move? You should start your search 6-8 weeks prior to your move in date.
- What is your “must have” criteria - what won’t you compromise on?
- How much would you be prepared to pay for the right property?
- The rental market moves very quickly. If you find the perfect property be prepared to act quickly as you may find that by the time you go back to it, it may have already gone.
- Length of tenancy - how long are you planning on living in the property?
- If you’re after a short let, (less than 6 months) please refer to the section below for more information.
Short let properties how are they different?
- A Short Let Tenancy is for a term less than 6 months.
- All monies must be paid in full and in advance (including a 4 week deposit).
- Utility bills are included in the rental amount, except telephone and broadband billing, this should be stated in the tenancy agreement.
Viewing Arrangements
Make sure you always confirm the viewing with the negotiator and if something comes up and you can no longer make the appointment let the negotiator know in advance and they will happily re arrange a suitable appointment time.
- Upon acceptance of your offer, reference checks will be taken - please make sure you can provide bank details, current employment details and the contact details of your previous landlord.
- You will have to sign a Tenancy Agreement and set up a standing order for your rental payment and pay all move in monies to Sinclairs prior to moving in.
- Don’t forget to set up all the utilities relating to the property, council tax, gas, electricity, water rates, TV Licence, etc.
- Make sure you retain a copy of the Inventory report.
The initial move in monies will include the following:
- Rent for the first month in advance.
- 6 week deposit (This has to be logged with a Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme see below).
- Any Reference Charges taken by a referencing agency.
- Cost for the professional inventory if one is being done, the landlord will be responsible for the check out cost.
Tenancy Deposit Protection
Tenancy deposit law was introduced on 6th April 2007 and provides protection for tenants by preventing landlords and letting agents from unfairly withholding a deposit. The scheme protects all Assured Shorthold Tenancies in England and Wales (covering most tenancies since 1997).
Tenancy Deposit Protection is designed to ensure:
- You get all or part of your deposit back, when you are entitled to it.
- Any disputes between you and your landlord or agent will be easier to resolve.
- Landlords and letting agents who do not protect tenancy deposits will have to pay their tenant back three times the deposit.
How it works
At the beginning of a new tenancy agreement, pay your deposit to your landlord or agent as usual. Within 14 days, the landlord or agent is required to give you details about how your deposit is protected including:
- The contact details of the tenancy deposit scheme.
- The contact details of the landlord.
- How to apply for the release of the deposit.
- Information explaining the purpose of the deposit.
- What to do if there is a dispute about the deposit.
If you don’t get this information, ask your landlord the simple question – ‘how is my deposit protected?’ You have a responsibility to return the property in the same condition that it was let to you, allowing for fair wear and tear.
What if your landlord isn’t protecting your deposit?
You can apply to your local county court. The court can order the landlord or agent to either repay the deposit to you or protect it in a scheme. If your landlord or agent has not protected your deposit, they will be ordered to repay three times the amount of the deposit to you.
Moving Out
At the end of the tenancy, check whether you are leaving the property and its contents in the condition in which it was let to you (allowing for fair wear and tear) and check that you have paid your rent and any other expenses. Then agree with your landlord or agent how much of the deposit should be returned to you.
