I'm interested in a property, what's the process?
What do you mean by bond and refs required?
Do you need to do a credit check?
Do you accept DSS or housing benefit?
Our house has been repossessed by the mortgage company and/or we have been declared bankcrupt, can we rent a house from you?
Do you accept a bond security guarantee by Harrogate Borough Council?
How long does the process take?
How much does it cost me before I move in?
How much is the bond?
Aren't there loads of forms to sign?
The property is advertised as having restrictions such as no smoking or pets. Does this apply for everyone?
What sort of tenancy agreement do I get?
What if I want the property for longer than 6 months?
What do I have to do when I want to leave?
What about gas certificates?
Are there any extra charges during the tenancy for example when it changes to a periodic tenancy?
What about insurance?
Do you hold a bond?
What about rent increases?
How often do you inspect the property?
What am I responsible for at the property?
What happens if something breaks in the property and it's not our fault or it was an accident?
I want to do some extra work at the property such as redecorate, improve the garden, put some shelves up do you mind?
What's the minimum age to rent a house or flat?
What's a guarantor and do I need one?
I'm moving to Harrogate to start work at the Hospital, can you help?
A property is advertised as "unfurnised or part-furnished" what does that mean?
Does the kitchen include white goods? (cooker, washing machine, fridge freezer etc)

I'm interested in a property, what's the process?
Well first of all you need to arrange a viewing of the property. After that we will give you some credit application forms. You fill these out and return them to us with your fees. You can download the forms here if you want to see what information we require.
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What do you mean by bond and refs required?
It means to rent a house you will need to provide references at the credit check (usually your boss or previous landlord) and pay a security bond (sometimes called a deposit)
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Do you need to do a credit check?
Yes, everyone must pass a credit check before we offer you a tenancy. You can see our terms and conditions and credit application forms here.
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Do you accept DSS or housing benefit?
No sorry, we cannot accept you if you are in receipt of DSS or housing benefit.
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Our house has been repossessed by the mortgage company and/or we have been declared bankcrupt, can we rent a house from you?
No sorry, you will not pass our required credit referencing, even with a guarantor.
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Do you accept a bond security guarantee by Harrogate Borough Council?
No sorry, it does not provide adequate cover.
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How long does the process take?
If the property is empty we can usually do the paperwork within a week, you could view the property on Monday and be moving in at the weekend!
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How much does it cost me before I move in?
You will need to pay an administration charge when you submit your credit application form. The current costs for this are shown on our terms and conditions shown here. This covers the cost for your credit application, tenancy agreement and holding your bond. Once a tenancy is granted you will need to pay the bond and the first month's rent.
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How much is the bond?
Usually it is one months rent plus £100, however we reserve the right to increase this under certain circumstances such as pets at the property.
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Aren't there loads of forms to sign?
No not really, there is a tenancy agreement, section 21B notice form, and a few other forms.
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The property is advertised as having restrictions such as no smoking or pets. Does this apply for everyone?
Yes, you will be asked for sign a declaration confirming you are a non-smoker or do not have pets.
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What sort of tenancy agreement do I get?
It's a Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) for 6 months.
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What if I want the property for longer than 6 months?
No problem! After 6 months your tenancy will revert to a Periodic Tenancy which is exactly the same, but there is a 2 month notice period. After that the place is yours until you don't want it!
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What do I have to do when I want to leave?
You will have a notice period of 1 month in the first 6 months of your tenancy, after than it's 2 months. You need to tell us in writing giving enough notice that you wish to leave.
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What about gas certificates?
Every property with gas applicates will be checked every 12 months. This is at no cost to the tenant.
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Are there any extra charges during the tenancy for example when it changes to a periodic tenancy?
No! Unlike some letting agents we don't have hidden charges for renewing tenancies etc. You just need to pay us the rent!
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What about insurance?
We will have buildings insurance which will cover the structure of the property, but this doesn't cover any contents at the property such as carpets, kitchen white goods etc. It is your responsibility to obtain insurance for your own possesions which would also cover things like the carpets.
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Do you hold a bond?
Yes, we have a bond which will be returned to you at the end of the tenancy agreement less any deductions.
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What about rent increases?
We review the rents at the end of each year and then only if you have been in the property for over 6 months. If you rent is to change you will be notified by letter and the rent increase will begin in your January payment. You will get at least 1 months notice. (and usually 2 months) If you disagree with the increase the form will give you information on how to appeal.
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How often do you inspect the property?
We have no set rules for how often we will come round. If we haven't heard from you in a few months we'll just see if everything's ok.
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What am I responsible for at the property?
During your tenancy, you will be responsible for paying all the bills such as gas/electricity/council tax etc. You are also responsible for replacing consumable items such as light bulbs, fuses, batteries etc.
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What happens if something breaks in the property and it's not our fault or it was an accident?
Let us know as quickly as possible and we will take steps to get it fixed. If it's an accident then if it's covered by the insurance then it's fine (there may be a charge for our time to resolve the matter) otherwise you would be responsible for the repair costs.
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I want to do some extra work at the property such as redecorate, improve the garden, put some shelves up do you mind?
Tell us your plans BEFORE you begin! In general if we agree then anything you do must either be left at the property or returned to the original condition.
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What's the minimum age to rent a house or flat?
The minimum age we accept is 18 years old. Sorry we can't accept anyone below this age.
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What's a guarantor and do I need one?
A guarantor is someone who will agree to pay the rent and be liable for any damage at the property. This is usually a family member. You may need one if your income isn't quite enough to pass the credit checks although you are earning enough to afford the rent each month. We will advise you if you will need a guarantor, and they will need to pass a credit check and sign a form to confirm they are the guarantor. This is a legally binding agreement.
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I'm moving to Harrogate to start work at the Hospital, can you help?
Yes definately! We see a large number of enquiries from new hospital staff, usually on a one year contract. Simply give us a call and tell us you are starting at the hospital and we will explain the range of benefits we can offer you. Click here for information on the benefits for NHS staff
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A property is advertised as "unfurnised or part-furnished" what does that mean?
We have a large selection of furnature which can be included if necessary at no extra cost (delivery charges may apply). You can select which items you would like and we will deliver the items to you. We have sofas, beds, tables, chairs etc etc etc!
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Does the kitchen include white goods? (cooker, washing machine, fridge freezer etc)
Yes unless otherwise stated, the kitchen will include an oven and hob, washing machine, and fridge freezer. Some properties also include a dishwasher! If you'd prefer to bring your own, then just let us know and we'll take the items away that you don't want.
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