Frequently Asked Questions

If you've never rented before please read this guide to help you understand the process.

What is the credit check all about?

Before we hand over the keys to the property you will be asked to fill out a form which simply confirms to us that you are who you say you are and that you are earning enough to afford the rent each month. It's a simple form, and you can download a blank one here if you would like to have a look. There are no trick questions it's simply asking who you are, where you're living and working. We send this off to a company called Maras who will check the information you have given. They then send us a report, usually within 2-3 days detailing what they have found.

What's a guarantor?

Sometimes a credit check confirms that all the information you gave is correct but that you are just not quite earning enough to comfortably afford the rent each month. In this case we would require a guarantor. This is someone who will be legally obliged pay the rent in the event that you do not. Usually this will be your parents or partner.

I suppose I have lots of legal forms to sign before you hand over the keys?

No not really. Renting a property isn't as complicated as you might think and it's a lot easier and less stressfull that buying a house. Once you have decided on your next home, you simply complete the cedit check form, in 2-3 days this is returned and if all is well you pay the bond and the first months rent and sign the tenancy agreement forms (2 copies) Then on the day you move in you sign one form to say you have been given all the keys and one to say you will abide by the requirements of the agreement such as no smoking and no pets and then that's it! In all it's about 5 signatures and you're done!

How long does the process take before I get the keys?

Once you have accepted a property you will be asked to complete the credit check forms. Once these are returned to us, we will check them over and send them on to Maras. It usually takes 2-3 days for a final report to be issued. As soon as this is done we will contact you again and ask you for the bond and first months rent. As soon as this has cleared you can move in. We can typically complete the whole process in a week.

I am not a UK citizen and have recently arrived in the country, can I rent a property?

There is no problem if you are not from the UK, however you will require a UK bank account. The credit check process is just the same, you just provide the details for the country where you have been living and working. The credit check process can take a little longer in these circumstances.

I am a manager for a company, can we rent a house for our staff and guests to use?

Yes absolutely! In this case the tenancy agreement is in the name of the company, and you can have people stay as you like, however they are all obliged to observe the restrictions such as no smoking or no pets. You will need to complete a slightly different credit check form and you can find a copy here

Who holds my bond and when is it returned?

We will hold your bond until the end of the agreement and return it to you when you move out. We will inspect the property to ensure no unnecessary damage has been done that needs to be put right.

Do you accept DSS or those on housing benefit?

Unfortunately we cannot accept anyone claiming DSS or housing benefit, this restriction is placed upon us by the mortgage companies we use for the properties.

The property states no smokers, can my friend, who's visiting for a week, smoke in the house?

No, the no-smoking policy applies to everyone at the property. It also applies to all internal areas including garages, outhouses and communal areas. You friend will have to smoke outside.

What is the minimum term?

The minimum terms for a tenancy agreement is 6 months.

Can I have a property for any less time that this?

No, sorry, we can only offer an agreement for 6 months minimum?

What is the minimum age for a tenant?

The minimum age is 18 years old.

I have been declared bankrupt, can I still rent a property?

Unfortunately you will not pass the required credt referencing, even with a guarantor, therefore we are unable to accept you.

Your property says "no pets" does this apply to every kind of pet?

This restriction is usually in place to prevent damage by large pets such as cats and dogs. Smaller pets such as hampsters and goldfish are usually fine.

Do I need to arrange buildings insurance?

No, we will cover the insurance to the buildings although this will not cover any possesions at the property. You are strongly advised to arrange your own contents cover and we are able to provide a quotation for this.

What bills do I have to pay after I move in?

You will have to pay for all the bills you would normally expect to pay for if you owned the property including council tax, water, gas, electric, TV licence, telephone etc. All these must be transferred into your name on the day you move in. The only bills you will not be expected to pay for are the buildings insurance and maintenance charges for communal areas of flats.

I have heard I should have a gas certificate, what is this?

It is a legal requirement that all rental properties with gas appliances have these tested every 12 months. As such a will provide you with a certificate to say this has been done. This will be renewed as required and there is no charge to you for this.

How much notice do I give you that I want to leave?

One month during the first 6 months of the tenancy agreement and 2 months thereafter.

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