Renting a property can be a daunting experience. We aim to guide you through the process quickly and smoothly and best of all. Here are some of the most common questions we are asked.
1) I want to secure a property- what do I do?
If you have viewed a property and want us to suspend viewings we would ask for a weeks holding deposit. This fee includes your tenants’ reference as well. If you fail the reference checks or the Landlord chooses not to proceed with your tenancy, then you will be fully refunded. If you choose to pull out of the tenancy prior to the start date, this money is kept in lieu of lost rent. Please refer to our Holding Deposit terms and conditions.
2) What is the referencing process?
If you wish to make an application for a property, we conduct rigorous reference checks. These checks are to ensure we make a happy Tenant-Landlord-Property match.
We are required by law to conduct a Right to Rent check to verify your identity. The perfect documentation includes Passport, driving license, birth certificate, benefit letter, CRB letter or a letter from government department or local authority. Where applicable we contact your current employer and current landlord to verify your employment and tenancy situation. We will also take copies of your most recent bank statements and payslips in order to conduct an affordability check.
3) What problems could there be with my reference?
In an ideal world we are looking for clean references throughout, but occasionally problems do occur. CCJ’s or bad debt are the main areas of concern, as well as poor Landlord references. We would always encourage you to be honest with us and tell us in advance of any issues that may arise. Often these things can be explained, and they will not automatically prevent you from being accepted on a tenancy. If we feel we can work with you and that our relationship will be a positive and open one, we can offer some influence on the landlord – however, please bear in mind that the final decision will always lie with them.
4) Would you accept a Guarantor?
Some landlords are happy to accept guarantors, but this is on a case-by-case basis.
5) Why do I have to pay a deposit?
Your deposit is held with the Deposit Protection Service (DPS) as security for your landlord. Your deposit will be secured within 30 days of commencement of tenancy and the DPS will email you with your deposit ID which you should keep in a safe place. Ideally, we would like to fully refund your deposit at the end of your tenancy as this is the sign of a successful and uneventful tenancy! In the instance of damages to the property caused by the tenant, or any outstanding unpaid rent, the landlord can request to keep the deposit to cover their losses.
6) Who is the DPS?
The DPS is the only custodial scheme authorised by the Government. They securely hold the deposit for the duration of the tenancy. They deal with any disputes at the end of the tenancy and make the final decision on whom the deposit should be awarded to.
