INFORMATION FOR TENANTS
As a tenant, I want to rent. What should I ask ?
First : Is the agent a member of ARLA ? You need their experience, professionalism and compliance with ARLA's bye laws, regulations, accounting procedures and their professional indemnity which complies with the requirements of the Association's Fidelity bond. This protects your deposit. Jordan's are members of ARLA.
Do I pay any fees to the Agent ?
You should not pay introductory fees but there will be certain costs for you to cover, for inventories and for administration including the preparation of the tenancy agreement and taking up references.
What money do I need to find at the beginning ?
Normally at least a month's rent in advance, plus a holding deposit which normally is an amount equal to one month's rent, plus £100 (except in the case of three or more sharing, or authorised pets) plus the administration charges noted above.
What information will I need to supply ?
The addresses of referees for the agent to write and confirm your ability to meet the rental commitment. These will normally include your bank or building society, employer, previous landlords, or for some, your solicitor and/or accountant.
What are my responsibilities ?
These should be clearly set out in your tenancy agreement, which you should read carefully before you sign. If in doubt, ask the agent. There is a duty for professional agents to ensure that anyone entitled to rely on them is offered correct advice.
What is a tenancy agreement ?
It is a legally binding document between you and the landlord, applicable only to you and the property you are renting, that states the amount of rent, the length of the tenancy, your rights and responsibilities. Your agreement will most probably be an Assured Short-hold tenancy under the Housing Act as amended in 1996. For bona fide companies and/ or rental values over £25,000 a year, the agreement will be drawn up under contract law.
How long does it all take ?
Jordan's expect to take no longer that five working days, to take up and confirm references, clear your cheque covering the first rent period and the deposit, arrange for inventories and the transfer of utility accounts into your name. No professional agent can allow you possession before all this has been done.
How long is a typical let ?
Most agents require it to be a minimum of six months and occasionally write a tenancy agreement for longer than a year. But.....
What happens if I want to stay on ? or Leave early ?
Tenancies are frequently renewed and agents often agree the terms for the renewal at the beginning and include them in the tenancy agreement. If you're likely to leave before the end of the original term agreed, you must negotiate break clauses to be written into the agreement. If not, you will remain responsible for the rent until the end of the term agreed, unless a new and satisfactory tenant can be found usually at your expense.
What else do I have to pay for ?
The tenant pays the utility bills such as gas, electricity, water and telephone during the course of the tenancy, T.V. licence, etc; and the Council Tax applicable to the property.
What about Safety ?
Jordan's, ensure that current legislation is met with regards to safety in the home and can advise on all aspects relating to complex legislation concerning Gas, Electricity and Furniture Regulations.
What must I do at the end of a tenancy ?
Ensure you fulfil your obligations stated in the tenancy agreement to leave the property in the condition it was in at the start, or deductions will be made from your deposit. These will include thorough cleaning and all linen, used or not, freshly laundered. If you've moved furniture, return it to where you found it at the time of the inventory.
How do I get my deposit back ?
After an inventory check and condition inspection, provided there are no missing items or damage, your deposit will be returned shortly after you leave the property. You cannot set your deposit against any rent payment due.
Who has been holding my deposit ?
Details of who has been holding your deposit will be detailed in your tenancy agreement. However, legislation states that if you sign an assured shorthold tenancy, that you must be provided with this information in a prescribed format.
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