BENTLEYS
LETTINGS -TENANTS INFORMATION GUIDE
ON FINDING
A PROPERTY
You will be required to pay a credit search fee
of £35.00 per tenant and a holding deposit amounting to one week’s rent. We
will then take up references to enable your tenancy to proceed.
An outside agency will apply for a credit
reference, employer’s reference, suitable character reference and previous
landlord’s reference (if applicable). It may be necessary for you to supply a
guarantor (and reference). Subject to all references being satisfactory, occupation
of the property can take place. Should the tenancy not proceed due to your
default, i.e. change of mind, bad references, your
deposit will be forfeited.
ON SIGNING
THE AGREEMENT
You will have the opportunity to read and
understand the tenancy agreement before signing.
This will take place on or before the date of
occupation at a pre-arranged time. One month’s rent must be paid in advance,
plus a dilapidations deposit equivalent to six week’s rent minus the holding
deposit. This initial payment must be made either by BUILDING SOCIETY CHEQUE or
BANKER’S DRAFT drawn in favour of Bentleys or CASH (PERSONAL CHEQUES ARE NOT
ACCEPTED). The deposit will be held against possible breakages or damage to the
rented property and will be returned, subject to everything being found
satisfactory, at the end of the tenancy. ALL FURTHER PAYMENTS ARE TO BE MADE BY
STANDING ORDER BY THE MONTHLY DUE DATE.
PRIOR TO
YOUR OCCUPATION
Gas, electricity and water boards, British
Telecom and the local Council tax department must all be advised of your
intended move, as these charges are payable the tenant. Arrangements to take
over these services will be made by Bentleys. PLEASE NOTE: In some circumstances, deposits may be
required by certain utilities. Also remember to advise the Royal Mail/Consignia
to redirect your post.
ONCE YOUR
TENANCY HAS COMMENCED
A property visit may be carried out (in the case
of full management) and a letter will be sent to you to notify you of the date
and time. If you encounter any problems regarding the maintenance of the
property, you should contact Bentleys. If your landlord is managing the
property, then you should contact him/her direct. You may be required to allow
access to your landlord, or the landlord’s representative, for the purpose of
inspection etc. A mutually convenient appointment will be made prior to any
visits of this nature.
WHEN YOUR
TENANCY EXPIRES
A final inspection will be made of the property
against the inventory and should the property be found to be in an unsatisfactory
condition, or any breakages be noted at the time of the final inspection,
suitable deductions will be made from your deposit (excluding fair wear and
tear).
YOUR DEPOSIT WILL NOT BE RETURNED ON THE DAY OF
VACATION BUT WILL BE SENT TO YOUR FORWARDING ADDRESS.
GENERAL
INFORMATION
In most circumstances, we will be acting as your
landlord’s managing agent, and, as such, any queries or problems you may
encounter during your tenancy should be directed to this company.
It may be that your landlord has instructed us
on a let only basis and, in this instance, you should deal directly with
him/her with regard to any repairs or queries that may occur during the term of
your tenancy. Please do not hesitate to ask a member of staff for information
in this respect.
Whatever type of accommodation you are moving
into, it is important that you see the inventory of the day of occupation. It
is you responsibility to make notes of any discrepancies and omissions – make a
special note of the overall cleanliness and condition of the property. A copy
of these notes should be sent to this company and/or the landlord, and a copy
retained by you, to avoid any problems which may be encountered at the time of
the final inspection.
IMPORTANT
DO’S AND DON’T’S
Do:
·
Advise us of any changes in your personal circumstances.
·
Make sure you understand the terms and condition of your tenancy
agreement(s).
·
Make sure you have checked your inventory.
·
Advise the relevant utilities of your move into rented
accommodation.
·
Hand back all keys in your possession at the time of check out.
·
Ensure that your rent reaches this company, or the landlord, by
the due rent date.
·
Advise Royal Mail/Consignia of your move.
·
Advise us, or your landlord, immediately of any maintenance
problems.
·
Always ask if you are in doubt.
Don’t:
·
Move out without advising the company.
·
Use your dilapidation deposit as your last month’s rent.
·
Redecorate or carry out maintenance, repairs/renewals, without
contact with this company or your landlord.
·
Refuse reasonable access to your landlord’s representative and/or
tradesman.
·
Change the names on the tenancy agreement or take up paying guests.