Tenants guide to renting

The first step to finding the right property is to register with us either by telephone, via our website or calling into our office.
Once we have a clear understanding of your requirements you will receive a selection of properties that match your criteria. We can also keep you up-to-date via email and phone when new properties become available.

In order to secure a property we recommend an early viewing. Where possible, we strive to accompany all prospective tenants on viewings so that we are on hand to answer any questions and advise where necessary. We can escort you from our office to your appointment during our opening hours if you do not have transport. Our office is open 9am-5.30pm Monday to Friday and 9.00am-2pm on Saturdays.

Once you have found a suitable property you will be required to complete a tenancy application form and discuss any special conditions of the offer. We will require details of your employer/accountant and previous landlord (where applicable) in order to process your references. We will then put your offer forward to the landlord.
A holding fee of one week’s rent is required in order that the property is taken off our books and not offered to any other prospective tenants. If you fail to occupy the property through no fault of you own then the holding fee is completely refundable, but will be retained by the Landlord or his agents against loss of rent in the event that you decide not to proceed.

On the date of occupation one month’s rent in advance and five weeks rent as a deposit must be paid to us (less the holding fee where applicable). This must be paid in cleared funds by bankers draft, building society cheque or cash. We cannot accept personal cheques, credit or debit cards.
The deposit is held by the landlord or The Accommodating Company against dilapidation to the fixtures and fittings of the property. It is returnable at the end of the tenancy subject to a final inspection and full inventory check. Interest is not payable on the deposit by the Landlord or the Managing Agent and the deposit cannot be used as rent. As members of SAFEAGENT Client Money Protection Scheme, you have peace of mind that your money is protected.

It is a legal requirement that all tenants over the age of 18 are named on the contract, and the contract must be signed by all Tenants. If any Tenant is unable to come into the office on the occupation date at the specified time we must be advised of this in advance in order for an alternative time to be arranged. All monies must be received in clear funds on or by the occupation date before contracts can be released.
Upon signing the Tenancy Agreement, you will be issued a set of keys and are free to move into your new property at your leisure. We will furnish you with contact details to arrange to have the utility services transferred into your name, and also your landlord’s details if they deal with the management directly. Your deposit will be registered and we will send you a certificate as proof.

Reasonable and evidenced costs for the following matters may be collected on behalf of the Landlord. You will be charged no more than the actual cost to the agent/Landlord.
Loss of keys or other security devices
Reasonable costs for default in payment of rent, if the period of default exceeds 14 days following the rent due date
Any amendments to the Tenancy Agreement is subject to the permission of the Landlord and the cost of a new Tenancy Agreement will be charged by the Landlord’s Agent at the sum of £60.00 including VAT per Agreement.
Payments to third parties such as Council Tax/Utilities/TV Licence/Phone/Internet/Cable TV/Satellite TV, where we seek to recover costs on behalf of the Landlord.
There will be a payment on early termination of the tenancy, the amount is limited to the loss suffered by the Landlord which is calculated for each month of the outstanding term of the tenancy agreement. Also payable is the reasonable cost of the agent in arranging the termination of the tenancy of £60 including VAT.
The Accommodating Company are members of The Property Ombudsman Redress Scheme and the NALS Client Money Protection Scheme.

If you are fortunate enough to rent a managed property you are given the added benefit of a dedicated Property Management team to handle any issues that may arise, and the assurance that your property is fully compliant with all safety regulations (including Gas Safety, Electrical Safety and Furniture and Furnishings acts).

It is advisable to have some form of contents insurance. Home contents insurance covers the cost of replacing your belongings in your home if they are damaged, destroyed or stolen. As a general rule, your contents are the items that you would take with you if you moved home.

- The Accommodating Company is a member of Safe Agent www.safeagents.co.uk which is a client money protection scheme. We are also a member of The Property Ombudsman www.tpos.co.uk which is a redress scheme. You can find out more details on the agent’s website or by contacting the agent directly.