ADVICE FOR TENANTS

 

Welcome to Clarke & Crittenden Residential Lettings.

The information given here is designed to provide some background to the terms and conditions of renting accommodation through Clarke & Crittenden and to offer other useful information. It is not intended to be a substitute for other professional advice or to replace the personal service we extend to all our applicants.

Finding a Property
Check our web site and register your details and requirements with us by either e-mailing or telephoning us.

Once you see a property you would like to view, all you have to do is call us directly and we will show you the property as soon as we can.

It is important to note that unless specific requests are made and agreed between the Landlord and Tenant prior to the agreement of terms, a property is let "as seen". This applies to decoration and those items that are noted on the inventory. If you wish to ensure that specific items are included, e.g. TV, extra furniture and anything else you expect to be provided, you are advised to request this when putting forward your offer.

Holding Deposit
Once you have decided on a property and your offer is accepted, subject to contract, by the Landlord, you will be asked to pay a holding deposit equivalent to one weeks rent. At this stage we will cease to market the property whilst references are taken and the arrangements for the commencement of the tenancy are undertaken. This will come off the first month's rental amount.

If the Landlord decides not to proceed you will have your money refunded to you in full.

Should you withdraw from the proposed tenancy prior to entering into the Tenancy Agreement, or the Landlord is forced to withdraw as a result of references which are not forthcoming, or which could not reasonably be considered as satisfactory, or of any fraudulent information provided, you will be liable for any reasonable costs incurred by the Landlord or Clarke & Crittenden, which will be deducted from the holding fee.

References
Before a tenancy can be granted, we must take up references on each Tenant. This is undertaken by writing to:

Guarantor
A Guarantor is someone who is prepared to undertake responsibility for the full amount of the rent should the Tenants be unable to do so at any time during the Tenancy. He / she will be required to co-sign the Tenancy Agreement and allow references to be taken.

Please note that where the Tenants are "sharers" who have joint and several responsibilities under the terms of the Tenancy Agreement the Guarantor cannot restrict his responsibility to a share of the rent.

The Tenancy
The minimum term is six months but we regularly agree terms of twelve months. Once the tenancy has commenced you have security of tenure for the fixed period, provided you are not in breach of the terms of the Tenancy Agreement.

At the expiry of a fixed term tenancy the Landlord can take possession of his property (in the case of an Assured Shorthold Tenancy he is required to serve two months notice of his intention to do so) unless it is agreed between you to renew the tenancy.

The Tenancy Agreement must be signed by all Tenants and any Guarantor prior to occupation. It is extremely important that you read your Tenancy Agreement, and should you have any questions relating to it, that you ask these prior to signing it.

Referencing Fee
We charge a £40 (Inclusive of VAT) fee to cover the cost of the credit reference search. This is completed by a third party reference company and normally takes 48 hours to complete.

Contract Fee
Preparation of the Tenancy Agreement is charged at £95 plus VAT.

Renewal of the Tenancy
Normally two months prior to the end of your Tenancy Agreement either your Landlord or ourselves will contact you to establish if both parties would be happy to renew the contract for a further term. If both parties are in agreement the terms of renewal are finalised and the paperwork is drawn up.

Rent
Unless otherwise stated, the rent is exclusive of telephone, water, gas, electricity and council tax. The normal method of payment is by calendar monthly instalments in advance by standing order. The first payment is due in cleared funds before the commencement date of the tenancy

Tenants should note that rent will only be accepted from those persons named on the tenancy Agreement. Rents are due on the date shown on the agreement and rent demands are not sent. Please note that interest maybe charged on late payment of rent.

Deposit
An amount usually equivalent to six weeks of the agreed rent is required as security against damage and dilapidations, and this is also payable on or before the commencement date of the tenancy in the form of cleared funds. Please note that at no time can these monies be used in payment for rent.

Your deposit will be lodged with an Deposit Protection Scheme, which you will be advised of at the commencement of your tenancy.

Inventory
Prior to taking possession of the property an inventory of the condition of the property, its contents and their condition maybe taken (usually by an independent inventory clerk). If requested you will be asked to sign a declaration to confirm the contents and their condition at the start of your tenancy. You will then be given the keys and allowed occupation of the property.

At the end of the tenancy the same process is repeated and any dilapidations / damage will be noted.

The Landlord bears the cost of the making of the inventory and the checking in. The Tenant pays for the checking out. This cost varies depending on the size of the property and the extent of furniture and furnishings included, but usually is in the region of £100 + VAT, per visit.

Professional Cleaning
Most properties are professionally cleaned prior to occupation by any Tenant. You will be responsible for paying for professional cleaning at the end of your tenancy.

Behaviour
During the tenancy you will be expected to act in a 'Tenant-like' manner. This means not abusing the property or infringing upon the peaceful enjoyment of the neighbourhood, your fellow tenants and other residents in the building. This is referred to in the Tenancy Agreement. Failure to comply with the Tenancy Agreement may result in legal action being taken.

Services and Council Tax
You must inform the relevant utility companies (gas, electricity and water suppliers) that you have moved into the property and provide them with the opening meter readings and / or date your tenancy commenced. Some utility providers may require a deposit if you have not previously had a supply in the UK in your name.

Please note that the Tenant is responsible for paying the licence fee in respect of the use of any television set in the property during the tenancy.

You will be responsible to contact the local Council Tax office and notify them of the change of occupier at the commencement and termination of the tenancy.

Telephone
You are required to transfer the telephone account into your name at the commencement of the tenancy. You are also required to transfer the telephone line out of your name at the termination of the tenancy.

Guests Staying
Whilst it is expected that Tenants may wish to have occasional guests to stay, please be aware that this could constitute a breach of your Tenancy Agreement. Long term or multiple guests staying in the property may result in immediate termination of the lease.

Your Responsibilities
During your tenancy you are responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the property. This includes:

Please note that any damage to the property or the Landlord's belongings will be your liability.

Pets
Animals are not normally allowed in rented accommodation. If you wish to keep a pet, you must advise us as special permission must be sought. However, this may not be granted or if permission is granted, you may be required to provide an additional deposit as security against any related damage to the property and may be asked to pay a non-refundable flee deposit.

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Please contact Ian Crittenden or Jean Clark on 01843 221777 or ian@clarkecrittenden.com / jean@clarkecrittenden.com to discuss your requirements without obligation.