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UK interest rates maintained at record low of 0.5%
The Bank of England has kept UK interest rates on hold at a record low of
0.5% for the 16th consecutive month.
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UK interest rates kept at 0.5% for 15th month
UK interest rates have been kept on hold at a record low of 0.5% for the 15th month in a row. Read More
Hips scrapped by coalition government
The coalition government has suspended the use of Home Information Packs (Hips) by home sellers. Read More
House sales see spring bounce, figures show
House sales in the UK are continuing to revive after their post-Christmas slump, figures have suggested. Read More
Tenant's Guide
Advice for Tenants
Renting a property is not a stressful affair if when you are in good hands. Here we provide you with key pointers to get you well on your way. Click below for more information on:
Finding The Right Property
Whether this is your first move or one of many, our aim is to make it as straight forward and trouble free as possible.
Rental properties can be snapped up as quickly as they come on the market so we will help you draw up your specific requirements so that we can match them to availability immediately properties come onto the market.
Repossessions
The housing Act 1996 made the creation of an assured short hold tenancy more straight forward by removing the section 20 notice which was formally necessary to confirm that an agreement was that of an assured short hold.
The six month minimum term however still applies in respect of repossession by a landlord even though an agreement may now be drawn up for a shorter period.
A landlord may require possession at the end of the fixed term and in which case the relevant notice must be served on the tenant, your letting agent can carry out the service of this notice on request.
In the event of a landlord requiring possession at the end of a periodic tenancy, then the above procedure must again be employed with the use of the appropriate notice. Again your letting agent can arrange this on request. In the unlikely event of a tenant refusing to vacate on the expire of the notices, then a court order must be obtained before you can take possession of the property. Your letting agent can offer you further advice on request, or put you directly in touch with solicitors. In the event of any necessary court appearances, your letting agent can arrange to represent you on request.
Each Applicant Must:
Have been working in full-time employment for at least 6 months. In the case of graduates, applicants relocating or otherwise starting new employment they must be able to supply a copy of a formal written contract indicating their salary and start date. If the employment is of a temporary nature it must be through a recognised employment agency and proof of 12 months earnings must be provided. Guarantor may still be required.
Companies
Company applications must be submitted on the Company Application Form: All Companies must be Limited and registered at Companies House with annual returns filed and accounts up to date. New Companies and those with no filed information will require a Directors Guarantee. Non-Limited Companies, Partnerships and Sole Traders must be treated as Individual Applicants using the individual application form.
Each Guarantor Must
Deposits, Fees and Insurance
Deposit
We will require a deposit in addition to the first month's rent. These amounts will be required before you take occupancy of the property.
Tenant Fees
The fees chargeable to the tenant are to cover the cost of obtaining references, credit searches, preparation of the tenancy agreement and setting up the tenancy. Please contact us for further information
Contents insurance
As a tenant your own personal possessions will be at risk, from fire, storm, water damage and particularly from theft whilst in your rented property. You may also suffer loss or accidental damage to your possessions whilst away from home. Whilst in your home you are legally responsible for your landlord's property and its contents.
You must either subscribe to the scheme we have arranged or provide a copy of adequate insurance cover arranged elsewhere BEFORE moving into the property.
Deposit And Costs
A deposit is always required prior to occupation of a property. The deposit remains the property of the tenant throughout the tenancy and it is recommended that this amount be held by the letting agent whether they are instructed to manage the property or otherwise. They will not release these funds unless you are satisfied with the check out report at the end of the tenancy. The deposit is held against dilapidation?s and would not be accepted as a rental payment, nor should it be used for any purpose other than as stated in the agreement.
Getting Ready To Move
Once you find your property you will usually be asked to provide references and a deposit, and set up a monthly direct debit or standing order, and once that is all sorted out you?ll need to contact the utility providers to arrange your gas and electric connections.
We also recommend you take out insurance to protect your possessions.
Foreign Nationals
Foreign Nationals must have been living and working in the UK for at least six months and be able to prove continuity of employment either in the UK or abroad and provide a contract of employment for their current post in the UK which is at least equal to the tenancy term (e.g. 6 months) . If six months rent is paid in advance this will acceptable subjects to landlords approval Guarantor may still be required.