Tenants

Tenants

What can we offer you?

Reid Residential Lettings aim to provide the highest quality service to all our tenants.

Finding a property

The first step is to contact us to provide brief details about yourself and about the accommodation you require. We then search our database for suitable properties for you to view. We can log your details, so that we can contact you, as suitable properties become available. Viewings will be arranged at mutually agreeable times, including evenings and weekends.

Payments to be made before you move in

  • A holding deposit, equivalent to 1 weeks rent, is paid prior to us processing applications for properties. A reference is then completed on all prospective tenants over 18 years of age by a third party referencing agent ‘Rent4Sure’. A ‘Right to Rent’ check is also completed on all prospective tenants. When references are returned stating ‘Acceptable Tenant’, the holding deposit goes towards your first months rent or total deposit, *which is equivalent to 5 weeks rent if the annual rent is less than £50k, or equivalent to 6 weeks rent if the annual rent is above this figure
  • One months’ rent in advance
  • A deposit which is equivalent to 5 or 6 weeks rent (as stated above*)

*Deposits are protected in a Government registered scheme and held in our segregated client account. For more information visit www.mydeposits.co.uk.

Reid Residential Lettings are a 'Safe Agent' and are a member of a Client Money Protection scheme and independent redress provided by The Property Ombudsman.

Department for Communities and Local Government ‘How to rent' guide

Tenants are given a copy of this document at the start of their tenancy. The document can also be viewed at www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-rent.

Fees to Tenants - During your tenancy

  • Unpaid Rent - 3% interest over Bank of England Base Rate from date due
  • Replacement key or security device – A reasonable cost will be charged to replace a lost key or security device, these will vary depending on the key/device but will be between £5 to £50

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ON OUR FEES, PLEASE ASK A MEMBER OF STAFF.

Please note: All properties are non smoking.

Affordability

A simple equation for affordability (will you need a guarantor?) is that your annual wage must be a figure higher than 30 x monthly rental cost.

Rent Payment

Rent is payable monthly in advance by bankers standing order.

Pets

Unless otherwise stated, all tenancies prohibit pets. In some circumstances a landlord may allow pets, subject to terms being agreed.

Inventory/Schedule of Condition

An inventory of contents and schedule of condition is prepared for each property prior to letting. You will be supplied with a copy and are requested to check the list carefully, then sign and return it to our offices within 10 days. Any discrepancies in the contents or the condition descriptions should be noted on the copy before returning it (any points made may be subject to a verification inspection by ourselves). The agreed amended copy is forwarded to you for your records if requested, a copy will be sent to you prior to your end of tenancy.

Routine Property Inspections

We contact you within 4 months of the start date of your tenancy and thereafter at regular intervals to carry out routine property inspections. You are obliged to allow us reasonable access.

Maintenance and Repairs

Contact us immediately in respect of any major problems. Landlords are responsible for the fabric services of the building plus any fixtures and fittings such as integral kitchen appliances; except in the instance whereby the damage or fault is contributory or has arisen due to neglect or misuse. Expenses incurred by the tenant without prior approval may not be refunded.

We respond quickly to any reported problems subject to the necessary authority from the landlord. If the property has gas, the law requires that an annual safety check is carried out. You are obliged to allow our appointed engineer reasonable access.

Utilities and Council Tax

You are responsible for electricity, gas, water, council tax, TV licence and telephone bills on the property.

Insurance

Insuring your own contents is always important and this is your responsibility alone.

End of tenancy

Keys must be returned to our office on or before the day of vacating together with a forwarding address. Failure to return keys will result in a continuing liability for rent. We find it is beneficial to do a pre-inspection before the end of your tenancy and can arrange a mutually convenient appointment for this. We will also carry out an end of tenancy inspection and you will be notified of any faults.

Tenancy Agreements

Please visit our office to view a copy of our 'Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement'.