For all our tenants here are some handy tips from us
We want to make the process of renting as simple and as stress free as possible. We will always make it clear what our fees are and any costs that are applicable to the tenancy. We will pass on all our knowledge of the market and any of the properties you are interested. This is fully independent and freely available.
1. Register your interest
Once you know what type of property you want and the amount of rent you want to spend then we suggest that you contact all the letting agents within the area and register your interest.
2. Property search
Our website allows you to search effectively for property that may fit what you are looking for, but if not don’t worry please ring the office and we will talk you through what we have and what may be coming to the market. Sometimes it is quicker to use our knowledge especially if you are looking to move quickly.
3. Reserving a property
Once you have seen a property you would like to rent, please talk to us and we will contact the landlord to tie up the deal on your behalf.
Once agreed we will ask for an agency fee which is 35% of the first month’s rent. This is non-refundable unless the landlord withdraws from the agreement. Following this, the referencing process will begin. (It is also very helpful if you can contact your referees in advance and ask them to respond quickly to the reference requests). You also need to provide proof of identity, such as a photo driving licence or passport, and residency documents such as Visas if applicable.
All applications are made “subject to contract” and an application to rent a property does not guarantee the tenancy. Should you decide not to continue with your application at any time, the application fee cannot be refunded.
4. The tenancy agreement
On receipt of the completed application form, proof of identity and relevant fees, your chosen property will be held “under offer” and no further viewings will be carried out, unless you wish to see the property again.
Once references are back, we will prepare the tenancy agreement and other supporting documents. These will be sent to you for signature and returned within a reasonable specified timescale.
Please read your tenancy agreement thoroughly before signing and returning it to us as soon as possible. It is essential that you understand the tenancy agreement before signing. Please contact us if you have any questions. However, if you remain unsure of any of the terms and conditions contained in the tenancy agreement, we recommend that you seek independent legal advice.
Once we are in receipt of the signed tenancy agreement, it will be signed on behalf of the landlord and dated. At this point the tenancy agreement is deemed to be “executed” and both parties are legally obliged to proceed.
5. First account invoice
We will provide you with a breakdown of costs you will need to pay before you move in. This will be your first month’s rent, six-week deposit, any water costs that cannot be paid directly to the utility company and inventory costs if applicable.
You first payment must be paid in cleared funds prior to commencement of the tenancy. Payment must be made by bank transfer.
For ongoing rent payments, your tenancy agreement will detail whether you pay Bespoke Lettings & Management Ltd if we manage the property or direct to your landlord.
6. Check in
If your property is managed by us, an independent inventory clerk will contact you to arrange a check in. On arrival you will be met by an inventory clerk who will supply you with a full inventory and schedule of condition. This will show meter readings for the property. Please check the inventory carefully, as it will be an important part of the check-out and deposit return at the end of your tenancy. You can make comments as appropriate.
A significant number of properties let by Bespoke Lettings & Management Ltd are also managed by us. However, in some instances, the landlord will choose to manage the property directly. Either way, you will be provided with contact numbers should any problems or maintenance issues arise whilst you are living in the property. If the property is managed by Bespoke Lettings & Management Ltd, you will also be given a genuine 24-hour contact number in case of any emergencies that occur outside office hours.
7. Routine visits
If the property is managed by Bespoke Lettings & Management Ltd, we are obliged to visit regularly on behalf of the landlord to comment on the condition of the property and identify any maintenance issues. We write to tenants beforehand to advise when each routine visit is due. The property manager can use our office set of keys for access if you cannot be present.
8. Inventory check-out
The check-out is carried out by independent inventory clerks. The original inventory and schedule of condition, signed by you at the start of your tenancy, is used to assess the property and to prepare a detailed report. You can decide whether you wish to be present at this check-out. The property must be handed back in the same condition as it was at the start of the tenancy, allowing for reasonable wear and tear.
9. Returning your deposit
Assuming the property is left in a clean and tidy condition in keeping with the original inventory, your deposit will be returned to you within 10 days of the check-out, with written confirmation of the amount. If the check-out report shows that the property requires attention, you will be informed accordingly. All parties will then be advised of any costs incurred and agreement obtained by both parties before the balance of the deposit is returned to you. By law, all tenant deposits must be held and administered by government-recognised schemes to protect them during a tenancy and provide the means of free adjudication also, in the event of a dispute between parties. It is important to note that your deposit is protected and if you do not agree with proposed deductions you are able to challenge the landlord’s decision by referring the matter to an independent adjudicator.
