Tenants Info

FINDING A PROPERTY

Our personnel are specially trained and equipped to advise Tenants on the best property that will meet their needs. We like to help and have a comprehensive knowledge of what it is like to live in Farnham and the surrounding areas.We maintain a database of both available properties for rent and prospective Tenants. We will listen to your requirements and, when suitable properties become available, we will contact you to arrange a convenient time for viewing. We understand that many tenants have work commitments during the day and, if required, we will arrange viewings at weekends or in the evenings. Typically, properties to rent become available about two months before occupancy date, so where possible it is advisable to start looking early as the lettings market can move quickly and delay in registering can mean you may miss out on an ideal property.

OFFER/APPLICATION

Having decided on a property, you will need to complete a written application form and a reference form. At this time we will ask you to pay a Holding Deposit which will take the property off the market and reserve it for yourself. Assuming the rental proceeds, this Holding Deposit will be deducted from the Completion Fees due before occupation. If either the Landlord or our agency declines your application as a result of failed references, this deposit will be refunded, less reference fees. It will not, however, be refunded if you decide not to proceed for any reason, or if the tenancy fails to proceed due to incomplete or inaccurate information provided in the tenancy application.

REFERENCES

We will take references on behalf of the Landlord. Normally these will include your employer, any former landlord and a character reference. In addition a credit check will be undertaken. We use an independent credit referencing agency and the whole referencing process should take less than a week to complete.

Where a Tenant is unable to meet the required income or credit checks, the Tenant may have a Guarantor agree to underwrite any rent liabilities, subject to the Landlord’s approval.

RENT

Rents are normally quoted on a calendar month basis. In addition, the Tenant is usually responsible for Council Tax, Water Rates, Gas, Electricity and Telephone costs. Tenants who are students are not liable for council tax and can ask for a letter from the university to confirm their student status.

Rents are payable by standing order monthly in advance, either to our Company bank account or to the landlord’s account, with the first month's rent due before taking occupation of the premises. Tenants will not be able to take occupation of a property until a standing order for rent has been completed so please remember to bring your bank details with you on the day you complete.

SECURITY DEPOSIT

A security deposit will be required prior to occupation. This is normally equal to one and a half month's rent, but may vary according to circumstance. The security deposit is held to cover any breakages, damage, or other tenant liabilities. Where we are managing we will arrange for an independent inventory company to draw up an inventory at the start of the tenancy and at the end of the tenancy, we will arrange for the company to conduct a Check Out and assess any damages and deductions due. Please note that the security deposit cannot be used to cover future rent.

ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY FEES

We are aware that many tenants are working to tight budgets so we try to keep costs to a minimum. We charge an administration fee which includes the cost of the tenancy agreement and a small referencing charge for each person over the age of 18. Where the property is managed and an Independent Inventory Company is used there will also be a fee at the termination of the tenancy for the Check Out. You will be advised whether you need to pay for a check out when you view the property in the first instance.

TENANCY AGREEMENT

The tenancy agreement will be for a minimum of 6 months. Signing of the agreement will usually take place at the property to be rented and at that time you will be given the keys to the property. All completion monies must be paid either on the move in day or prior to this date and must be either in the form of a bankers draft, building society cheque or by transfer directly into our account.