Tenant’s FAQs

As of 2019, the maximum deposit you’ll pay is equivalent to five week’s rent. Typically, you’ll need to pay this before you move in, and it will be placed in a government-backed deposit scheme, to ensure it’s protected throughout your tenancy.

If you’d like to book a viewing of one of our rental properties, simply get in touch via email or phone. We’ll arrange a time that’s convenient for you and the landlord, then meet you at the property to show you around.

We request that you provide us with some information, as part of the referencing process. This includes: Proof of your current address, proof of earnings, ID, contact details for your current landlord (if applicable), and a copy of your most recent tenancy agreement. This is to ensure that the tenancy is as smooth and stress-free as possible, for both you and your landlord.

Don’t worry if you’re not approved via the referencing process – you can ask a guarantor to step in to help you. This is usually your parent or guardian, and all they need to do is agree to accept responsibility for rental payment, if for any reason you’re unable to meet the monthly payments. Please note – your guarantor will need to go through the referencing process too.

Your landlord is legally required to place your deposit in a Tenancy Deposit Scheme. This ensures that your money is protected, and also comes in useful if there are any disputes about the deposit once the tenancy has ended. We use the Tenancy Deposit Scheme.

This agreement outlines all your rights and responsibilities during the length of your tenancy. It also details the rights and responsibilities of your landlord, and is a legally binding document. It’s important to read through the agreement carefully before signing, and remember – we’re here if you want to ask any questions.

The exact nature of a tenant’s responsibilities vary from contract to contract. However, as a general rule, you can expect them to include: Paying the rent on time, paying council tax and other bills on time, keeping the property in good order, ensuring that the property is secure, being considerate of neighbours, and maintaining the outside space.

An inventory details the condition of the property, plus any items within it (such as furniture or appliances). This is a valuable document, as it can be used as proof if there’s a dispute at the end of the tenancy – for example, if your landlord believes you caused damage that had already happened before you moved in.

If we’re managing the property, you’ll send the rent to us each month. Other landlords may prefer to collect the rent themselves, and might ask you to set up a monthly direct debit into their account.

Landlords usually request that tenants don’t make significant changes to the property. This can sometimes include minor changes too, such as nailing pictures to the wall, or putting up a new shelf. It’s worthwhile establishing what your landlord is happy with, right from the start of the tenancy. This minimises the chance of dispute once the tenancy has ended.

Some landlords permit pets, while others don’t. In January 2022, allowing pets in rental properties became the default position in the government’s updated model tenancy agreement. However, landlords can still object in writing within 28 days of receiving a written request from a tenant. A landlord must have a valid reason for objecting such as the property being too small for a pet.

If you have a pet, you’ll need to check with the landlord if they’re allowed to live in the property before you sign the tenancy agreement.

If a problem arises in the property, it’s important to let someone know as soon as possible. As property managers, we’re usually the first port-of-call for tenants, or alternatively, you may be required to contact your landlord. Don’t be nervous about doing so – landlords accept that sometimes things can go wrong, and that most problems are easily resolved. Bear in mind, if your actions caused the issue, it’s likely that you’ll be asked to cover the costs involved with putting it right.

Landlords understand that accidents can happen, and that things do get damaged from time to time. The first thing is to let them (or us) know, so we can address the problem. You may be asked to cover the costs involved with rectifying the damage, but it’s better to do this as soon as possible, rather than leave it until the end of the tenancy, when the damage may have progressively worsened.

If you’re having problems paying the rent, let us (or your landlord) know as soon as possible. Our focus will be on working together to identify a solution to the issue – and we’ll have both yours and the landlord’s best interests at heart.

If you’ve signed a fixed-term contract, you’re legally obliged to pay the rent until the end of the tenancy, regardless of whether you’re living there or not. If the tenancy contract is on a rolling basis, then all you need to do is provide us with notice that you’re moving out. The exact length of the notice required will be specified in the contract.