TENANTS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED

ALL APPLICANTS FOR A RESIDENTIAL TENANCY MUST BE:

1. Over 18 years of age.

2. Able to understand and sign the application form and Tenancy Agreement

3. In regular permanent full time employment and/or are able to show financial ability to pay the rent.

4. Able if required to provide an adequately funded UK based guarantor.

5. Able to view the property internally (normally with a member of our staff).

Questions you may have - click on the question to move to the answer

Do you have an Agency Fee?

Do I have to complete any forms?

Will I need references?

What happens if I do not have a UK income or UK guarantor?

How much will I need to pay before I can move in?

How will the rent be paid?

Who pays for the utilities ? such as Gas, Electricity, Council Tax, Water and TV licence?

Am I committed to rent the property for a fixed length of time?

Will there be FINANCIAL penalties if I wish to leave the property before the completion of the term of the tenancy agreement?

How will I know what furniture and fittings will be in the property?

If I wish to share a house with others how many of us can jointly apply for a property?

Will there be any restrictions on the use of the property?

I have pets, will this be a problem?

I see "SUBJECT TO CONTRACT" on letters, what does it mean?

What does "Jointly and Severally" mean?

Who will manage the property and whom do I contact if I have problems after I move in?

I am student, do I have to pay council Tax or am I exempt?

Q. Do you have an Agency Fee?

A. Yes - We have an administration fee of £295 inc VAT per property (Couple or a family) or £150 inc VAT each for sharers. This fee covers the cost of reference checking, associated paperwork, inventory and the tenancy agreement. There are no other hidden charges. When this fee is paid the property is withdrawn from the market and your application only is processed. This fee is non refundable if your references prove to be unsatisfactory or you decide to withdraw from the application.
There will be an additional charges of £50.00 inc VATfor each guarantor if required.

Q. Do I have to complete any forms?

A. Yes ? We have an application form that ALL applicants must complete in FULL and sign. It is simple and self explanatory.

Q. Will I need references?

A. Yes ? We use a professional credit referencing agency and our form requires employment and bank details as well as other information. Our staff will explain our reference checking procedure to you if requested. If you are self-employed we will need your accountants details. This does not apply if you if you are not in full time employment in the UK or are employed in agency or temporary work or have a satisfactory UK based guarantor. You will also need to supply proof of address for a period of time prior to applying for the tenancy. Again our staff will explain the requirements when you complete the application form.

Q. What happens if I do not have a UK income or UK guarantor?

A. You will need to pay 6 months' rent plus the damage deposit in advance, and, if you wish to extend the tenancy beyond the initial period a further 6 months' rent will have to be paid in advance of the new term of tenancy commencing.

Q. How much will I need to pay before I can move in?

A. The amount required before the tenancy can commence is shown against each property on our list and comprises one month's rent plus the Damage Deposit (unless you fit the criteria in the previous question). In most situations the payment must be made by cleared funds (either cash or Bankers draft) at the time of signing the tenancy agreement, we cannot accept personal cheques (please check with our office beforehand) .Portfolio Properties are members of the Tenancy Deposit Scheme and your Damage Deposit is protected by a client bond insurance scheme.

Q. How will the rent be paid?

A. The rent must be paid monthly in advance by Standing Order. The damage deposit is not rent and cannot be used as such. Remember you pay rent for the whole term of the tenancy agreement.

Q. Who pays for the utilities ? such as Gas, Electricity, Council Tax, Water and TV licence?

A. Normally you pay these as the tenant, however in some cases the Council Tax or water charges may be paid by the landlord. This will be shown against the property deatils. We will read the meters and advise the utility companies soon after you move in — but PLEASE NOTE: you will need to contact British Telecom to have the telephone connected.

Q. Am I committed to rent the property for a fixed length of time?

A. Yes — all our tenancies are for a fixed term, normally a minimum of 6 months but it may be for a longer period. The period will be discussed and agreed with you and the landlord before the tenancy is created.

Q. Will there be FINANCIAL penalties if I wish to leave the property before the completion of the term of the tenancy agreement?

A. Yes. You must appreciate that you are signing an agreement to stay in the property and pay the rent for the whole duration of the tenancy, if you think you may have to leave part way through your tenancy speak to a member of our staff WITHOUT DELAY, we will clarify the situation and do our best to minimise your financial outlay.

Q. How will I know what furniture and fittings will be in the property?

A. When you view a property please ask a member of staff at the time what fixture and fittings will be in the property, we have full inventories and can discuss your requirements. Please do not assume that when you view a property what you see will be left in the property; they may belong to the current tenant. In most cases 'furnished' does not include cutlery, crockery, TV or bedding (duvet, pillows etc.).

Q. If I wish to share a house with others how many of us can jointly apply for a property?

A. No more than four sharers are permitted, if there are more than four of you wishing to share please contact us and we can discuss your situation. If you are sharing with others please read the "Jointly and Severally" question and answer below.

Q. Will there be any restrictions on the use of the property?

A. There may well be as you are applying for a RESIDENTIAL tenancy, this does not allow business to be carried on from any premises. Please ask about the restrictions BEFORE making an appointment to view a property.

Q. I have pets, will this be a problem?

A. Yes - If you have pets please mention this BEFORE making an appointment to view a property. In most cases pets are not allowed. This will avoid any disappointment..

Q. I see "SUBJECT TO CONTRACT" on letters, what does it mean?

A. Until the Tenancy Agreement has been signed and executed all negotiations are 'Subject to Contract'. This allows either party to withdraw from the proposed tenancy.

Q. What does "Jointly and Severally" mean?

A. Where there is more than one tenant to the Agreement, all tenants are 'Jointly and Severally' liable. This means that each tenant is responsible for the whole Agreement and all rent, not just a share. Be VERY SURE about the people with whom you agree to share before you sign any tenancy agreement . If they leave YOU will have to pay ALL the rent and ALL the bills..

Q. Who will manage the property and whom do I contact if I have problems after I move in?

A. This may be Portfolio Properties or it may be the Landlord. If this does concern you please ask a member of staff prior to making the appointment. We will advise you of the management arrangements before any Tenancy details are finalised.

Q. I am student, do I have to pay council Tax or am I exempt?

A.This depends on how you are viewed the local council tax office, you will have to prove to them that you are a qualifying student, normally this means your course must be at least 12 months with you attending for 24 weeks in that 12 months for a minimum of 21 hours per week. If you or any other resident in the property work full of part time you will have to pay the full council tax. We strongly suggest you call at the council offices and ask their staff if you qualify for exemption before applying for a tenancy to avoid any confusion.