Frequently asked questions

Once we have handed in the application forms, how long does it take until we start the tenancy?

Assuming the property is ready, we will would expect it to take about 10 to 14 days. Sometimes we can reduce this if you need to move quickly. If the property is still occupied, we publish the availability in the property description.

What is involved in the referencing procedure?

Before a tenancy can be granted, references must be taken on each proposed tenant. These are done via a credit search agency. The credit referencing form gives permission for financial checks to be made on you.

The credit search does not look at the amount of money you have in your bank account. It will usually check for any county court judgement against you, voter’s roll registration at your current address, defaults on loans or credit cards and whether you have ever been bankrupt. The Credit Search Agency will also provide a reference from your employer, or accountant, and previous landlord or managing agent if applicable.

The result of the credit reference search must be positive for the tenancy to proceed.

What if my reference is positive but the tenancy does not proceed?

Your references and fee may be used when applying for an alternative tenancy through ourselves within 30 days.

Why might I need a guarantor?

Where either employment history or financial records are not sufficient, a guarantor may be required. A guarantor undertakes responsibility for the full amount of the rent should you be unable to pay it at any time during the tenancy, and also for any breach of the tenancy terms. Your guarantor should be someone who has sufficient income or savings to pay the rent promptly if you do not.

The guarantor will be required to complete a referencing form similar to yours (note: guarantors must be resident in the UK). He/she will also sign the Tenancy Agreement to create a legally binding undertaking for these responsibilities.

Why do I need to provide proof of identity?

We need to be sure you are who you say you are! You need to provide at least two recognisable forms of identification. First a passport, photo driving licence or a government agency ID card and second a utility bill, birth certificate, etc. You can find out more by reading this information page ID & Address Info.

You need to provide a copy of your photo ID when submitting your application and remember to bring it with you when you come to our office to sign the tenancy agreement.

Why might I need to supply additional proof of residence?

If your credit check does not show you registered at your current address or you are not on the electoral roll. Again, more information is available here ID & Address Info.

How much do I need to earn to be eligible for a property?

We use the industry standard calculation method. Your annual gross income must be greater than 2.5 times the annual rent. For a guarantor the multiplier is 3 times the annual rent.

I am a tenant with another agent/landlord. What should I do?

First, discuss with your agent/landlord what notice they require. Be aware that your agent/landlord may not release your deposit until a few days after your tenancy ends. However, we will require the full deposit & rent in advance for your new tenancy. For some there may be ‘cash flow issues’. You must make your own arrangements to cover this - keys for the property cannot be released to you until we have received the full rent & deposit in cleared funds.

My home is On Sale. What should I do?

You must not sign a six month tenancy agreement until you have ‘exchanged contracts’ (not just signed). However, you could sign a short term agreement to reserve a property. Please ask for more details. You must discuss this with your solicitor.

My home is Sold Subject to Contract. What should I do?

Same as above. Until you have ‘exchanged contracts’, you must not commit to a tenancy.

Can I share with friends?

Yes, but not all properties allow this.

The number of sharers must not exceed the number of advertised bedrooms.

Some landlords increase the rent to cover extra wear & tear and increased insurance premiums.

What happens if a guarantor is required in a shared tenancy?

Tenants who are sharers have ‘joint and several liability’ for the tenancy so the guarantor cannot restrict their responsibility to a share of the rent. The guarantor would be required to guarantee all of the tenants and the full rental figure. It is not necessary for more than one guarantor.

Do you accept applicants in receipt of housing benefit payments?

Yes, but only on selected properties and a high quality guarantor must be provided by you. Whomever you approach to be your guarantor must understand that they will be required to pay the rent should there be any delay in the payment of your benefit. We will not accept the reason for non-payment as “I have not had my benefit yet”. Pre-Determination in your name must be completed before we process an application

Do you accept pets?

Occasionally landlords will accept pets but you have to be prepared to pay extra costs. For example, depending on the type of pet, you may have to pay for professional cleaning and de-infestation. Please ask.

Is smoking allowed inside properties?

Very few landlords permit smoking in their properties because most tenants are either non-smokers or choose not to smoke inside the home. No smoking means exactly that; you cannot get round it by smoking ‘with the window open’ or ‘outside the back door’ or ‘on the balcony’, etc. A non-smoker will always know if someone has been smoking in a room or property.

Removal of smoke odour and nicotine stain damage incurs high cost because it includes cleaning of all curtains and carpets and full re-decoration and is likely to exceed any deposit held.

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Applying for a rental property

STEP 1 - Please read the "Frequently asked questions" below.

STEP 2 - Download and print the Tenancy Application Cover Form. It is in PDF format.

STEP 3 - Download and print the Individual Reference Form. One per adult person (anyone 18 years or over, even if they are members of the same family e.g sons and daughters)
or
If you require a Company Let, download and print the Company Reference Form.

If you are applying for a tenancy you must complete both Steps 2 & 3.

or

If you are a Guarantor, just download and print the Guarantor Reference Form (ignore Step 2).

STEP 4 - Complete the forms and send them to us with your application fee.