Tenant Infomation Frequently Asked Questions

The notes here are provided to assist you in securing a property through Lets Estates. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to call.

The property listed on our web site is the most up-to-date list we provide. We endevour to provide as much detail as possible in the descriptions. If you see anything listed of particular interest please call to arrange a conveniet time to inspect the property. FREE to register with Lets Estates, just notify us today with your requirements.

Holding the property
Once you have selected a property we may ask you to provide a "secure deposit". This payment is not an additional charge and is deducted from your "security deposit"(first months rent). The "secure deposit" holds the property pending a reference and credit checks. Finally we seek landlord approval. If you subsequently decide to pull out then you will forgo the deposit.

Application and Referencing
In order for you to be referenced it will be necessary for you to complete a "MARAS" application/form. Usual referees are your employer, your bank, previous landlords, accountants or solicitors. In the absence of suitable references a guarantor will usually be required.

Tenancy Agreement
At the commencement of the tenancy you will be required to sign a tenancy agreement outlining the Landlord and Tenant obligations. An admin charge is made for this and subsequent extensions to the agreement. All Tenancy Agreements are "Assured Shorthold" tenancies under the provisions of The 1988 Housing Act (minimum six months).

Security Deposit
Deposits are payable on all tenancies and unless otherwise stated are held by the landlord. The deposit is usually one months rent.

Moving In
On the day that you are due to move in it will be necessary for us to visit you in order to sign the Tenancy Agreement and pay your "initial monies", which are detailed as follows:

1. One calendar months rent in advance (less secure deposit already paid).
2. Security Deposit.
3. Referencing and Tenancy agreement charge. (Includes inventory fee)
4. Contents insurance

Payment of initial monies must be by Bankers Draft, building society counter cheque, Switch, Delta or Electron (A charge of £10 per card transaction is made for Switch, Delta or Electron).

Tenant Obligations
Minor maintenance such as replacing light bulbs, fuses, tap washers, clearing gutters, drain blockages, replacing smoke alarm batteries etc are the responsibility of the tenant. It is important that the property is secured and that reasonable steps are taken to avoid the freezing of pipes. It is important to note that the tenant will be bound by the terms and conditions of any head lease covering flats in managed blocks.

Utilities
It is the tenants responsibility to notify the necessary utility companies of your moving in date and to arrange any necessary connection. Please note that you should not change the supplier to the property without the express written permission of the landlord.

London Electricity 0800 0969000
British Gas 0645 555 800
Thames Water 0645 200 800
British Telecom 0800 800 150

Television Licence
It is the responsibility of the tenant to maintain a valid television licence for the property.

Property Visits
If the property is managed by ourselves we are obliged to conduct monthly inspections. The purpose of these visits is to check the condition of the property, to examine any repairs which have been completed and report to the landlord. It is expected that the tenant(s) protect and maintan the property to the original standard (fair ware and tear excepted). A mutually convenient time will be arranged in advance.

Tenants Contents Insurance
As a tenant your possessions wil be at risk particularly from theft.

The landlord grants the tenancy of the property to the named tenant upon the condition that the tenant holds insurance that the landlord or his agent considers adequate to protect the tenant's personal possessions and accidental damage caused by the tenant to the furniture, fixtures and fittings at the property as described.

Either
The tenant must provide the agent with a copy of his current insurance certificate prior to the commencement of the tenancy detailing the cover held, the name and address of the insurer, the policy number and the date of renewal.
OR
The tenant may be included, at his/her expense, in a scheme operated by the landlord or his agent, providing the minimum cover deemed adequate by the landlord or his agent, the premium to be paid to the agent prior to the commencement of the tenancy.

Council Tax
Tenants should check the banding of the property with the appropriate local authority.