Tenants
Here at Hayes Residential Lettings we pride ourselves on being a letting agent you can truly trust and we understand that finding a property in the area you are looking for in the right price range can be difficult.
Whether you are looking for a studio flat/apartment or a detached country residence, our team will help find the right home for you, and will always be honest, helpful & courteous at all times. Browse our properties or call us on 01302 300027. Why not register your requirements with us. We will display your requirements right here on our website under the 'Wanted Properties' section to help you find that perfect home you are looking for.
When you see a property you like, you need to contact us to arrange a viewing. If after the viewing you wish to proceed further, we require the following from you:
- To complete a Tenancy Application form, which asks for detailed information to enable the usual reference checks to be carried out.
- £85.00 Application/administration Fee for each applicant over 18 years of age.
(Once we have received this fee we will hold the property for you)
Once all the necessary checks have been done we will contact you to arrange a move in date, on this date you will be required to pay the first months rent and the deposit in cleared funds, we will sign the tenancy agreement, arrange a monthly standing order to be set up (for your rental payments), set up the utility accounts in your name, provide you with a inventory of the property which is to be signed and returned to us and hand over the keys to the property.
Please note that any personal items or furniture, which you move into the property, are not covered by the Landlord's contents insurance policy. You will need to arrange appropriate cover. If required, we can provide information on insurance - please ask.
Each and every member of our team will aim to make the whole process as smooth as possible for you from start to finish. Should you have any further questions or queries about the above, please contact us.
Tenants Frequently Asked Questions
Does it matter whether the property is Fully Managed or Let Only?
If your chosen property is fully managed, then we will be your first point of contact for all maintenance and repair issues and we will act on behalf of the landlord. Let Only means that we find tenants for the property and arrange the paperwork, then the Landlord takes over the management and holds your deposit or pays it into a protected scheme. Most properties are fully managed and most of our Let Only clients are well-known to us. Your rights are protected either way.
What do you mean by furnished or unfurnished?
Each property is obviously different but generally speaking unfurnished means you can expect carpets, curtains and white goods only whilst furnished often includes all the essential furnishings required to move in straight away apart from minor kitchen equipment and bedding. City apartments or short term lets are usually more comprehensively furnished. We will supply you with an inventory showing exactly what is included with each property.
How binding is the Tenancy Agreement I enter into?
A Tenancy Agreement is a legally binding document. You will be committed to paying rent until the end of the agreed term and you could be liable to legal action if you break the terms of the agreement. If your circumstances should change for any reason during your tenancy, we will approach the Landlord on your behalf and discuss the possible solutions but you should always assume at the outset that you will be committed for the duration of the Agreement.
How much are Hayes Residential Lettings fees?
We will charge you a one-off Administration Fee when you apply for your chosen property and should you renew your tenancy after each agreed term, we will charge you a Renewal Fee.
What about pets?
Most landlords are not keen on allowing pets but if you raise the issue at the outset we will gladly approach the Landlord on your behalf. Some Landlords will accept pets if you pay a higher deposit.
What references will you ask for?
In all cases we will ask for your address history so that we can carry out a search via a Credit Reference Agency. We will also approach your current Landlord or Agent (if you are renting) as well as obtaining a written reference from your Employer. If you are self-employed we will ask for your Accountants details and/or recent accounts. We have special provisions in place for Overseas Tenants. If you think your situation is unusual, just ask our staff.
When might I need a Guarantor?
If we feel your income is lower than that required for the rent in question or if you are returning to study for example, we could ask for a guarantor to support your tenancy. This is a serious commitment, as the guarantor will be as responsible as the tenant for all monies due and obligations agreed for the tenancy. Guarantors need to be earning sufficiently to cover both their own financial commitments as well as your rent and we will reference them in the same way as the actual Tenant. A Guarantor fee is payable.
How much is the deposit and will I get it back?
The deposit is normally at least one month's rent or 1 months rent + £100. Where we manage the property, the deposit is held in a bonded client account in accordance with ARLA and government regulations. This means that it is protected both during and after your tenancy and when you leave we will negotiate any proposed deductions helping Tenant and Landlord to reach agreement. All deposits now have to be protected by law so if you are considering renting through a private landlord or another Agent, ensure you satisfy yourself that they are complying by asking them which Tenancy Deposit Scheme they are registered with.
How do I pay my rent?
Rent is paid monthly in advance by standing order from your bank. This is a worry-free way of ensuring you never fall behind in your rental payments. Be sure to tell us if your circumstances change, for instance you change banks or your employment situation changes as we can then help you to protect your tenancy. The last thing we want is for you to fall into arrears.
How much money do I need to move into a property?
Before your tenancy begins we require the first month's rent, deposit and fee in cleared funds. You can pay by bank transfer, bankers' draft or building society cheque. Personal cheques can only be used if they are paid ten days in advance, in order to clear. You will be given details in writing before taking up the tenancy.
Who pays the council tax and other bills?
All utility bills are your responsibility except where agreed otherwise in the Tenancy Agreement. We will set up your accounts on signing the tenancy