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Useful Information

RENTAL CHECK LIST

1. Always try and negotiate down the price per week of a property.
2. Once an offer has been accepted, the property is yours “subject to contract”. This means that until documentation is signed and exchanged between yourself and the landlord, no agreement is binding.
3. Rentals are paid calendar monthly or quarterly in advance, depending on the landlord.
4. An “Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement” is then signed.  Some agents will ask you to pay an administrative charge of approximately £150-£200 plus VAT.
5. The terms of the AST Agreement are ‘one year less one day’.
6. Rental payment is calendar monthly in advance.
7. The deposit on the property is usually six weeks rental to be held against any unpaid bills and dilapidations, although some landlords may ask for three month’s rental as a deposit.
8. The release clause can either be a 30 day general break clause after 5 months, or a 60 day general break clause after 4 months – ie. guaranteeing 6 months in the first year.  DO NOT GET TIED DOWN TO A FULL YEAR’S TENANCY.
9. When the contract is exchanged, the first periodic payment and deposit becomes due, by either Banker’s Draft, Direct Bank Transfer or cash, prior to possession.
10. References will be required which your company can assist with.
11. You should ensure that anything you require added or changed in the property is discussed and negotiated before you sign the agreement, and should be incorporated into this agreement.  For example, request that the property be professionally cleaned  prior to the commencement of the tenancy.  It is very important to know that you need written permission to install Cable Television, or put picture hooks on the wall.  If not, you could face large dilapidation charges for redecorating.  Do no dispose of any item left in the property without written permission.
12. Before you move in, ensure that a professional inventory is made listing the contents and condition of the property.  You should tress to the agent you require a professional, up-to-date inventory made by an independent inventory company.   This report is the basis for the check-out and subsequent dilapidation charges, so it is vital it is detailed, accurate and thorough.
13. Inventory Check-in – At the beginning of the tenancy you have three options. You can attend a check-in and meet the inventory clerk with the up-to-date printed report and physically check off the list and agree it.  Normally the Landlord  pays for this.  You can ensure the agent gives you a copy on the day of the  commencement and check it yourself.  Or you can employ your own inventory cleek to represent you at the check-in. (Your Company will recommend a inventory company to you.)  This however, will  be at your own cost.  If you do the check  yourself, ensure that anything you find which is different or not working etc, is clearly noted on the report and also anything major should be put in writing to the agent.
14. Utilities – These include telephone, electricity, gas, and where necessary water rates and the supply of each will be placed in your name and forwarded to your property for payment by you.  Various forms will need to be signed and this will need to be arranged with the agents.  If you have not had an account with these utility companies before, a deposit may be required.
15. Council Tax – This is a local authority tax raised by the relevant borough and Is levied on individual residences.  When making an offer, it is worth checking with the agent the amount of Council Tax you will be required to pay.
16. Insurance – Make your own arrangements to insure your possessions and valuables. The property and contents (if furnished) will  be insured by the Landlord.

Vacating at the end of the tenancy

1. You must notify the agent in writing the date you are vacating, and if you are leaving before the tenancy end, you must give notice as per the terms of the lease, ie. One months notice or two months.
2. Inventory Check-Out -  When you leave a property, the agents will arrange For an inventory clerk to check the condition of the property and advise if any Dilapidation has occurred.  The cost of the check-out is  your responsibility plus the cost of any dilapidation charges.  All you personal belongings should have been removed and the property cleaned and ready before you hand over keys at the check-out.  It is important that you leave the property in the same condition as at the commencement.  Again, you can attend yourself or employ am inventory
3. Company to represent you at your cost.
4. Cleaning – At the end of the tenancy (depending on the landlord and the landlord’s agent), you will be expected to pay for the property to be cleaned by a professional cleaning contractor as stated in the tenancy agreement. This includes carpets, curtains, linens, windows, etc.  If not, the Agents will charge you as part of the dilapidations and their costs will be considerably more expensive.
5. Utilities -  These include telephone, electricity, gas and where necessary water rates. These need to be read at the end of the tenancy and a change of name organised. Please discuss this with the agent to ascertain who is responsible for organising, as each agent has his/her own procedures.