TENANTS GUIDE TO SERVICES & FEES

 

We have produced this guide to inform tenants of the procedures and requirements relating to a typical tenancy. It is important that you read it carefully so as not to delay the securing of a property. Please note the charges listed below are the fees that will be applied depending on your circumstances and the number of tenants and all fees are inclusive of VAT. We aim to be as transparent as possible when disclosing our services, procedures and fees.

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FEES TO TENANTS

 

Before you move in:

   

Holding deposit (per tenancy)

One week's rent

 

This is to reserve a property. Please note: This will be withheld if any relevant person (including any guarantor(s) withdraw from the tenancy, fail a Right-to-Rent check, provide materially significant false or misleading information, or fail to sign their tenancy agreement (and / or Deed of Guarantee) within 15 calendar days (or other Deadline for Agreement as mutually agreed in writing).

 

Deposit:

 

Equivalent to five week's rent (if the rent is under £50,000 per annum). This will be protected in the Tenancy Deposit Scheme and will be returned in accordance with the terms of your tenancy agreement. This covers damages or defaults on the part of the tenant during the tenancy.

 

Or

 

Equivalent to six week's rent (if the rent is between £50,000 and £100,000 per annum). This will be protected in the Tenancy Deposit Scheme and will be returned in accordance with the terms of your tenancy agreement. This covers damages or defaults on the part of the tenant during the tenancy.

          

When you pay a security deposit your landlord or agent must protect it using a Government authorised Tenancy Deposit Scheme. This is to ensure you get all or part of your deposit back when you are entitled to it and any disputes will be easier to resolve. Within 30 days of paying your deposit your landlord or agent is required to give you details about how your deposit is protected. This includes the contact details of the tenancy deposit scheme and what to do if there is a dispute at the end of the tenancy.

   

During your tenancy:

  

Variation of contract (tenant's request) £50 (inc. VAT) per agreed variation.

 

To cover the costs associated with taking landlords instructions as well as the preparation and execution of new legal documents.

 

Change of sharer (tenant's request) £50 (inc. VAT) per replacement tenant or any reasonable costs incurred if higher.To cover the costs associated with taking landlords instructions, new tenant referencing and Right-to-Rent checks, deposit registration as well as the preparation and execution of new legal documents.

 

Early termination (tenant's request):

 

Should the tenant wish to leave their contract early, they shall be liable to pay the landlords costs in re-letting the property as well as all rent due under the tenancy until the start date of the replacement tenancy. These costs will be no more than the maximum amount of rent outstanding on the tenancy.

 

OTHER FEES AND CHARGES:

 

Unpaid rent/returned payments:

 

Interest will be charged at 3% above the Bank of England Base Rate from Rent Due Date until paid in order to pursue non-payment of rent. Please Note: This will not be levied until the rent is more than 14 days in arrears.

 

Lost key(s) or other security device(s):

 

Tenants are liable for the actual cost of replacing any lost key(s) or other security device(s). If the loss results in locks needing to be changed, the actual costs of a locksmith, new lock and replacement keys for the tenant, landlord any other persons requiring keys will be charged to the tenant. If extra costs are incurred there will be a charge of £15 per hour (inc. VAT) for the time taken replacing lost key(s) or other security device(s).

 

If you have any questions about our fees, please ask a member of our lettings team.

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RENTAL PAYMENTS

All rent is payable monthly in advance by standing order. Please note that all standing order payments should be made three days prior to your rent due date to allow for clearance. If you experience any financial problems during the course of the tenancy it is essential that you contact us immediately.

 

TENANT’S OBLIGATIONS

You should be aware that responsibility for the property rests with the tenant during any tenancy in accordance with the terms and conditions of the tenancy agreement. It is important that any gas or electrical problems or other major maintenance problems are reported immediately and the property is fully secured when you leave it unattended at any time. During the winter months necessary steps must be taken to prevent the freezing of the water and heating systems. In leasehold properties, mainly flats and maisonettes, the tenant will be bound by the rules and regulations affecting all residents within the block, contained in the head lease.

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An Inventory and Schedule of Condition of the property, its contents, furniture, fittings and effects will normally have been prepared. This will be checked and agreed with you at the start of your tenancy. It is important that you take care in agreeing the Inventory and Schedule of Condition at this stage as it will form the basis of any claim for damages, by your landlord, at the end of the tenancy. At the end of tenancy the Inventory and Schedule of Condition will be checked again. In your own interests we strongly recommend that you are present at both the check-in and check-out.

 

THE AGENT’S OBLIGATIONS

Our obligations will vary depending on which of the following services we provide for your landlord:

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• Tenant Find only.

• Let the property and accept the rent.

• Let and manage the property.

 

You will be advised which of the above applies prior to your tenancy commencing.

 

MISCELLANEOUS

Property Visits - Properties may be subject to visits. The purpose of these is to check the condition of the property, its cleanliness, garden maintenance and the way in which the tenancy is being conducted generally. A mutually agreeable appointment will be made in advance with the tenant.

 

Pets - Should you wish to keep one or more pets in the property we will negotiate this individually with your landlord, and include a specific clause in your tenancy agreement.

 

Council Tax and Utilities - It is the tenant’s responsibility to pay the Council Tax directly to the local authority.
 

Insurance -The tenant is responsible for insuring his / her own personal effects and furnishings.
 

Burglary -Should the property be burgled during the tenancy you should contact the Police and your local branch immediately.

 

A DRAFT TENANCY AGREEMENT IS AVAILABLE IN ANY BRANCH FOR A PROSPECTIVE TENANT TO READ PRIOR TO THE COMMENCEMENT OF A TENANCY.

 

Kindly be advised that if you are unsure about any of the above and need further clarification, please do not hesitate to ask.  We are always happy to help.

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We operate a client money protection scheme provided by RSA and an independent redress scheme provided by The Property Ombudsman.

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Nico Properties - Partners, Nazir Issat & Hafsa Issat.