TENANT GUIDE

Key2let prides itself on expert advice every step of the way. This guide will take you through the process of renting a property as a tenant. Whether you're planning to rent a studio apartment, a flat or a house this guide provides you with the information that you need to know.

References
Your prospective new landlord will be keen to make sure that you are a suitable tenant and that you have the ability to pay your rent, while also making sure that you have rented a property without any major problems in the past (if this is applicable). You will be asked to complete an application form which not only gives us the information that we require, but also your permission to deal with this part of the process on your behalf as quickly as possible. If you are unsure of any part of this process please check with Key2let before submitting your application.
When you apply for the property, some or all of the following documents may be requested by Key2let:

• I,D. and Proof of current address.
• References from previous landlords – you may be asked to give the details of where you have lived within the last 3 years
• A credit check – this will allow them to see if you have a good history of paying your bills
• Your bank details – including bank name, account number and sort-code
• Details of your employment – your employer, job title, payroll number, salary, previous employer, etc.
• A one weeks holding deposit may be requested which will hold the property whist references are undertaken. This fee will be knocked off the first months rent. Key2Let may keep the holding deposit if :-1. You decide not to rent the property. 2. Give wrong information. 3. Do not pass the right to Rent check. You will receive your money back if you fail a credit check or reference check, as long as you give honest information and facts about your situation.

Guarantors
Sometimes referencing decisions will require you to provide a guarantor if for example your earnings are not quite enough to cover the rental payments or if you have only recently started in your job. Your guarantor will be required to undergo the checks as above to enable you to achieve the appropriate rating set by the referencing agency. They will be expected to pay the rental should there be any default during the tenancy and they will also be held responsible for the upkeep of the property. Do not worry if this situation does apply to you, it is not uncommon and we will be able to explain the details at every step of the way.

The security deposit
The final event in your securing the property is the deposit. The Landlord trusts you to keep their property in good order. The deposit is held against non-payment of rent and to ensure that any damages over and above fair wear and tear can be corrected at the end of the tenancy.
New legislation was introduced to the Housing Act 2004 in April 2007 to help protect all parties with regard to the return of deposits. A brief summary of the legislation can be found below:

Tenancy deposit protection in summary

All Landlords and agents are required by law to register and protect your deposit within a government-approved scheme on an Assured Shorthold Tenancy. This means that your security deposit is protected.
The scheme offers alternative ways of resolving disputes, which aim to be faster and cheaper than taking court action.
If you want to find out more about the Tenancy Deposit Scheme then ring Key2let on 07506326212 for details.

The inventory

Most landlords allow Key2let to provide an inventory for their property. Key2let will prepare this document for you.
The inventory is a detailed list of the contents and condition of the property at the point that you move into it. By both parties agreeing that the inventory is correct at the start of the tenancy, we minimise the risk of any disputes at the end of the tenancy. We recommend therefore that you thoroughly check the inventory it before you sign it.

The Tenancy Agreement
All relevant parties will be asked to sign this document which outlines the agreed responsibilities of the landlord and tenant.
Please take time to read and understand the draft copy which will be given to you before the move in day.

Preparing to move in
So, all the paper work has been completed and it is time to move in. Key2let will also give experienced advice on the process of moving to a new home.

Insurancee
It;s just as important to insure your belongings against theft or damage when you rent a property as it is when you own a property. Key2let can offer free advice as to the best quotes on offer.

During The Tenancy
It is not uncommon for landlords and Key2let to schedule in regular visits to the property in order to check that you are happy and that the property is being kept in good order. Usually these visits take place two or three times a year and are agreed before hand with your self.

Complaints
Should there ever be a reason to complain about any of our services then please click on link to access our complaints procedure