Holding Deposit

When you have selected a property we will ask you to provide a 'Holding Deposit'. This payment is not an additional charge and is deducted from your completion payment. In certain situations this deposit is non-refundable; please ask for advice on what may affect your deposit. This Holding Deposit is not a contractual obligation and does not form any commitment by either party to proceed with the tenancy.

Application & Referencing

In order for you to be referenced it will be necessary for you to complete an application form. If we are not able to proceed with the tenancy due to inadequate references or inaccurate information offered by the tenant or guarantor the deposit will not be refundable.

Tenancy Agreement

At the commencement of the tenancy you will be required to sign a Tenancy Agreement outlining Landlord and Tenant obligations. An administration charge is made for this and subsequent extensions to the agreement. Please note the tenancy agreement is an important document. It may commit you to certain actions for the period of any fixed term and beyond. Please ensure that if you do not understand your legal rights and obligations you consult a housing advice centre, solicitor or Citizens’ Advice Bureau.

Guarantors

We will require a guarantor for all tenants under the age of twenty three. Tenants applying who are in receipt of benefit will also require a guarantor. Guarantors must be home owners and in employment or be able to satisfy our referencing company that they are able to fulfil their obligations if called on. It is also a requirement that guarantors are referenced.

Tenants Deposit

Deposits are payable on all tenancies and unless otherwise stated are held by ourselves in the capacity of ‘Landlord’s Agent’ against any costs arising as a result of tenancy. As members of The Tenancy Dispute Service we hold and register your deposit with the TDS. For further information on this scheme you may visit their web site at www.thedisputeservice.co.uk or by post at The Dispute Service Ltd, PO Box 1255 Hemel Hempstead, Herts. HP1 9GN Telephone 0845 226 7837 Fax 01442 253193 e-mail deposits@tds.gb.com

Safe Agent

SAFE – Safe Agent Fully Endorsed – is a mark denoting firms that protect landlords and tenants money through client money protection schemes. There are several schemes in the sector operated by ARLA/NFOPP, the Law Society, NALS and RICS to which agents voluntarily belong. The scope of these schemes varies and you should contact Brian Smith Property Management for full details of the scheme of which they are a part.

Moving In

On the day that you are due to move in it will be necessary to visit our office in order to sign the Tenancy Agreement and pay your ‘initial monies’, which are detailed as follows: One months rent in advance, deposit less holding deposit already paid, referencing & Tenancy Agreement charge, inventory fee (contents insurance if not already held). PAYMENT OF INITIAL MONIES MUST BE BY CASH, BANKERS DRAFT OR BUILDING SOCIETY CHEQUE. Brian Smith Property Management will not accept personal or third party cheques unless banked and cleared, before the keys to the property are released.

Inventories

Details of the property contents and a schedule of condition will be prepared. This document will form the basis for any claims against your deposit and should be checked with care. Any points about the inventory with which you disagree must be brought to our attention within seven days of the commencement of the let. Failure to return the inventory to the agent’s office will be considered as the inventory being correct and without any amendments being required.

Tenants Obligations

Minor maintenance such as replacing light bulbs, fuses, tap washers, clearing gutters and drain blockage etc., are the responsibility of the tenant. It is particularly important that the property is secured and that reasonable steps are taken to avoid the freezing of pipes when the tenant is absent. 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. It is important that you read and fully understand the lease you will be asked to sign as it is a legal document.

Utilities

We will notify the utility companies, and the local authority of your details, unless otherwise stated.

Letting Agents Obligations

This is dependent upon the service that we provide the Landlord (i.e. Full Management, Tenant Introduction or Rent Collection). You will be notified of this at the commencement of your let.

Property Visits

If the property is managed by ourselves we are obliged to conduct periodic 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. A mutually convenient appointment will be arranged in advance. There is a charge of £50.00 + VAT in the event the tenant refuses entry, or is not at home when an agreed appointment has to be abandoned due to the tenants not being at home or there is a dog loose in the property.

Television Licence

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

Tenants Contents Insurance

The landlord grants the tenancy of the property to the named tenant upon the condition that tenant(s) 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 in the attached inventory.

Either

The tenant must provide the landlord or his 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 will be included at his 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.