FAQ’s (tenant information
and advice)
•
What references
and checks are carried out?
•
What if
I am self employed?
•
What is
a guarantor?
•
What if
I am retired?
•
Do you accept
DSS or Housing benefit?
•
What is
the minimum tenancy period?
•
Am I allowed
pets?
•
How do I
pay my rent?
•
What is
the latest time I can view a property?
•
Do I need
contents insurance?
•
How long
will it take from choosing a property to moving in?
•
Who pays the
council tax and other bills?
•
Is my deposit
protected?
What references
and checks are carried out?
•
Credit Score Bankruptcy CCJ / court decree
• Anti fraud check
• Personal identity check
• Report on detrimental credit
history
• Undisclosed addresses
• Landlord / Managing Agent
reference
• Employer's reference
• Previous employer's reference(if
applicable)
What if I am
self employed?
You will require either three years
certified accounts from an accountant OR three years worth of
tax returns confirming your income. If you are in a position
where this is not possible then a guarantor may be required
or you can offer to pay rent in advance.
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What is a guarantor?
If your financial reference is weak
for any reason you may require a guarantor to support your tenancy.
Subject to references, credit checks and signing of the tenancy,
a Guarantor is a person who will be as responsible as the tenant
and guarantee to the Landlord (1) payment by the tenants of
the rent due under the tenancy agreement and (2) due performance
of the tenants covenants and obligations contained in the tenancy
agreement.
NB: There is no charge for the guarantor references and credit
checks.
What if
I am retired?
You will need proof of a pension to cover the rent or an income
from Shares or Investments, alternatively you can offer to pay
in advance, normally 6 or 12 months. A guarantor may be required.
Do you
accept DSS or housing benefit?
Sorry, no.
What is
the minimum tenancy period?
This often depends on the individual property (a member of our
lettings team will be able to advise you). The initial term
of an Assured Shorthold tenancy can be no more then one year
at a time. Some landlords will allow for a mutual break clause,
this is often two months notice on the sixth month. An Assured
Shorthold tenancy is for a minimum of six months and some landlords
may allow this.
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Am I allowed
pets?
Not unless specifically defined and agreed in advance. Many
blocks are restricted to pets by head leases, which landlords
must obey. If you require a property that does allow pets then
please let us know and we will do our best to find a suitable
property for you.
How do
I pay my rent?
Rent is paid monthly by standing order from your bank. This
is set up to be withdrawn from your account 2 days before your
rent day so that it arrives on the due date. 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.
What is
the latest time I can view a property?
With longer opening hours than most we can be flexible. Our
opening hours are Mon-Thursday 9am to 7pm. Friday 9am to 6pm
and Saturday 9.30am to 3pm. Out of office appointments can be
arranged, ask a member of the team for more details.
Do I need
contents insurance?
Yes! You must insure your contents, as the landlord's insurance
covers the actual property/goods, but not your possessions.
Please ask a member of staff for details on companies we can
recommend to you who specialize in this type of insurance for
tenants.
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How long
will it take from choosing a property to moving in?
Once you have made your choice, allow a minimum of 7 days before
you move in. This allows time for references to be completed
and the preparation of the property although the timescale can
be much shorter. However, it may be that the previous tenant
has yet to move out, in which case more time may be required.
Simon Clarke will keep you informed all along the way.
Who pays
the council tax and other bills?
You do, unless otherwise stated. You will be responsible for
opening accounts for all utilities.
Is my deposit protected?
From 6th April 2007, when you pay a deposit, your landlord or
agent must protect it using a government authorised tenancy
deposit scheme.
DISCLAIMER
This guide is intended to
help readers navigate their way through the renting process.
We cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information and we
reserve the right to change the information on this website
at any time. Readers take any advice at their own risk. Simon
Clarke Residential, its partners and staff accept no responsibility
for any action taken, or loss occurring, as a result of any
advice and/or information on this website.
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