Tenants2022-03-08T12:22:51+00:00

Renting – What to expect

It’s not just a building, it’s where you live!

Let Homige find your new home. We have an extensive rental portfolio. Our website has easy-to-use search functions, detailed information including floor plans, in-depth local data, and online brochures, all in order to provide you with as much knowledge and information as possible before any viewing. Whether you are local, relocating from within the UK or overseas, or are a corporate letting agent, our local team of lettings experts are here to help.

Guide to Renting

This guide covers many of the key areas that will affect you during your tenancy:

Finding a new place to live can sometimes be a stressful activity, particularly if you do not go armed with the right information. It is important to start any new tenancy on the right foot; most people do not move home very often so viewing a new property can be a daunting and novel experience.

Make a good impression:
  • Be friendly. Your new landlord won’t bite he/she is a person just like you and the viewing will be much more pleasant if you get along.
  • Be punctual. Your landlord may have a number of properties to view, so may not appreciate being kept waiting.
  • Be honest. It is far better to be upfront about your circumstances now than try to resolve a problem later.
  • Bring any references with you. If you decide that you like the property it will be much easier to secure it if you have proof of identity with you.
  • If you don’t know, ask. If you are uncertain about an aspect of the tenancy or the accommodation, don’t be afraid to ask.

Knowing the right questions to ask of your potential landlord can avoid a lot of confusion in the long-run.

Key questions any landlord should be able to answer:
What is the rent, what is included and when is it due?

This is very basic information, but it is essential that there is no misunderstanding. Many landlords will expect you to set up a standing order to pay the rent on a certain day every month. This is easy to do and can save time and effort.

How long is the tenancy and what happens afterward?

Most tenancies will be for a minimum of six or twelve months, however some tenancies may be allowed to continue indefinitely if there have been no problems during a fixed term.

What about repairs and maintenance?

Landlords have a responsibility to maintain the fabric of their property and certain facilities. But it is worth asking how:

  • you should contact us using our maintenance reporting system if an issue arise, and
  • how quickly we aim to respond.

If there is outside space, such a garden, it is a good idea to check who will be responsible for this – as it may vary from property to property or tenant to tenant. In tenant sharing properties, its a good idea to set up rotes to share communal responsibilities.

Is there a deposit and if so where will it be protected?

Most landlords will require a deposit against possible damage to the property. It is usually approximately equivalent to one month’s rent and is returnable at the end of the tenancy if no issues arise.

Since April 2007 any deposit taken against an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (the default tenancy in England and Wales) must be registered with one of three government recognised schemes. Any reputable landlord should be able to tell you which scheme they plan to use. We use the TDS Insured scheme.

Will you make an inventory?

While not a legal requirement, a thorough inventory of the condition and contents of the property agree by landlord and tenants is very useful for the avoidance of doubt and potential disputes in the future.

Can I see the gas safety certificate?

If the property has gas appliances or heating, the landlord must have an annual gas safety check, conducted by an engineer registered with ‘Gas Safe Register’. A copy of the certificate must be made available to tenants by law before their tenancy starts.

Can I see the Energy Performance Certificate?

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a document outlining the energy efficiency rating of a property. These certificates are valid for ten years and are legally required for property marketed ‘to let’.

Are you a member of the NLA, or of a landlord accreditation scheme?

This is not a legal requirement, and many landlords choose not to join a landlord body. But it is a good sign if a landlord has made the effort to join up – and shows a commitment to professional development.

Tenant fees

FULL LIST OF MIN TENANT FEES (ALL FEES EX VAT)
Please note that all fees are dependant on the annual rent amount.

Holding depositTo take the property off the market 1 Weeks Rent
Set up feeReferencing, Identity checks, Tenancy arrangement Included
DepositHeld in our Tenancy Deposit Scheme Equivalent to 1 Months Rent
Call out servicesFor work required not covered in your agreement £50 per hour
Inventory check outPaid at the end of your tenancy Included
Interest on unpaid rentFor payments one week overdue 3% above the base rate

When you make an application to take up a tenancy of a room or property, then the following actions are taken on your behalf and a holding deposit is taken.
(Usually 1 weeks rent)

  • Referencing fee per individual applying for a tenancy
  • Administration including preparation of your tenancy agreement
  • Guarantor reference (should a Guarantor be required)

The Landlord pays for the preparation of the inventory and check in and the Tenant pays for the check out. Our independent inventory company’s check out fee is dependent on the number of bedrooms and/or size of the property and whether the property is furnished or unfurnished – for example a one bedroom unfurnished property is approximately £70 plus VAT.

The above fees are non-refundable if:

  • The applicant withdraws from the tenancy prior to the commencement
  • References prove unsatisfactory
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