Applicant
F.A.Qs
Q
Can I secure a property without a viewing?
A
Unfortunately not. It is our policy to make sure you are completely happy with the property before moving in and as we manage our properties in-house, we like to meet you before hand as well.
We do require a viewing although a virtual tour can be arranged via a video call. We can arrange over many different platforms e.g. Facetime, Facebook Messenger, Whatsapp.
Q
How do I apply for a rental property?
A
After viewing one of our properties, you will be required to complete an application form (one for every adult wanting to live in the property) which is available on the footer of this website.
Q
What happens to the personal information I supply to you?
A
Any personal information you supply to us will be treated confidentially and held in compliance with General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). On signing the application form, you authorise us to share this information with credit reference agencies, managing agent/landlord, referees, employer/accountant in order that we can gain approval for the tenancy.
Q
How much does tenant referencing cost?
A
There are no costs involved.
The Tenant Fees Act came into place on 1st June 2019 which means that most tenancy fees are now banned although we have never charged tenants any fees before this date either.
Q
Can I give a holding deposit to secure the property?
A
If you are successful with your application form, we will then ask for a holding deposit of £100 (but a maximum of 1 week's rent) along with other documents to progress with your referencing.
Once these documents are supplied and the holding deposit paid, the property will be secured and no further viewings will take place.
This deposit is taken off the total due on your move in (rent + bond - holding deposit).
Q
How long does referencing take?
A
There are a few parts to your referencing. Your credit check usually comes back instantly. Your references all depend on how quickly our checks can be responded to. It may be worth giving your employer and/or landlord a heads up that they will be contacted and ask kindly to reply as promptly as possible.
Q
I have not rented before. Will this be an issue?
A
We quite often have first time renters as flats in particular tend to be an ideal starting point when moving home due to size and rental amount.
Due to having no previous landlord references, we would require you to have a guarantor.
Q
I'm not currently employed. Will this affect me?
A
This depends.
If you are the only tenant, you may require a guarantor.
If you will be renting with someone else and their income is sufficient, this shouldn't be a problem.
Q
If I have a CCJ, will this affect me?
A
It is vital that all details be disclosed on your application form as they will inevitably come up on your credit check. If you have a CCJ, depending on your situation and if we progress with your application, we will require a guarantor.
Q
What is a guarantor?
A
A guarantor is someone who can pay your rent if you don't pay it, for example a parent or close relative.
We do ask that guarantors are homeowners.
Other requirements - have no CCJs, must not be a guarantor for anyone else and and must pass our affordability checks. (This means that they must be earning 3.5 times the monthly rent).
Q
When will I sign the tenancy agreement?
A
Your tenancy agreement and relating documents are now signed electronically. Once a move in date is set, the tenancy agreement is drawn up and a link is send via email. This is done before your move in date to give you plenty of time to read through the documents before signing.
Q
How much do I have to pay to move in?
A
We require 1st month rent and bond (bond is 1 month rent) upon your move in.
For example Rent = £500 pcm and Bond = £500
Your holding deposit will be paid before we begin referencing.
This is usually £100 (but a maximum of 1 week's rent)
This is taken off the total when you move in.
The rent and bond (minus holding deposit) is required to be paid a maximum of 24 hours before you move in (please be aware of weekends and bank holidays affecting transactions).
Rent = £500
Bond = £500
(minus £100 holding deposit)
Total due = £900
Q
What happens on moving day?
A
A move in appointment is arranged that is mutually convenient for us and yourselves.
We meet at the property and carry out a move in report along with time stamped photos and take meter readings.
We go through how things work and discuss any questions you may have that you haven't already asked during referencing, waste collection days, our management going forwards etc
We understand that moving home is stressful. We want to take the pressure off slightly and so were happy to say that we contact utility companies and council for you and get the relevant accounts set up for you.
Q
How do I pay my rent each month?
A
A standing order will need to be set up with your bank and you will be given all information needed to do this. The date you take the property will be the date your payment will be due each month.
If you are requiring a specific date you would prefer rent to be paid, this is something we can organised but will only be done once.