Information for Tenants: Properties in England
RELEVANT LETTING FEES AND TENANT PROTECTION INFORMATION
In addition to paying rent for the property, you may also be required to make the following permitted payments:
Before the tenancy starts:-
Holding Deposit: 1 week’s rent and/or
Deposit: 5 weeks rent (max)
During the tenancy:-
Payments to other third parties: such as Council Tax, utilities or payments for communications services
Default Charges: such as payments for the replacement of lost keys or interest on overdue rent
Tenancy Transaction Charges: such as requests to vary or assign the tenancy
TENANT PROTECTION
Haystack Property Ltd is a member of Client Money Protection Scheme (CMP) which is a client money protection scheme, and also a member of Property Redress Scheme (PRS) which is a redress scheme. You can find out more details on the agent’s website or by contacting the agent directly.
RESTRICTIONS
Some landlords may wish to apply certain restrictions to a tenancy. Please find below some examples of typical restrictions that may be imposed:
Pets or smokers
You should be advised of any restrictions before an agreed viewing of a property takes place.
SELF EMPLOYED APPLICANTS
If you are self-employed, we may require a written reference from your bank or accountant. We may also require accounts, usually dating back 3 years.
STUDENT APPLICANTS
If you are a student who cannot prove a consistent and sufficient income, you will need a parent, relative or close friend to guarantee the rent and adherence to any other tenant obligation listed within the agreement.
TENANCY DEPOSIT SCHEME
At the start of every tenancy we collect a deposit normally equal to one month’s rent but a maximum of 5 weeks rent. This is used in the event of breakage or damage caused.
In accordance with the Housing Act 2004, landlords are no longer permitted to retain a tenant’s deposit and must select either an insured based or custodial based scheme in which to hold a Tenant’s deposit. Haystack Property use the custodial based scheme. A statutory certificate is then supplied to the tenant advising the reference and holding account number. This must be done within 14 days of the tenancy start date.
TENANCY DEPOSIT DISPUTE
In the event of a dispute, both parties will have 10 days to resolve the matter. If no resolution has been reached, they will be invited to make use of the Alternative Dispute Resolution process that is provided free with their chosen deposit scheme. Should the parties opt for Alternative Dispute Resolution they will be bound by its decision with no redress to the courts.
CHECK IN
As soon as we receive satisfactory replies to our reference enquiries, we shall contact you to agree a time to move in on the planned commencement date.
TRANSFER OF UTILITIES AND COUNCIL TAX
We would advise that for the start of the tenancy, you arrange for Gas, Electric, Water, Telephone and Council Tax accounts to be transferred into your name. We will provide details if the existing utility suppliers and any other information required.
TENANTS INSURANCE
When renting a property, it is very important to make sure you are covered by insurance for any damages that may occur. The landlord’s own insurance will not cover the tenant’s belongings. It will also exclude cover for if a tenant accidentally damages the landlords property and therefore it could result in the loss of your deposit to cover the repairs. Haystack Property can advise of specialist tenant insurance, if required.
RENT
Rents are paid in advance and by standing order.
