Information
for the Prospective Tenant
Please
find below some standard information that you should know. We recommend
that you register your details
with us so that we may contact you should we find a property that
meets your requirements.
For a
general guide to rental prices in West London and maps of London,
have a look at our Area Guide.
Term
Properties are available on Assured Shorthold Agreement for a minimum
of six months unless otherwise stated. Longer periods can be agreed
by separate negotiation.
Furnishings
All properties offered for rent are either fully furnished or not
furnished but the latter properties usually have at least carpets
and curtains. However, the degree to which properties are furnished
varies dramatically, and prospective tenants should be encouraged
to discuss their specific requirements as to whether they are seeking
a fully furnished or not furnished property. In certain instances
Landlords may be prepared to provide additional items of furniture
or appliances.
Inventory
An inventory will be taken prior to formalising a Tenancy Agreement
to ensure that all parties are aware which items are included within
the rental and to keep a clear record of those possessions belonging
to the Landlord. There may be a charge for this.
Household
Bills/Expenses
Tenants are responsible for their own community charge/council tax,
water rates, gas electricity and telephone bills, TV Licence and own
personal effects/contents insurance. The Council will be advised that
you are residing at the address and will bill you directly for the
Council Tax. Council Tax is paid in relation to the value of the property
and subsequently it is difficult to give an estimate. However as a
guide, figures can range from £400 p.a. for a small 1 bed flat
to around £1500 p.a. for a large 4 bed house in an expensive
area.
The Landlord
is responsible for the buildings insurance together with any Landlord’s
contents insurance. Any ground or chief rent is also the responsibility
of the Landlord. In the case of flats or apartments, any maintenance/management/service
charge will be the responsibility of the Landlord unless otherwise
stated.
Gardens
Garden maintenance will usually be the responsibility of the tenant
unless otherwise stated.
References
As letting agents we will require references from prospective tenants’
employers, bankers and, in some cases, previous Landlords, before
agreeing to a rental. A charge may be levied by your bank for the
Bank Reference, it is usually less than £15.
For
Students:
College
Reference
We will require a typed letter from your College Student Services
Department confirming your attendance at that college, a contact
name and telephone number.
Guarantor
If you are using a Guarantor, we will require his full name, address
and telephone number and a typed letter confirming the amount of
rent that he will be prepared to guarantee, the property that this
guarantee relates to and confirmation that he will guarantee to
cover, in full, and your share of all bills.
Payment
of Rent
Rent is payable monthly and in advance. Tenants will be required to
establish a standing order arrangement with our bankers.
Deposit
A tenant will be required to pay a non-returnable reservation deposit
at the inception of the letting which will be set off against the
security deposit payable on the completion of the letting. This security
deposit will be held by the Landlord or managing agents, which is
fully returnable, unless there has been a breach of terms of the Tenancy
Agreement. This deposit must be paid in clear funds prior to the Tenancy
start date. Please refer to your Tenancy Agreement for full details.
Viewings
If a prospective tenant is interested in viewing any of the properties,
he or she should contact us immediately so that the appropriate viewing
arrangements can be made.
Properties
For Sale
Some of the properties being offered for rental are also being offered
for sale and in most cases, where a Landlord is trying to seek a prospective
purchaser, the tenant will be asked to co-operate with the selling
agent by allowing prospective purchasers to view the property during
the course of the tenancy. All viewings will be strictly by appointment,
only through the tenants, and always accompanied. Prospective purchasers
will be informed prior to the viewing of the duration of the tenancy
remaining.
Administration
Charge
It is our normal practice to charge a prospective tenant who is renting
a property a one-off administration fee for taking up the references,
arranging the smooth transfer of the gas, electric, water and council
tax utilities into the tenant’s name and for checking off the
inventory at the end of the tenancy. This fee, which is payable upon
the commencement of the tenancy, amounts to £100 for studio
and one bedroom flat, and for properties such as two bedrooms and
above, our fee is £150.
