Letting & Property Management Specialists

Tenants Frequently asked Questions

We have listed here common FAQs.

Q: Why are references required?
A: Employers references, Landlords references and credit checks are made to ensure that the applicant has the means to pay the rent and utility bills. In the case of Joint tenancy or multiple occupancy properties these checks and references also help to ensure that suitable applicants (socially and financially responsible persons) are accepted as tenants.  A Guarantor’s reference ensures that the person is financially able to meet the required commitment.

Q: What does jointly and severally mean?
A: When there are two or more people sharing a property each one of them can be held individually responsible for the terms of the agreement not just for a proportion of it.     

Q: What is my bond for?
A: Your bond is an insurance against any damages to the Landlord's property and for any unpaid bills and rent.

Q: How much is the bond?
A: Your bond will depend on your prospective Landlord's decision. The bond/tenancy security deposit is usually the equivalent of one month’s rent. There will be an additional deposit of £100.00 if permission is granted to keep a pet at the property.  During the period of the tenancy your bond will be held in the Government’s Deposit Protection Scheme (DPS) (www.depositprotection.com)

Q: When can I have my bond returned?
A: Your bond will be returned to you via the DPS at the end of your tenancy once all relevant deductions have been made. The deductions may include the cost of cleaning, payment for outstanding bills and damages. Considerations will be made to the age and condition of items requiring replacement due to damage (excluding wear and tear). This process may take several weeks to complete. In order to speed up this process ensure that all bills have been paid dated to the end of your tenancy and all payments for damages paid in full.

Q: What is fair wear and tear?
A: Fair wear and tear is the normal deterioration of an item in normal use. A deduction will be made for fair wear and tear from the value of the original item. There are various methods of accounting for damages to be paid. We may advise the Landlord of the amount to be compensated and the methods to calculate.
However, the final amount payable is the Landlord's decision. Where the damage is not too severe to require replacement, a charge can be made towards its premature future replacement. For example, cigarette burns or small stains on carpets and soft furnishings a spot charge of £20. Mattress stains or iron burns on carpets that leave a permanent and clear mark will require replacement of the item.

Q: Can I redecorate or make any other alterations to the property?
A: No. You must not make any changes to the property without the Agent’s or Landlord’s consent.

Q: What happens before we leave the property?
A: A final inspection of the property should be carried out to ensure that all possessions have been removed from the premises. The property is clean and tidy. Remove all junk mail and black bags containing rubbish generated in the clearout. All black bags of rubbish should have been disposed of in the normal rubbish collection cycle or at the local Civic Amenities sites.
All carpets should have been vacuumed and professionally cleaned. The original lampshades fitted with working light bulbs. Bedroom doors wiped down. Wardrobes, chest of drawers and desk are emptied and dusted. All floors should be swept and mopped.
Shower curtain washed and rehung, bathtub, sink, taps and toilet are de-scaled and cleaned. Bathroom and Kitchen wall tiles and grout cleaned. Kitchen appliances degreased and thoroughly cleaned. The fridge and freezer are to be switched off, the freezer defrosted. The fridge and freezer must be emptied and cleaned. The doors of the fridge and the freezer are to be free of labels, magnets and stickers and be left ajar.
All bins must be emptied and cleaned. Remove all stickers, posters, blue tac and/or cellotape from all walls.

Q: What is the procedure for the return of keys?
A: All keys for the property must be returned in order to hand these to the next tenants. Failure to do so would mean that new keys must be cut. You will be charged for the replacements.

Q: Evidence of bill payment, what is the reason?
A: We need the proof that all the utility bills have been settled to prevent the new tenants being chased for bills that do not relate to them. It is VITAL that all bills cover the complete tenancy period. You should contact the utility provider with the meter readings and to inform them that the bill must be dated for the final date of the tenancy.
Please submit the original copy of the bills showing one of the following: Zero bills dated the last date of your tenancy, Bills dated the final date of your tenancy with a post office stamp indicating payment or a bills which shows credit dated to the last day of your tenancy.

Q: What is the Landlord responsible for?
A: Your landlord is responsible for:
  • Repairs to structure and exterior of the property, heating and hot water installations, basins, sinks, baths and sanitary installations.
  • The Safety of gas and electrical appliances provided.
  • The fire safety of furniture and furnishings provided by the Landlord.
  • Maintaining the house in a habitable condition.

Q: What is a habitable condition?
A: The Housing Act provides guidelines as to determine whether a dwelling is fit for human habitation. Namely, the property has to be in good physical repair, free from damp, have natural light in each bedroom and living room, adequate ventilation, clean water supply, proper drainage and sanitary conveniences; to have facilities for the storage, preparation and cooking of food.

Q: What am I responsible for?
A: You are responsible for:
  • Prompt payment of the rent.
  • Prompt payment of gas, electricity, telephone and Internet bills.
  • You are also responsible for early reporting of damages and items requiring repairs.
  • You are required to be a responsible citizen and respect the needs of your neighbours.



If you have any further questions, please Contact Us by e-mail, phone or using the on-line form.


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