Tenant Information
References
We always take up references on applicants and these will be obtained using the information given on application forms provided and will always be required for each adult who will live regularly in the property. All such adults will normally be named individually on the tenancy agreement and will therefore be fully responsible for the property.
The Application Fee
An application fee of £50.00 (inc VAT)* needs to accompany each application form to cover initial administration and reference processing costs. The application fee will not be returned if you withdraw your application for any reason or if, in our landlord’s opinion, satisfactory references are not subsequently obtained. It may be refunded however, less any specific costs we have already incurred, if due to unforeseen circumstances the landlord withdraws the property from the market. If a property is withdrawn, at any time, Harpers Estate Agents cannot accept liability for any costs or inconvenience suffered by the applicants.
* Applicants who have been in the UK for less than 6 months may be charged a higher application fee.
Additional Tenants Costs
We charge each individual, ingoing tenant or guarantor an amount of £92.00 (inc VAT) for further administration and arrangement costs, preparation of legal documentation, inventory etc. This charge is due, and payable along with initial rent, deposit etc, prior to the tenancy commencing.
You will not normally be charged for tenancy checks during the tenancy, nor will you be charged a fee for Harpers Estate Agents to check you out of the property.
If a tenancy is renewed, a charge of £60.00 (plus VAT) will be made of each individual tenant or guarantor for administration and signing of a new tenancy
The Type of Tenancy
The tenancy will normally be an Assured Shorthold Tenancy for a minimum term of six calendar months.
All tenants and guarantors will be joint and several liable for the whole of the tenancy agreement.
The Rent
The rent is payable per calendar month in advance, by Bankers Standing Order.
A Deposit Bond
A deposit bond, normally equal to one and a half of the monthly rent, will be required to be held, under the terms of the tenancy agreement against damage, dilapidation’s, non payment of rent etc, and is returnable, less such deductions, after vacation at the end of the tenancy. We have joined the Tenancy Dispute Service that is supported by the National Association of Estate Agents, the Association of Residential Letting Agents and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. If there is a dispute over how the deposit should be allocated at the end of the tenancy that we cannot settle, we will be able to refer it to the Independent Complaints Examiner. He will adjudicate within 10 working days of receiving all the necessary papers. If we are providing a Letting Only service to our client landlord, the deposit may sometimes be forwarded on to your landlord at commencement of the tenancy, to be held and dealt with by them upon vacation.
Formal Confirmation
Formal confirmation of a tenancy cannot be finally given until satisfactory references have been obtained, we have our clients final consent, all legal documentation has been signed, dated and all monies due have been paid over and cleared. An application may be rejected at any time and no correspondence regarding the reasons for a rejection will be entered in to.
Your Initial Account
Your initial account of rent, deposit and balance of any other monies due must be paid prior to commencing a tenancy. This money should be paid by BANKERS DRAFT or BUILDING SOCIETY COUNTER cheque as we are unable to accept these funds in cash. Any cheque or bankers draft should be made out to Harpers Estate Agents. Please note: Personal cheques drawn on a current account, Company cheques or BACS transfer are only acceptable with our specific prior agreement and in such case you should allow at least 7 working days for the cheque to clear prior to tenancy commencement or you may not be able to move in to a property on the date you wish.
Money Laundering Act
All tenants and guarantors will be required to produce two forms of identity prior to signing a tenancy agreement.
During the Term of the Tenancy
The tenant is required to insure his or her own personal possessions and insure ageinst accidential damage caused to the furniature, fixtures and fittings in the property. Proof of such cover will be required prior to the start of the tenancy. Harpers Estate Agents can provide further information of insurance cover on request.
During the term of the tenancy unless specifically agreed otherwise in writing, the tenants are responsible for all utilities/services at the property and this includes gas, electricity, oil, coal, water and sewerage charges, council tax, British Telecom/Other Telecom charges, TV licence and any charges associated with the usage of cable or satellite television.
The tenant is responsible for keeping the property and its contents in a clean and tidy condition, including the regular upkeep of any garden.
The tenant is responsible for replacing “everyday consumables” such as light bulbs, loose screws, fluorescent tubes and starters, vacuum cleaner bags, batteries for doorbells or smoke detectors or remote handsets etc.
The tenant must not carry out any redecoration to the property or put nails in walls etc, without specific written permission of the landlord or agent, nor should he carry out unauthorized repairs, except in an emergency. Under the terms of the tenancy agreement the property and contents must be thoroughly cleaned at the end of the tenancy.
If You Leave The Property Before the End of the Tenancy
The landlord may still hold you or the guarantor legally liable and responsible for all your obligations, rent, etc under the tenancy agreement. Please contact us at the earliest opportunity if you have a problem or you are unsure of what the required legal procedures are at any particular time for you to give the correct and legally required notice to end your tenancy.
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