The Letting Process

The Search begins…..

With a clear understanding of your requirements we will compile a selection of all properties that match your criteria. Often viewings can be arranged immediately. At your request, SMS property alert enables the latest property information to be instantly transmitted directly to your mobile phone whilst simultaneously a full colour brochure will be sent to you direct by email.

Viewings

Viewing can be conducted by appointment 7 days a week.

Selecting a Property

Whether you have rented before or this is your first time when you rent a home there is a lot to think about.

• Does the property meet my needs?
• Cost – How much is the rent and will you need to pay extra for bills?
• Location – is the property close to local amenities i.e. shops, doctors, schools etc.
• Size – will the property accommodate your needs? i.e. no. of bedrooms or garden

Once you’ve identified a suitable property and supplied us with details of referees, references will be applied for and your information will be forwarded to the landlord for acceptance.

Tenancy Agreement

Once the landlord confirms that they would like to proceed we will draw up the relevant paperwork forming an agreement to be signed by both parties. If the rent is less than £25,000 per year and you do not live with the Landlord the tenancy automatically becomes an Assured Short hold Tenancy (AST). An AST usually lasts for 6 to 12 months unless you agree a fixed term for the tenancy in advance with the Landlord.

Inventory

An inventory of the contents and condition of the property is usually produced prior to commencement of the tenancy. This will be supplied to both landlord and tenant.

Rent and deposit

An advance rental payment is required prior to the commencement of the tenancy. A rental deposit is also required from the tenant. This will be reimbursed to you at the end of the tenancy subject to the details of your agreement and the finds of the inventory check out report.

The deposit will be held by Peter Heron Estate Agents in our own client’s account, the deposit and the tenancy details will be registered with The Dispute Service under a Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) and a certificate/unique number will be issued to show registration to the scheme, this will then be provided to both Landlord and Tenant.

We recommend you take our Landlord Insurance: this will protect your income against lost revenue due to any of the following circumstances:

• Tenant becoming bankrupt and unable to pay rent arrears
• Tenant vacating the property without notice and disappearing without paying rent
• Tenant becoming unemployed, relationship breakdown or long term sickness causing them to be unable to pay the rent

Completion

Congratulations - keys are now handed over and you can move into your new home!!!

Some Golden Rules for Landlords and Tenants

• Read important documents such as tenancy agreements and terms of business carefully – never sign anything you don’t understand
• Don’t have unreasonable or unrealistic expectations. If in doubt about what to do or your obligations or responsibilities in any particular circumstances that arise – communicate and seek clarification
• Confirm important issues in writing