Tenants

At Boyce Brixham Lettings we appreciate how stressful it can be moving into a new property.

Therefore, we try to make the process as smooth and as stress free as possible. We aim to keep you informed at each stage with clear and up to date information.
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References

Once you have selected a property you would like to rent you will need to sign an agreement to lease and make a part payment of one week's rent, subject to the terms of the signed agreement. This doesn’t mean that the property is yours to rent, but, it is proof of your intention and commitment to proceed with the tenancy whilst your references are being processed.

We obtain references for each adult who will be residing at the property, and they include Employment, existing and former Landlord’s, covering a minimum period of 12 months, independent Credit Check, and where applicable, a Guarantor's reference.

Tenancy Agreement

Once the references are complete and satisfactory, and the Landlord is happy with your application, a Tenancy Agreement will be drawn up. Prior to the commencement of your tenancy you will need to sign the legal paperwork, pay the remaining balance due, to include your First Month's Rent and Security Deposit.

TENANT FEES

As most people know by now, the Government have banned the charging of fees to tenants which is very helpful when moving costs are high these days. However there may still be some fees payable by tenants. It’s only fair that some costs caused by a tenants default can be charged to the tenants during their tenancy and a breakdown of these possible charges are listed here:

Obviously rent & deposits are payable. There is, however, a maximum ‘holding deposit’ chargeable to tenants when their references are being checked etc. This is one week’s rent. If a tenant requests an early termination of their tenancy a landlord can legally hold that tenant to pay for the remainder of the fixed term. Sometimes a negotiated early termination agreement can be accepted by both sides and this is usually a lower amount than the remaining rent. If rent is unpaid or paid late this is a Default on the tenancy and there can be charges levied. If, for example, you lose your key, it is only common sense that the replacement cost of that key is chargeable to the person that lost it, the tenant. During the tenancy there may need to be changes made to the agreement at the tenants request and, if agreed by the landlord, this will attract charges of £50 inc VAT.

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Referencing

It is worth remembering that when you apply for a property references will be taken on you from your employer/accountant, current landlord, credit reference agency, any other income provider and, very occasionally, where the landlords employment is sensitive there may be CRB checks undertaken although this is rare. If you cannot achieve the levels necessary to pass these references a Guarantor may be acceptable, they will have to also be referenced.

TENANT OBLIGATIONS

  • Paying the rent.
  • Paying the utility bills, council tax, telephone bills and TV licence.
  • Replacing light bulbs and batteries within smoke alarms, carbon monoxide sensors and doorbells if applicable.
  • Cost of any damage, repair, or dilapidations in ordnance with fair wear and tear at the end of the tenancy.
  • Notification of any changes to your circumstances or to the property within timeframes specified in your tenancy agreement.
  • Payment of overseas landlord tax where applicable, full details please visit www.hmrc.gov.uk/cnr.
  • All tenants must hold insurance that covers accidental damage to any of the landlord’s fixture and fittings that are left in the property. We recommend that tenants also insure their own belongings with a reputable insurer.
  • General daily maintenance including the garden and outside areas.
  • Property to be left in a clean and tidy position as per tenancy start.

Deposit

Your Holding Deposit is refundable unless false information is found to have been given, you pull out of the let pre tenancy, you fail to complete the application requirements within an agreed time limit (The Government says 2 weeks but this can be longer with express agreement) or if you fail the Governments ‘Right to Rent’ requirements when Identity is checked.

These figures are as displayed for each individual property

Boyce Brixham are also part of The Propertymark Client Money Protection Scheme

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