For any tenant, the prospect of renting a property can be daunting. To help ease any apprehensions that you may experience, we have put together a list of frequently asked questions;
A. Once you have viewed the property and we have agreed your offer, we will need to take a holding deposit from you equivalent of one weeks rent. As soon as the fee is received, you will be provided with a receipt and the property will be withdrawn from the market with immediate effect, any outstanding viewings will be cancelled. The property is yours subject to successful referencing and the one weeks rent holding deposit will be deducted from your move in monies.
A. Our preferred method is bank transfer. In the event that this is not possible cash payments can be made for deposits only.
A. Having researched the market, we believe that our fees are competitive and represent value for money for the high level of service we offer.
A. The term of agreement needs to negotiate as part of your offer. The most common tenancies are 12 month Assured Shorthold Tenancies (AST's). Tenancies for less than 6 months are recognised as short lets.
You are legally obliged to pay rent until the end of the tenancy agreement or any release clause agreed.
A. You would need to request a break clause as part of your offer. Landlords are more likely to offer break clauses for winter move ins, anyone moving in over the summer (peak lettings season) can expect less flexibility as landlords are reluctant to take vacant possession back in the winter.
A. The deposit is usually the equivalent of five or six weeks rent if the total annual rent exceeds £50,000 and it guarantees the landlord that when you move out, the property will be left in comparable condition to when you moved in.
Our inventory specialists will ensure that any defects upon move in are detailed in the inventory. If you maintain the property to the same standard, you can expect your deposit to be returned in full.
A. Before you are handed keys to the property, we require cleared funds on account for; advance rent and tenants deposit. Our lettings administrators will organise payments with you, before moving in.
A. When Charles & Derby Estates Leicester are managing the deposit will be registered with the DPS. If the landlord is managing in some cases, we still register the deposit, otherwise it is the responsibility of the landlord.
A. This very much depends on the landlord’s view of pets within their property. Some landlords may decide that they don't want to open their property up to the risk of being damaged.
A. Charles & Derby Estates are well known for the quality of our tenants. Our success for smooth tenancies is based on our strict referencing policy. You will need to provide at least three years employment and three years residential history as well as being credit checked. If this criterion is not met, then a UK based guarantor may be required or alternatively a bulk rental payment upfront.
A. Of course. You will need to pay an upfront rental payment. This is usually 6-12 months’ rent.
A. You will receive a full refund of the holding deposit.
A. Irrespective of the reason, you will lose your holding deposit.
A. Unless clearly stated 'Bills included' in marketing material of a property, it is the responsibility of the tenant to pay all utility bills including council tax. When Charles & Derby Estate are managing, bills will be transferred into your name along with any meter readings.
A. Only if Charles & Derby Estates or the landlord give permission for this to happen. The replacement tenant will need to be professionally referenced before the handover can happen. You will incur a £150 incl VAT charge for change of tenant/ £60 incl VAT for each amendment.
A. Please remember you are renting property collectively with friends and not rooms individually. Charles & Derby do not offer a room let service. Rents should always be paid on time, in full and from one account.
