Finding the right property in a busy market can be both overwhelming and time-consuming, especially for first-time tenants. Our experienced team are available to assist in finding the perfect property whatever the requirement. Always speak to one of our agents directly as there may be a property coming to market not yet on our website.
Once the right property has been found full guidance will be given through the letting process.
At the point of offer, a holding deposit of £250.00 is payable to secure and take a property off the market. The details needed are the following;
A tenant can expect the below:
Original or digital versions of requested documentation must be submitted at the time of offer. Acceptable forms of ID are passport/driving licence; National Identity card or current Home Office documentation.
Offers are then forwarded to the landlord and assuming acceptance, a credit check will be carried out on each tenant. A credit reference agency will request further information – see “Referencing“.
This will be carried out by an independent referencing company and a report provided to Smooth Move. The information required for each tenant will include the following:
A guarantor may be part of the referencing process if earnings are not enough to cover rental payments or if employment history is short. Guarantors are referenced in the same way as tenants and they will be expected to pay the rent should there be any default during the tenancy.
The process of using a guarantor and any other aspect of referencing can be explained fully by Smooth Move representatives.
There may be an additional charge of £100 for referencing a guarantor.
Important for tenants – It is advisable for first time renters to check their credit history prior to starting the rental process. Sometimes a simple late payment on a credit card or other minor occurrence can cause a poor credit score and failure to secure a tenancy. One of the major credit agencies can check credit history at minimum cost – Experian (www.experian.co.uk) or Equifax (www.equifax.co.uk) for example. Both websites contain excellent advice on how to resolve a poor credit history.
Initial monies are payable in advance of the tenancy. For a property with a rent of £1000pcm the total budget required is £2,000.00 and is made up of:
The holding deposit covers the following:
The Security Deposit is held against non-payment of rent and end of tenancy repair costs with exception of accepted wear and tear.
All landlords and agents are required by law to register and protect a tenants deposit in a Government approved scheme on an Assured Shorthold Tenancy. A certificate of registration will be provided to you to confirm this has taken place. The scheme offers alternative ways of resolving disputes and aims to be cheaper and quicker than lengthy court action. Smooth Move protect all deposits with the DPS and further details can be found at: https://www.depositprotection.com/
In the first tenancy year, both landlord and tenant will be asked to sign an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST).
Each tenancy agreement has a notice period and details the rights and responsibilities of both landlord and tenant. Smooth Move’s tenancy agreement has a detailed addendum outlining the tenant responsibilities during the tenancy and when vacating the property.
Details of the different tenancies can be fully explained by a member of the team.
Documents a tenant can expect on moving in:
A check-in inventory is carried out when moving in. This is a fully documented schedule of the property condition and both tenant and landlord will be required to agree the inventory is correct at the start of the tenancy. This will minimise the risk of any disputes at the end of the tenancy. There will be no charge to the tenant for the preparation of this check-in report.
The tenancy agreement has a detailed addendum listing the tenant’s responsibilities to maintain the property during the tenancy. This also explains exactly how the property should be left when vacating.
On the day of moving in tenants will be met at the property to receive the keys. If contracts have not been signed in advance and all monies paid, move in cannot take place.
On the tenancy commencement date, all smoke alarms and carbon-monoxide alarms will be tested by Smooth Move.
When you move in you will be advised of who to contact with any maintenance issues.
A landlord may manage the property themself or they may instruct Smooth Move to act on their behalf.
If Smooth Move are the managing agents, there will be at least two mid-term checks every year to record the condition of the property for both landlord and tenant benefit. Usually these inspections take place at 3-6 month intervals and will be agreed with tenants in advance.
It is the tenant’s responsibility to report any maintenance issues as soon as they are discovered via email or phone. If issues are not reported immediately, they can become worse and more costly to repair.
As per the tenancy agreement, tenants are responsible for keeping the property in good order. This includes maintaining the garden, keeping the property clean and airing out bathrooms and kitchens after use to avoid damp. Further responsibilities are listed in the addendum to the tenancy agreement.
Tenants should test all smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms monthly.
There are two options at the end of a tenancy; re-new it or vacate the property.
Depending on the tenancy type at the end of the period, there will be a notice period of either one month or two months for a tenant or two months for a landlord.
If a landlord chooses to end the tenancy, tenants are issued with a Section 21 notice.
If a landlord would like to continue the tenancy and assuming the property has been looked after, tenants will be invited to renew their contract. For more information on the tenancy type in year two a Smooth Move team member can advise.
If a rent increase is requested by the landlord at renewal, a section 13 is issued and a process of negotiation between tenant and landlord starts.
If a tenant chooses to vacate, access to the property may be required for marketing purposes.
Pointers to assist tenants in the vacation process:
