Tenant Frequently Asked Questions

 

Why do I have to pay a holding deposit?

To ensure that the property is guaranteed to be let, in the interest of fairness to the Landlord the holding deposit is taken whilst referencing occurs. The holding deposit is non-refundable in the event that the property is not let by you. This is because of the time and administration costs incurred by Let-Me in order to proceed with letting, and the cost to the Landlord due to the property no longer being advertised.

What references do I need to supply?

You will be asked to complete a form detailing your employment details and previous landlord/guarantor details if possible. An independent referencing company will also be used to carry out a credit search.

When can I move in?

You will be able to move in when all referencing is successful and Let-Me and the Landlord is satisfied, on the agreed start date of the tenancy.

What if I am self-employed?

Self-employed tenants will be required to provide a reference from their accountant and their bank.

What if I am a student?

Being in the vicinity of a university, we pride ourselves on being a student friendly letting agency, and many of our landlords let to students. The process is slightly different; you will need a guarantor for your rent who will ensure that the rent in paid, and agree to our usual Terms & Conditions.

Does Let-Me arrange company lets?

Companies seeking properties for staff will be required to provide relevant references from their accountant, solicitor and bank in order to let.

What is the Tenancy Deposit Scheme?

Let-Me’s policy is to collect a deposit at the start of every tenancy that is equal to a minimum of six weeks rent. This will be used in the event of breakages or damages for relevant repairs. This deposit is in turn registered with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme

Landlords are no longer permitted to keep a Tenant’s deposit in accordance with the Housing Act 2004, and must therefore use an insured or custodial based scheme to hold the deposit. Let-Me will retain the deposit on behalf of the landlord in a designated bonded account, and is returned to the tenant after the property is vacated and checked. 

What happens if there is a dispute about the deposit?

If a dispute over deposits occurs, Let-Me will arbitrate between all parties for ten days in order to try and reach a resolution. If the dispute is not resolved after this time it will be referred to the Dispute Service for arbitration. 

How long are the tenancy agreements for?

This will vary from property to property, but our tenancies tend to run for a minimum of 6 months.

Are all properties furnished?

Again, this will vary from property to property, and be detailed in the specification.

Are pets allowed?

At the discretion of the Landlord, yes.

Are there any administration fees?

Yes, these will be outlined during the letting process.

Is there a bond?

Yes. The amount will depend on the property, and will be returned to the tenant at the end of the tenancy.

What happens if something breaks down?

Let-Me provides a 24 hour maintenance service in the event of emergencies, details of which can be found here.

How often do we have to pay rent?

Rent is paid monthly

How do I pay the rent?

This will be paid by standing order, which will be set up at the beginning of the tenancy.

Do you do viewings on Saturdays and Sundays?

In order to cater to our clients, we are flexible and can aim to arrange viewings at your convenience, any day of the week.

How long in advance do we need to book if we want to look at some properties?

We need at least 24 hours to inform current tenants of viewings on properties. Please contact us for more details.

Do we meet you at the property or do we need to come to the office?

Usually the tenants will meet us at the property, but we can arrange to chauffer prospective tenants to properties from our office.  

Are properties cleaned before we move in?

We ensure that all of our properties are clean and tidy before tenancy begins.

Can I get my own furniture?

Yes, so long as they adhere to our safety standards, and providing you have the room 

Who is responsible for contacting the utility companies after I move in?

You will need to contact the relevant utilities in order to set up an account with them so that you as a tenant are liable. You will also be responsible for contacting them again when you leave, and need to provide meter readings for final bills.

 

 

When will the rent leave my account?

 

Rent will leave your account by standing order on the same day of every month. It will leave your account generally 3 days prior to the due date in order to clear into the recipients account on the date it is due.

 

 

What happens if my rent is paid late?

 

If there are problems with the rent payments they should be brought to the attention of Property Management. In the event of arrears you will be contacted, and interest will be charged until the arrears are paid.

 

If I have any problems during my tenancy who do I speak to?

 

 

If Let-Me fully manages your property you should contact our Property Management team, who will be happy to help you. In the event that it isn’t you should contact your landlord directly.

In the interest of aiding you with any queries, feel free to contact us and we will help you to the best of our ability.

Who should I contact if I am having difficulty with my landlord?

The Citizens Advice Bureau provides extensive information and help for tenants who are having problems. We are happy to try and mediate with any problems you may have, so please contact us.

What penalties will I incur should I break my lease agreement early?

You are primarily liable for the rent until the end of the lease, or up until the break clause if one was outlined in the agreement. This will depend upon reaching an agreement with the Landlord. If the Landlord agrees to find a new tenant your liability will merely cover the Landlord’s commission and any other re-letting costs. Payments are calculated pro-rata for the unexpired term of the contract.

How will my payments cease at the end of my tenancy?

You will need to contact your bank and cancel the standing order to prevent further payments.

 

 

Where should I return my keys at the lease end?

 

Keys should be brought to the Let-Me office, unless instructions are given by the Landlord. All sets must be returned upon the end of the tenancy.

In the event that the keys are not returned, you will be liable for rent daily until the keys are returned.

What expenditure should I expect at the end of the tenancy?

Outgoing tenants will incur costs associated with professional cleaning, inventory and checking out of the property. It is customary that the Landlord pays for these at the beginning of the tenancy and the tenants pay at the end.

When is my deposit returned to me?

After check-out, once the property is cleaned and we have received a confirmation from the Landlord, the money will be returned to you. This normally takes no longer than 4 weeks.