Tenants Guide to Renting a Property

At Mayflower Lettings we want to ensure that your renting experience is smooth and enjoyable, so we have set out some simple guide lines for you to read and hopefully, have a better understanding of the whole process……….

• All our properties are available on an Assured Shorthold Agreement for a minimum of 6 months, renewable at the landlords choice.
• All applicants stated on the tenancy must be over 18 years of age
• Rent is paid monthly in advance by standing order
• A deposit equivalent to 5 weeks rent is taken and registered with a Deposit Scheme for the duration of the tenancy. We also operate a Zero Deposit Scheme subject to the Landlords approval – ask for more information
• Once you have agreed to rent a property and the landlord is happy, a holding deposit is taken prior to taking up references to reserve the property. This is usually an amount equal to one weeks rent. This will be deducted from the 1st months rent providing your application is successful. However, if you withdraw, fail the Right- To- Rent check, provide false or misleading information or fail to sign the tenancy agreement within the agreed time (also applies to Guarantor) these monies will NOT be refunded.
• If the landlord withdraws from the application, the holding deposit WILL be refunded.
• A copy of the Tenancy Agreement and How to Rent guide will be given to you to read – click here for more information.
• Keeping your money safe is important to us. Your deposit will be registered and logged with a tenancy deposit scheme. “mydeposits” for the duration of your tenancy – click here for more information.

Right to Rent

From 1st February 2016, it is now a requirement by law to check each tenants Right-to Rent. The following are some of the documents required before entering into a tenancy

• Photo driving license
• Passport
• Utility bill within last 3 months
• Birth certificate

For full information, please click here.

Next Step

When we have completed the referencing process and the landlord is happy to proceed, the 1st month’s rent less the holding deposit is due along with the agreed deposit amount. Funds must be cleared in our bank before the tenancy agreement can be signed.

Finally

We will compile a written and photographic schedule of condition/inventory of the property and at an agreed date and time, we will meet you at the property to sign the tenancy agreement. All tenants must sign this before we can hand over the keys. We will then go through the inventory and read the meters together. A signature will be required from you receipting that you have received this, although, we do understand that some discrepancies may come to light following the first few days of moving in, so all we ask is that any amendments are recorded on the original inventory and sent to us within 14 days.

If you are ready to find your new home, then please give us a call, send us an email or take a look at our available properties. We look forward to hearing from you.

Additional Fees

Unpaid rent – WILL be charged after 14 days at 3% above the Bank of England base rate.

Lost keys- Tenants are liable for the cost of replacing keys or any other locking device. If the locks have to be changed then this is also the tenants responsibility. If any extra costs are incurred, £15 per hour can be charged.

Variation of Tenancy Agreement- Providing it is agreed with the landlord a fee of £50 WILL be charged to change or add any clauses.

Change of sharer – If one of the tenants wants to leave and another person would like to replace them on the tenancy, subject to references, landlords approval and  Right-To-Rent checks a fee of £50 WILL be charged.

Early Termination – Tenants are liable to pay rent for the 1st initial 6 month period. In some rare instances there may be the need to leave earlier. Tenants WILL be liable for the landlords re-letting costs as well as rent due under the tenancy until the start date of the new agreement.

WE ARE MEMBERS OF Client Money Protection Scheme. Your deposit will be registered with ‘mydeposits’. We also operate ZERO DEPOSIT SCHEME subject to Landlord’s acceptance

OUR ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE IS:

Mayflower Lettings Ltd
The Old Smithy
Wood Lane
Kingswear
TQ6 0DP

Best Wishes

John & Jayne