Guide for Tenants
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Duis sed ultrices odio, non elementum leo. Ut venenatis blandit lectus, at sodales est. Ut ullamcorper pharetra felis non molestie. Duis ultricies condimentum diam ut commodo.Whether you're planning to rent a studio apartment, a flat or a house we can provide you with the information that you need to know.
Would you like to be kept informed with new lets in your area? Just register with us today to get new lets in your area sent directly to you, click here to register.
Finding the right property
GARDINER RESIDENTIAL can help to find you the perfect property. We use high quality digital photo's to offer you a virtual tour of the properties that we have to offer, with google street view, Energy Performance Certificates and in some cases floorpans and brochures - so whether you are at home, in our office or on the go - you can see exactly what we have to offer. You can find us at www.gardinerhomes.co.uk or on portal sites such as Rightmove and OnTheMarket.com. When you have selected we will gladly show you the property to ensure that it’s just right for you.
Securing a property to rent
Having found a suitable house or flat to rent, what happens next? We will ask you for a ‘Holding Deposit’ which is payable at the time of your application. Once your offer is accepted we will then begin the administrative process of requesting references on your behalf.
References
Your prospective new landlord will be keen to make sure that you are a suitable tenant and that you have the ability to pay your rent, while also making sure that you have rented a property without any major problems in the past (if this is applicable). GARDINER RESIDENTIAL use an independent referencing agency to carry these checks out. You will be asked to complete an online application form which not only gives the information that is required, but also your permission for the referencing agency to deal with this part of the process on your behalf as quickly as possible. If you are unsure of any part of this process please check with us before submitting your application and paying your holding deposit.
When you apply for the property, some or all of the following documents may be requested by or our referencing agency:
Guarantors
Sometimes referencing decisions will require you to provide a guarantor if for example your earnings are not quite enough to cover the rental payments or if you have only recently started in your job. Your guarantor will be required to undergo the checks as above to enable you to achieve the appropriate rating set by the referencing agency. They will be expected to pay the rental should there be any default during the tenancy and they will also be held responsible for the upkeep of the property. Do not worry if this situation does apply to you, it is not uncommon and we will be able to explain the details at every step of the way.
The security deposit
The final event in your securing the property is the deposit. The Landlord trusts you to keep their property in good order. The deposit is held against non-payment of rent and to ensure that any damages over and above fair wear and tear can be corrected at the end of the tenancy.
New legislation was introduced to the Housing Act 2004 in April 2007 to help protect all parties with regard to the return of deposits. A brief summary of the legislation can be found below:
Tenancy deposit protection in summary
All Landlords and agents are required by law to register and protect your deposit within a government-approved scheme on an Assured Shorthold Tenancy. This means that your security deposit is protected.
The scheme offers alternative ways of resolving disputes, which aim to be faster and cheaper than taking court action.
The Tenancy Agreement
All relevant parties will be asked to sign this document which outlines the agreed responsibilities of the landlord and tenant.
Please take time to read and understand this important legally binding before you sign it and move in.
Preparing to move in
So, all the paper work has been completed and it is time to move in. GARDINER RESIDENTIAL’S comprehensive moving home section contains all the helpful hints and advice you could need.
The Inventory
We recommend that the landlord provides an inventory for their property. GARDINER RESIDENTIAL, can arrange for an independent inventory clerk to prepare the document and carry out the check-in process. Our terms usually state that the Landlord is responsible for the payment of the Inventory and Check-in report whilst the Tenant is responsible for the costs of the Check-out at the end of the tenancy.
The inventory is a detailed list of the contents and condition of the property at the point that you move into it. By both parties agreeing that the inventory is correct at the start of the tenancy, we minimise the risk of any disputes at the end of the tenancy. We recommend therefore that you thoroughly check the inventory and check-in report at the commencement of the tenancy.
Insurance
It’s just as important to insure your belongings against theft or damage when you rent a property as it is when you own a property. GARDINER RESIDENTIAL can offer a free quote for tenant content insurance, just ask a member of staff.
During The Tenancy
It is not uncommon for landlords and GARDINER RESIDENTIAL to schedule in regular visits to the property in order to check that you are happy and that the property is being kept in good order. Usually these visits take place two or three times a year and are agreed before hand with your self.
Renewing your tenancy
So, you’ve come to the end of your tenancy at the property. Providing your landlord is happy with you and the condition of the house or flat, you’ll most likely be allowed to continue with your occupancy. So, with the landlords agreement, you may be able to renew the tenancy for a further term, subject to contract.
Moving out
If you decide to move out, then you should inform us in writing at least two months prior to the end of your agreement. in writing to your landlord.
Remember to ensure that the property is left in good condition when you leave to ensure that you get your full deposit back. If applicable refer to your copy of the inventory to check that the property is up to standard.
As long as the condition of the property is the same as when you moved in (barring normal wear and tear), you’ll have no problem. Here’s what you should do:
Final inventory check
You’ll have the opportunity to run through the inventory checklist on the day of departure. It’s important that this job is done before you leave the property to avoid you being accountable for any damage that occurs after you’ve left. If there is any damage, you should agree with the landlord the cost of repairing or replacing such items.
Lets get started
Why not start your search for your own flat or home to rent right now? Just click here and begin searching.
Would you like to be kept informed with new lets in your area? Just register with us today to get new lets in your area sent directly to you, click here to register.
Finding the right property
GARDINER RESIDENTIAL can help to find you the perfect property. We use high quality digital photo's to offer you a virtual tour of the properties that we have to offer, with google street view, Energy Performance Certificates and in some cases floorpans and brochures - so whether you are at home, in our office or on the go - you can see exactly what we have to offer. You can find us at www.gardinerhomes.co.uk or on portal sites such as Rightmove and OnTheMarket.com. When you have selected we will gladly show you the property to ensure that it’s just right for you.
Securing a property to rent
Having found a suitable house or flat to rent, what happens next? We will ask you for a ‘Holding Deposit’ which is payable at the time of your application. Once your offer is accepted we will then begin the administrative process of requesting references on your behalf.
References
Your prospective new landlord will be keen to make sure that you are a suitable tenant and that you have the ability to pay your rent, while also making sure that you have rented a property without any major problems in the past (if this is applicable). GARDINER RESIDENTIAL use an independent referencing agency to carry these checks out. You will be asked to complete an online application form which not only gives the information that is required, but also your permission for the referencing agency to deal with this part of the process on your behalf as quickly as possible. If you are unsure of any part of this process please check with us before submitting your application and paying your holding deposit.
When you apply for the property, some or all of the following documents may be requested by or our referencing agency:
- References from previous landlords – you may be asked to give the details of where you have lived within the last 3 years
- A credit check – this will allow them to see if you have a good history of paying your bills
- Your bank details – including bank name, account number and sort-code
- Details of your employment – your employer, job title, payroll number, salary, previous employer, etc.
Guarantors
Sometimes referencing decisions will require you to provide a guarantor if for example your earnings are not quite enough to cover the rental payments or if you have only recently started in your job. Your guarantor will be required to undergo the checks as above to enable you to achieve the appropriate rating set by the referencing agency. They will be expected to pay the rental should there be any default during the tenancy and they will also be held responsible for the upkeep of the property. Do not worry if this situation does apply to you, it is not uncommon and we will be able to explain the details at every step of the way.
The security deposit
The final event in your securing the property is the deposit. The Landlord trusts you to keep their property in good order. The deposit is held against non-payment of rent and to ensure that any damages over and above fair wear and tear can be corrected at the end of the tenancy.
New legislation was introduced to the Housing Act 2004 in April 2007 to help protect all parties with regard to the return of deposits. A brief summary of the legislation can be found below:
Tenancy deposit protection in summary
All Landlords and agents are required by law to register and protect your deposit within a government-approved scheme on an Assured Shorthold Tenancy. This means that your security deposit is protected.
The scheme offers alternative ways of resolving disputes, which aim to be faster and cheaper than taking court action.
The Tenancy Agreement
All relevant parties will be asked to sign this document which outlines the agreed responsibilities of the landlord and tenant.
Please take time to read and understand this important legally binding before you sign it and move in.
Preparing to move in
So, all the paper work has been completed and it is time to move in. GARDINER RESIDENTIAL’S comprehensive moving home section contains all the helpful hints and advice you could need.
The Inventory
We recommend that the landlord provides an inventory for their property. GARDINER RESIDENTIAL, can arrange for an independent inventory clerk to prepare the document and carry out the check-in process. Our terms usually state that the Landlord is responsible for the payment of the Inventory and Check-in report whilst the Tenant is responsible for the costs of the Check-out at the end of the tenancy.
The inventory is a detailed list of the contents and condition of the property at the point that you move into it. By both parties agreeing that the inventory is correct at the start of the tenancy, we minimise the risk of any disputes at the end of the tenancy. We recommend therefore that you thoroughly check the inventory and check-in report at the commencement of the tenancy.
Insurance
It’s just as important to insure your belongings against theft or damage when you rent a property as it is when you own a property. GARDINER RESIDENTIAL can offer a free quote for tenant content insurance, just ask a member of staff.
During The Tenancy
It is not uncommon for landlords and GARDINER RESIDENTIAL to schedule in regular visits to the property in order to check that you are happy and that the property is being kept in good order. Usually these visits take place two or three times a year and are agreed before hand with your self.
Renewing your tenancy
So, you’ve come to the end of your tenancy at the property. Providing your landlord is happy with you and the condition of the house or flat, you’ll most likely be allowed to continue with your occupancy. So, with the landlords agreement, you may be able to renew the tenancy for a further term, subject to contract.
Moving out
If you decide to move out, then you should inform us in writing at least two months prior to the end of your agreement. in writing to your landlord.
Remember to ensure that the property is left in good condition when you leave to ensure that you get your full deposit back. If applicable refer to your copy of the inventory to check that the property is up to standard.
As long as the condition of the property is the same as when you moved in (barring normal wear and tear), you’ll have no problem. Here’s what you should do:
- Give the property a thorough clean, including carpets, windows, walls and furniture
- If it’s your responsibility, tidy up the garden and clear away any rubbish
- Return all of the keys to your GARDINER RESIDENTIAL
- Remove all of your personal belongings
- Be satisfied you’re leaving the property as you found it.
Final inventory check
You’ll have the opportunity to run through the inventory checklist on the day of departure. It’s important that this job is done before you leave the property to avoid you being accountable for any damage that occurs after you’ve left. If there is any damage, you should agree with the landlord the cost of repairing or replacing such items.
Lets get started
Why not start your search for your own flat or home to rent right now? Just click here and begin searching.