FAQ's

Do I need to pay bills?

Unless otherwise stated tenants have a responsibility to pay council tax (unless you are a student in which case you will need to prove you are in full time education) water rates gas and electricity bills and TV licence (unless the landlord has provided the TV).

How will my rental payments be collected?

Rents are set at a calendar month rate and paid in advance. All rent payments will be collected by standing order which will be set up when you sign your agreements.

Can you help me if I'm on Housing benefit?

We have a limited amount of property available to people on housing benefit, before applying you would need the following: a deposit of one month’s rent + £100, one month’s rent in advance and a guarantor. Your guarantor needs to be a homeowner in fulltime employment and must earn 3 times the amount of rent per calendar month.

What is the minimum length of tenancy?

In a majority of cases 6 month agreements are preferred by landlords and tenants alike. It is definitely worth making the point that if you require a longer contract to discuss this with one of our lettings consultants at an early stage so that we can get agreement from the landlord to issue a longer contract. Shorter contracts are rare so it is advisable if you are looking for a short term let to inform us at the outset of your search so we can try and find something suitable for you.

How do I reserve a property?

If you like a property and want to reserve it, you will have to place a holding deposit against the property. The holding deposit will be deducted from the total money due on your move in day.

What References will be undertaken?

In most cases an employer reference will be required, a landlord reference (if applicable) and a credit check will also be carried out.

Can I rent a property if I’m retired?

Yes you can, in order to pass referencing you will need to have a clean credit history, and proof of pension income will need to be provided so we can calculate your monthly income, savings will also be taken into account.

Can I rent a property if I’m self -employed?

Yes you can, in order to pass referencing you will need to have clean credit history we will need to obtain a reference from your accountant to verify your income an sa032 will also be accepted. Savings will also be taken into account.

Can I rent a property if I’m unemployed and have independent means?

Yes you can, in order to pass referencing you will need to have a clean credit history and you will need to provide 6 months bank statements displaying your savings. A calculation will then be carried to determine whether can afford the rent on your chosen property.

What happens if I fail my reference checks?

If you fail referencing a guarantor will be requested, if a guarantor can’t be provided your holding deposit will be retained by the agency.

What happens if the landlord declines the proposed tenancy?

If a landlord declines the tenancy we will try to find a suitable alternative for you. If we can’t source an alternative property your holding deposit will be refunded in full.

When is it best to start looking for a rental property?

It is best to start looking for a property 1 month to 6 weeks before you want to move as most of the properties on the market will be available immediately or within 1 month.

What happens to my deposit once it has been paid to the agency/landlord?

Landlords and letting agents have a legal obligation to register tenant deposits with a government backed scheme within 14 days of receipt. The Landlord or agent is also required to provide a certificate of registration.

What happens if I encounter a maintenance problem during my tenancy?

If your property is managed by Tenant Network you can contact your local property management office to report any issues. If your property is unmanaged you will have to report your concerns to your landlord.

Who will be my point of contact once I have moved into my property?

If your property is managed you will have to contact your local property management office. If your property is unmanaged you will have to contact your landlord directly.

Can I change the date that I pay my rent?

Yes you can but you will have to make an interim rent payment to change your rent due date.

What happens if one of my housemates wants to leave the property?

You will have to find another tenant to take the previous tenants place; you will then have to arrange an appointment with your local branch so that the new tenant can complete a tenancy application. The tenant who wants leave the property will be liable to pay the rent until a replacement tenant has moved in.

How much notice do I have to give to leave the property that I’m renting?

You have to give one month’s notice in writing one month before your fixed term tenancy is due to expire. If you are on a periodic tenancy (month by month) you can give one month’s notice at any time on your rent due day.

What happens when my tenancy expires?

If you are living in one of our managed properties we will write to you before your tenancy ends to determine what you intend to do at the end of the tenancy. If you wish to stay at the property and your landlord agrees to this we will draft a new tenancy agreement unless you decide to go onto a periodic tenancy. If your property is unmanaged you will need to consult your landlord before your tenancy expires.

How do I get my deposit back at the end of the tenancy?

If you are living ain one of our managed properties we will conduct a checkout at the end of the tenancy and if there is no damage we will return your deposit within 14 days. If there is damage with no dispute we will return your deposit minus costs within 14 days. If there is a dispute we will return the deposit within 14 days minus the disputed amount which will be dealt with by an independent adjudicator from the TDS. If you are living in an unmanaged property and your deposit is held and registered by the landlord you will need to deal directly with your landlord.

Can I make any changes to the property i.e. paint and decorate?

You can if the landlord agrees to the changes. Any requests will have to be sent to us in writing so we can obtain written authority from the landlord. If you’re living in an unmanaged property you will have to contact your landlord directly.

Can I have pets within the property?

You can if the landlord agrees to grant you permission to keep a pet, in some cases a landlord may request a larger damage deposit. You will have to put your request in writing and we will obtain written authority from the landlord. If you’re living in an unmanaged property you will have to contact your landlord directly.

What happens if I have to terminate my tenancy early?

You will be legally liable to pay the rent until the end of the fixed term agreement even if you aren’t living at the property. The alternative is to find a suitable replacement tenant.

What happens if the landlord wants to gain possession of the property?

A landlord is required by law to provide you with 2 month’s written notice by serving a section 21 notice 2 months before the end of the tenancy. This should allow plenty of time for you to source an alternative property.

Do I need Insurance?

As part of our tenancy agreements we require all tenants to have some form of insurance in place to which covers landlord’s fixtures and fittings against accidental damage, this applies to all properties including unfurnished properties.

Who do I call I f I have an emergency maintenance issue?

If you are living in one of our managed properties you can call our 24hr emergency hotline. If you are living in an unmanaged property you will need to contact your landlord directly.

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