Elite Property prides itself on expert advice every step of the way. This guide will take you through the process of renting a property as a tenant. Whether you’re planning to rent a studio apartment, a flat or a house this guide provides you with the information that you need to know.

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). You will be asked to complete an online application form which not only gives us the information that we require, but also your permission to deal with this part of the process on your behalf as quickly as possible.

When you apply for the property, some or all of the following documents may be requested by Elite Property

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 you 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.

Your deposit will be protected by Tenancy Deposit Scheme and Elite Property will issue you with a certificate upon the deposit been registered.

The Inventory
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 therefore recommend that you thoroughly check the inventory it before you sign it.

The Tenancy Agreement
It is a vital part of the tenancy and it is the contract which tells you crucial information such as: your rent, start and end date, property address, your rights in the property as a tenant, landlords and agents rights and responsibilities. All relevant parties will be asked to sign this document.

Please take time to read and understand the contract which will be given to you before the move in day.

During the Tenancy
It is not uncommon for landlords or Elite Property to schedule in regular inspections to the property in order to check that you are happy and that the property is being kept in good order. Usually these Inspections take place after 6 weeks of you moving in and then every 3 Months throughout the tenancy and are agreed before hand with yourself.

Renewing Your Tenancy
So, you’ve come to the end of your first tenancy at the property. You now have two options to consider: Do you sign another tenancy or move out?

If you decide to extend your stay at the property then remember you will need to provide at least one months notice in writing to your landlord or Elite Property, asking permission to stay on beyond your initial agreement. 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.

Moving Out
If you decide to move out at the end of your fixed tenancy agreement, you will need to serve a minimum of one months notice in writing to your landlord or Elite Property, to terminate the contract at the end of the fixed tenacy period.

Upon vacating, please ensure that the property is left in good condition 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
• Make sure that gardens have been maintained and any rubbish have been removed
• Return all of the keys to Elite Property
• Remove all of your personal belongings
• Be satisfied you’re leaving the property as when you moved in to it

Exit Inspection
Exit inspection will be done after you hand back all the keys to Elite Property. Property will be check according to the original inventory. After it is carried out a member of our staff will contact you regarding your deposit and queries that we might have.

We hope you enjoy your experience of your new home, care of Elite Property!

Scale of Tenant Charges:-

• First Months Rent In advances
• Tenancy Deposit Limit 5 Weeks rental amount
• Holding Deposit Maximum one week’s rent
• Late Payment Charges Interest at the rate of 3% above the Bank of England’s base rare for each day on any rent lawfully due that is paid more than 14 days after the date on which it becomes due. The interest will be payable from the date the rent should been paid until he rent is actually paid.
• Loss of Keys or Other Security Devices Reasonable costs for any lost key(s) or security device giving access to the property or the properties outbuildings (e.g. fob, electronic device for garage doors / security gates)
• Payment on variation, assignment or novation of tenancy – when a tenant has requested it, a charge may vary, assign or replace a tenancy. Fee charge £50 (including VAT).
• Termination (surrender) of a Fixed term tenancy agreement – capped at the landlord’s loss or the agent’s reasonably incurred costs
  (Subject to Landlord(s) consent). Please note: You are legally required to pay the rent up until either a suitable tenant replacement is found or your fixed term agreement has ended.
• Utilities, communication services (eg. telephone, broadband), TV licence and council tax (if not included within rental)
• Contractual damages in the event of the tenant’s default of a tenancy agreement
• Any other permitted payments under the Tenant Fees Act 2019

***All prices are including VAT (20%)***