Hello and thank you for considering Girard Lettings for your new home! We want to make sure that you are fully informed about the procedures and requirements involved in renting a property through us. Our guide is divided into three sections: Tenancy Application, Moving In, and End of Tenancy.
Tenancy Application:
When you've found a property you like, you'll need to pay a holding deposit of one week's rent and complete a Tenancy Application and Referencing. If your application is successful, the property will be taken off the market, subject to contract. Unfortunately, the holding deposit is non-refundable if you decide to withdraw from the tenancy. Eventually, this deposit will go towards your overall deposit for the tenancy. If you need a guarantor, they'll need to complete referencing. Once the landlord approves your application and references, we'll agree on a tenancy start date and send you draft contracts for approval you should take the time to read carefully, or have the agreement checked by a solicitor or Citizens Advice Bureau before signing. A Tenancy Agreement is a legally binding contract and should be considered as such. You'll be required to pay a security deposit of five weeks' rent. This deposit will be held by the Deposit Protection Service (DPS) in line with the terms of the Deposit Protection Service and the tenancy agreement. We're members of the Deposit Protection Service, and we'll provide you with a certificate, information leaflet, and Terms and Conditions.
Moving In:
Before your move in date, an independent clerk will perform an inventory and schedule of condition report. You will receive a copy of this document to check and confirm you agree with its content. This document will form the basis of any claim that your landlord may have against your deposit at the end of the tenancy. It's important to return a copy of the signed inventory to us within the required time period. During your tenancy, you'll be responsible for paying for your phone and broadband services. Please do not disconnect the line without the landlord's permission. Also, make sure that you have a valid television license for the property. You are fully responsible for insuring your own contents and we would recommend you insure any contents belonging to the landlord against accidental damage. We can provide you with insurance quotes on request. Your first months rent is due with the remainder of the security deposit before keys are released. From there on, your rent is due monthly in advance on the anniversary of the start date of your tenancy. End of Tenancy:
Approximately 2 months before the end of your tenancy, we'll contact you to discuss any renewed or extended term of tenancy to be agreed. When it's time to leave, make sure the property is fully vacated, cleaned, and ready for the inventory clerk to inspect. Once the checkout report is received, we'll forward a copy to you and the landlord. If any matters arise we'll proceed into a period of discussion and/or negotiation. Once both landlord and tenant agree, the DPS (Deposit Protection Service) will be instructed to release funds accordingly.
We hope this guide has been helpful to you. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us.