Your Tenancy

This page explains the tenancy you have taken with us and both our responsibilities.  The tenancy agreement is between you the tenant(s) and us (“the Landlord”), concerning the letting of the property described on your tenancy agreement form. This page explains your rights, the duties of the Landlord and the duties you have as a tenant. If you accept a tenancy with us we expect you to keep to the tenancy conditions, and pay your rent in full and on time, take good care of our property and have consideration for those living around you. 

Applying For A Tenancy

If you would like to apply for one of our tenancies, this page will explain all you need to know.........

During The Tenancy

This section will help you understand your tenancy, what the tenancy agreement means and what yours and our responsibilities are.

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Repairs & Maintenance

We explain the process relating to repairs and maintenance issues, the importance of reporting issues to us and what your responsibility is in relation to minor repairs......

Tenancy Deposits

This will explain where your tenancy deposit is held, what it is used for and how it is repaid to you when your tenancy comes to an end.

Ending A Tenancy

To end a tenancy, it is important that it is ended in the legal framework that is designed for the tenancy and in accordance with the tenancy contract,  this page we explains how a tenancy is ended.........

FAQ's

It is impossible to answer all the questions associated with tenancies and rental properties but we have created a Frequently Asked Question section which may help.

Your Tenancy

The tenancies we offer are Assured Shorthold Tenancies as set out in the 1986 Housing Act. Our Tenacies are set up as fixed term tenancies, anyting from 6 months (minium) to 3 years.  Tenants can choose to renew to a further Fixed Term Tenancy or choose the flexibility of a Periodic Tenacy, which means that the tenancy would run month to month.

An Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) is a type of tenancy used for renting residential properties. It is considered the most common form of tenancy agreement. Under an AST, the landlord has the right to regain possession of the property at the end of the fixed term of the tenancy, typically six or twelve months, with a two-month notice period. The tenant has the right to live in the property for the fixed term of the tenancy and is responsible for paying rent and maintaining the property in a good condition.

 

 

Dealing With Tenancy Issues

As Landlords, we are responsible for the repairs and the maintence of the propertey you are renting from us, Tenants should also be familiar with their rights and responsibilities under the tenancy agreement.

We have a responsibility to maintain the rental property and ensure that tenants have a safe and comfortable living environment. However, many issues may arise during the tenancy that need to be addressed.

One common issue is maintenance and repairs. Tenants are expected to report any issues with the property, such as a leaky gutters, leaks or a broken window, to us as soon as possible.  We are then responsible for arranging for the necessary repairs to be made in a timely manner.

Another issue that may arise is rent payments. Tenants are expected to pay rent on time, and landlords have the right to take legal action if rent is not paid. If a tenant is having difficulty paying rent, they are expected to communicate with us as soon as possible to discuss potential solutions.  Not communicating with us and ignoring our calls or texts will only make things worse.

Noise complaints are also issues that we may have to deal with. Tenants are expected to be respectful of their neighbors and keep noise levels to a minimum. If a tenant is causing excessive noise, we may issue a warning or take other disciplinary action.

In the event of a breach of the tenancy such as rent arrears, unauthorized occupants or damage to the property, we may choose to terminate the tenancy. This is a serious action, and we are required to follow proper legal procedures before doing so.

It’s important for tenants to communicate with us when issues arise.  We are usually willing to work with tenants to find a solution that is fair for both parties. 

Maintenace & Repairs

As Landlords, we are responsible for the repairs and the maintence of the propertey you are renting from us.  We are responsible for the structure of the property, makind sure that the proeprty is safe and habitlable and making sure that the relevant certificates are in place and up to date.  Tenants also have a responsibility towards the upkeeep of the property, in particular making sure that any maintenance issues are reported to us as soon as you beome aware of them and also making sure that you take dare of any minor repairs which may occur from time to time.

We are responsible for ensuring that the rental property is safe and habitable for tenants. This typically includes maintaining the structure and systems of the property, such as the roof, plumbing, and electrical systems. Depending on the type of tenancy,  we may also be responsible for providing and maintaining appliances, such as refrigerators and ovens, and ensuring that common areas, such as hallways and stairwells, are safe and clean.

If a tenant reports a repair or maintenance issue,  we are esponsible for addressing the issue in a timely manner. If the issue poses a serious threat to the health and safety of the tenant, then we may feel the issue needs to be addressed immediately and we may request immediate access.

You can find out more about repair and maitenance by clicking here

 

Rent Arrears

A tenant is responsible for paying rent to us in exchange for the use of  the rental property. Rent is typically paid on a monthly basis and is due on a specific date agreed upon in the tenancy agreement. If a tenant fails to pay rent, we may take legal action to evict the tenant from the property. It is important for tenants to budget accordingly and make timely payments to avoid any potential conflicts with the landlord.

Rent arrears are considered a serious issue because it can have legal and financial consequences for both the tenant and the landlord. If a tenant falls behind on rent payments, we may take legal action to evict the tenant and recover the unpaid rent. This can lead to a negative impact on the tenant’s credit score and make it difficult for them to rent from a landlord in the future. Additionally, if the tenant is unable to pay the arrears, they could face financial difficulties or even homelessness. It is important for a tenant to stay current on their rent payments and to communicate with their landlord if they are having trouble making payments.  If for whatever reason a tenant cannot pay their rent and they have a guarantor supporing their tenancy, then they must communicate with their guarantor and request that they pay the rent for them.

Guarantors

The guarantor is a person or person who the tenant put forward to support the tenancy agreement to agree to take financial responsibility for a tenant’s rent and any damages to the property if the tenant is unable to pay. The guarantor’s role is to act as a backup for the landlord in case the tenant defaults on their rent or causes damage to the property. The guarantor will have provided proof of income and will have signed a contract with us, agreeing to the terms of the tenancy. It’s important for the tenant to understand that the guarantor is not just signing a form, but taking on a serious financial responsibility, that if the tenant is unable to pay the rent or cause damages to the property, the guarantor will be held liable for the costs.

Rent Reviews

Rent reviews refer to the process of periodically adjusting the rent amount for a tenant who is renting a property. This process is typically done on an annual or semi-annual basis, and the new rent amount is determined based on a variety of factors such as market conditions, the cost of living, and the property’s condition.  

Rent reviews take place annually in March with a view to implenintg any incrase in April rent payment.  Rents will norally rise in accordance with inflation and underlying interest rate performance. Tenants have the right to negotiate the new rent amount if they disagree with it.

Ending A Tenancy

Tenants and Landlords can terminate a tenancy provdiding they follow the law that determines the termination. Whilst these rules are not specifically complicated, they can sometimes be confusing so we have set out the details of teanancy termination on a dedicated page whiich you can find buy clicking the link below.

The notice period required will depend on the terms of the tenancy agreement, but typically it will be two months  notice. If a tenant wants to leave, they must give notice in writing to the us. If the landlord wants the tenant to leave, they must give notice in writing to the tenant. The notice to the tenant must be served in a specific way and must give  at least two months before the date on which the landlord wants the tenant to vacate the property.

Below you will find a selection of FAQ’s which should cover the most common questions we are asked. Obviously, it would be impossible to list all the questions that pop up during the period of a tenancy but if you have one that isn’t listed here, or you need clarification of any points, please contact us so that we may help you further.

The Tenancy Agreement

Your Tenancy Agreement is an Assured Shorthold Tenancy.  We generally issue an initial tenancy term of between six and twelve months after which we are flexible as to whether you wish to go onto a preiodic tenancy, or renew onto a fixed term tenancy.

Utilities

Unless you occupy one of our Multi-Let Properties, the Utililty Accounts for the rental property are the tenants responsibility.

Bills Included Tenancies

Bills included tenancy refers to a type of rental agreement where the tenant pays a single, all-inclusive price that covers not only the cost of the rental unit itself, but also the cost of certain utility bills, such as electricity, gas, water, and internet. This type of arrangement can be beneficial for both landlords and tenants, as it can make budgeting and paying bills easier for the tenant, and can help ensure that utility bills are paid on time for the landlord. However, it is important for both parties to clearly understand and agree upon which bills are included in the rental price and which are not, as well as how any disputes or discrepancies will be handled.

Keys

Tenants are responsible for the safekeeping of their house keys. If the keys are lost or stolen, it is the tenant’s responsibility. The tenant should inform us immediately.  We have a policy in place where tenants are required to pay a fee for lost keys, and may require the tenant to pay for a locksmith to change the locks. The tenant should be aware of their responsibilities regarding keys and fees in their rental agreement.

Repairs and Maintenance

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Gutters and Rainwater Goods

The landlord is responsible for ensuring that gutters and drainpipes are in good working condition and are free of debris at the outset of the tenancy, as they are designed to protect the building from water damage caused by rain and snow.

However, tenants are responsible for ensuring that gutters and drainpipes are not blocked by their own actions and are cleaned during the term of their tenancy. If a tenant were to put rubbish or other debris in the gutter or down the drainpipe, they would be responsible for removing it and for any damage caused by the blockage.

It’s important for tenants to report any issues with gutters and drainpipes to the landlord as soon as they notice them, as failure to do so can lead to serious water damage and potential mold issues. 

Minor Repairs

Tenants are generally responsible for minor repairs that are caused by normal wear and tear or by the tenant’s own actions. This can include things like changing lightbulbs, unclogging drains, and fixing leaks caused by a faucet left running. Tenants are also typically responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the rental property and keeping it in good condition.  

It is important for tenants to be aware of their responsibilities regarding minor repairs and to address any issues as soon as they arise, as failure to do so can lead to further damage and additional costs. 

Reporting Repairs and Maintenance

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Emergency Call Out
Emergencies

It is important for tenants to understand that landlords have their own personal lives and may not always be available to address non-emergency issues outside of regular business hours. In order to respect their time and privacy, it is best for tenants to only contact the landlord or property management staff in the case of a serious emergency.

Examples of serious emergencies include:

  • A fire or other dangerous situation that requires immediate attention
  • A plumbing issue that is causing significant water damage
  • A power outage or other issue that is affecting the safety of the property

For non-emergency issues, please wait until regular business hours to contact the landlord or property management staff.

It is also important for tenants to understand that they are responsible for taking care of small maintenance issues themselves, such as replacing a light bulb or unclogging a drain. If you are unsure how to handle a maintenance issue, you can contact us during regular business hours for guidance.

Anti Social Behaviour

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No Pets Policy

Our rental properties have a strict no pets policy for a variety of reasons. One of the main reasons is to protect the property from damage caused by animals. Pets can scratch or chew on doors, walls, and floors, causing costly repairs. Additionally, pets can cause stains on carpets and upholstery.

Another reason for the no pets policy is to ensure the safety and comfort of all residents.  Furthermore, pets can be disruptive to other residents, causing noise and odors.

In summary, our rental properties have a no pets policy to protect the property, ensure the safety and comfort of all residents, and reduce the risk of our liability.

Tenancy Renewal

You can choose to renew your tenancy on a fixed term or you can let your current fixed term tenancy become periodic, which means that it will run month to month until you or we terminat it. This is called a Periodic Tenancy and has all the same protection as a fixed term tenancy.

Tenancy Deposit

A tenancy deposit is a sum of money that a tenant pays to a landlord at the beginning of a tenancy. It is held as security in case the tenant causes damage to the property or fails to pay rent. The amount of the deposit is typically equal to one or one months’ rent, but it can vary.

The purpose of the tenancy deposit is to provide us with some financial protection in the event that the tenant does not fulfill their responsibilities under the tenancy agreement. For example, if the tenant causes damage to the property or fails to pay rent, the landlord can use the deposit to cover the costs of repairs or lost rent.

All tenants deposits are protected in a government approved scheme – The Tenancy Deposit Scheme 

Ending A Tenancy

A tenant can end a tenancy by giving proper notice to the landlord, as specified in the rental agreement. The notice period required is one full month. In all cases, the tenant will need to give written notice to us. The tenant is also responsible for leaving the rental property in good condition and paying any outstanding rent or fees before vacating the property.

Locking Yourself Out

If you lock yourself out, we may be able to help you during normal office hours, but we do not carry copy sets of keys on us.  The tenant is responsible for replacing the key, as well as any reapirs to a lock which may be needed.

Gas Certificates

Where there is a gas applicance such as a boiler fitted in a property, we are required by law to provide an annual Gas Safe Certiciate for the appliance.

Electric Certificates

We are required by law to provide an Electric Certificate for the property every five years.

Energy Performance Certificate

Energy Performance Certificates are rated from ‘A’ to ‘G’, with ‘A’ being the most energy efficient, and ‘G’ being the least. The certificate will show what the current rating is and which letter category it falls into. The best thing about the EPC is that it also shows the potential rating.

This means the report assesses how energy efficient the property could be if the changes the EPC recommends were made. The more energy efficient a property is, the lower the energy bills are likely to be.
A report with a high energy efficiency rating is likely to be well insulated, with double glazed windows, a covered boiler etc.

Gardens and Yards

Where a property has a garden or a yard, it is generally a tenant’s responsibility for taking care of gardens and yards will vary depending on the terms of the rental agreement.  Where the tenant is responsible, they will typically be expected to keep the yard and gardens in a neat and tidy condition, including mowing the lawn, trimming hedges and bushes, and removing weeds, any debris and litter.  

Viewings for re-letting

We will liase with tenants for access to the property so that we can undertake viewings at the end of the tenancy.  We do expect tenants to give us access and not to hinder our normal commercial business activity. We are very suspicious where tenants deny us access and if any denial of access results in us being unable to re-let the proeprty in a reasonable time and we reserve the right to take legal action to reclaim any lossess we may incur.

Murphy's Law

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Decorating

Please do not decorate the property without first obtaining permission from us.  At the outset of the tenancy, you will have signed a document stating that any decorating needed permission and that if decorated by you, the property must be returned to its original state at the end of the tenancy.

Insurance

We will insure the property, known as Buildings Insurance but we do not insure the contents for the tenant. Tenants are wholly responsible for insuring their furniture and clothing.

Uneconomical Works

If a situation arises where work to a property becomes uneconomical, we may choose to terminate the tenancy and we will do so in accordance with the law.

Murphy's Law
Murphy’s Law is a popular adage that states that “anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.” It is often used to express the idea that if something has the potential to go wrong, it is likely that it eventually will. This can be applied to a wide range of situations, from mechanical failures to human errors,

Murphy’s law exists in rental property management, which means that if a boiler is going to break down, it will do so at 9-00 am Christmas day morning, and maybe the oven too!   We will always do our upmost to help, whatever the situation, but there are times when we simply cannot do anything about a situation that arises at the most inconvenient of times, usually when Murphy is at his naughtiest!