Thinking about renting a property?... Here are a few handy tips from us.
Choosing the area you'd like to live in
Do your research and figure out the specific areas you'd like to rent in. Make a list of the things that are really important to you, like transport links, schools, access to shops and use these to focus your search. Be sure to share your list of preferences with the local estate agents so they can start working for you.
Viewing properties
Try to be available and as flexible as possible. Yes, we've said it before, but the lettings business is incredibly fast moving and when a good property comes to the market there can be a rush to view and applications are often made immediately. You could miss out if you can't make yourself available within 24 hours of the agent contacting you.
Don't necessarily be put off by details in the property. If you don't like the wall colour, or the sofa isn't big enough, have a chat with the agent. We encourage our landlords to be flexible and accommodate tenant's requests whenever possible.
If you want the landlord to undertake any improvement works, or add/remove furniture, put in your request as soon as you decide to make an offer. It can be much harder to get these jobs agreed once you have moved in.
Fees and charges
From 1st June 2019, like all agents in England, we will not be charging any referencing, renewal or set up fees to our tenants. Therefore, our tenants will only be liable for the following charges:
Tenant Permitted Payments
BEFORE YOU MOVE IN
Before the tenancy starts – payable to Castle Estates 1982 Limited “the Agent"
Holding Deposit: 1 week’s rent- Paid by you to reserve the Property. This will only be retained by us if any relevant person (including any guarantor(s)) withdrawal from the tenancy, fail a Right-to-Rent check, provide materially significant false or misleading information, or fail to sign their tenancy agreement (and/ or Deed of Guarantee) within 15 calendar days.
DURING YOUR TENANCY
Amendment Fee
Contract negotiation, amending terms and updating your tenancy agreement during your tenancy. £50 + VATLate Rent Fee
Interest will be charged at 3% above the Bank of England Base Rate from Rent Due date until paid in full. This will not be levied until the rent is more than 14 days in arrears with the interest calculated back from the first day of the arrears.
Replacement Keys or Security Devices
Tenants are liable to the actual cost of replacing any lost key(s) or other security device(s). If the loss results in locks needing to be changed, the actual costs of a locksmith, new lock and replacement keys for the tenant, landlord any other persons requiring keys will be charged to the tenant. (at cost)
During the tenancy where applicable – payable to provider
Utilities – gas, electricity, water and Council Tax
Communications – telephone and broadband
Installation of cable/satellite and subscription to cable and satellite
Television License
ENDING YOUR TENANCY
Early Termination Fee
Should you wish to leave the property before the end of your tenancy agreement, and should the landlord agree to this, then you will be liable to cover the landlord’s costs of re-letting the property as well as any rent due under the terms of your tenancy agreement up until which point a new tenant takes over occupancy.
Other Permitted Payments
Any other permitted payments, not included above, under the relevant legislation including contractual damages.
Tenant Protection
Castle Estates is a member of Client Money Protect, which is a client money protection scheme, and also a member of The Property Redress Scheme, which is a redress scheme. You can find out more details on our website or by contacting us directly.
Moving out
If the property was professionally cleaned when you moved in, then the chances are you will need to arrange for the same to be done when you move out. Whoever is managing the property - be it the estate agent or the landlord - they will want to see a receipt for the cleaning.
It goes without saying that you should leave the property in tip top condition and remove all your belongings, otherwise you risk losing part, or all of your deposit.
If you have any further queries then feel free to contact our lettings team anytime.
Click here to view our Client Money Protection