Tenant FAQ's
For the benefit of our tenants or potential tenants, we have compiled a number of questions and answers for the most frequent queries we have stumbled across in our experiences as letting agents:-
Why should I use Carlin Property Sales & Lettings?
We can provide you with the best properties money can rent! We regularly check the condition of our properties to ensure they are of a high standard so your stay with us is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Granted we are not operating an hotel, but you get the picture. Our customers, both landlords and tenants deserve the best, and that is exactly what we aim to deliver. And don't forget, we strive to be a friendly and approachable team, so if there is ever anything you would like to ask or report about a property, then please give us a call.
What must my landlord fix in my home, and how can I make him do repairs?
Landlords are legally responsible for maintaining the structure and exterior of the building, such as the walls, roof, external doors and windows.
Sinks, baths, toilets and other sanitary fittings, including pipes and drains.
Heating and hot water gas appliances, pipes, flues and ventilation and electrical wiring.
If repairs need doing it is normal practice to inform your landlord/managing agent in writing.
My landlord keeps letting himself into my home. What can I do?
Landlords can only come into your home at reasonable times to carry out repairs or inspect the property. They must have your permission and give you 24 hours' notice in writing, except in an emergency. If they don't do this, it is trespass and constitutes harassment. It is against the law for landlords to harass their tenants, whatever the circumstances. Other unacceptable behaviour includes:
- locking you out
- interfering with the gas, electricity or water supply
- interfering with or taking you possessions
- removing doors or windows
- refusing to allow your friends to visit you, and
- using threats or making abusive phone calls.
You can leave before the end of your fixed term only if your tenancy agreement has a 'break clause', or if there is a notice period (which you must comply with). If the agreement does not allow you to leave early you are contractually obliged to pay all the rent due for the entire length of the fixed term. However, you may be able to negotiate with the landlord, especially if they are able to re-let the flat quickly.
What if my landlord won't give my deposit back?
Under the terms of your tenancy agreement you have a duty to leave the property in the same condition as it was let to you (allowing for fair wear and tear) and to have your rent paid up before you leave.
Your landlord is entitled to withhold part or all of your deposit if they've had to pay money to get it put right, for example, to have things fixed, replaced or cleaned. The money deducted from your deposit cannot be more than the amount they have had to pay out.
What do I need to secure a room/property?
Can you please provide at least one of each proofs: residence , identity, (work/student/other) reference.
Proof of residence can include Utility bill, Bank/Credit Card or other financial stmt, driving licence or similar. (originals please).
Identity can include passport, payslip, driving licence or similar.
References - can include written reference from employer, contact details for employer, landlord contact details, contact details for personal reference or similar.
What financial proof do I need?
One of your ID’s should include an institution you have a financial account with. The financial institution requirement is not required to check anynancial details – it is purely to link you to an address.
Financial institution - Utility bill, Bank/Credit Card or other financial statement
What other ID do I need?
If the identity you choose does not have a recent-photo(ie you are not clearly identifiable), then a photo will also be required.
Are photocopies of the ID OK?
A photocopy of any ID will be required upon a successful let – but the originals must also be presented for inspection.
Do I have to be working?
Not necessarily. It depends on your circumstances. Students are accepted.
If you are a DSS claimant details /proof of your housing benefit claim will be required.
What about pets & smoking?
Smoking & Pets will need to be agreed beforehand and are allowed at the sole discretion of the Landlord.
How long is the tenancy?
The initial tenancy for a whole property will normally be for a minimum of twelve months. Short term rentals are sometimes possible on some properties.
What is my initial financial commitment?
Normally a deposit of one months rent, plus one months rent in advance will be required. Assistance/flexibility may be available on occasions.
Do I have to pay any fees/deposits up front?
Yes, once you have found a property our administration fee for processing your application is due.
We also require one month’s security deposit as cleared funds the day you move in.
Do I have to supply references etc?
You will need to complete an Application Form from which we will take information including addresses/contacts of the following; Bank or building society, employer, previous landlords and in some cases your solicitor and/or accountant.These are so we can write to confirm your ability to meet the rental commitment.
What is a tenancy agreement?
It is a legally binding document between you and the landlord, applicable only to you and the property you are renting that states the amount of rent, the length of the tenancy, your rights and responsibilities.
What are my responsibilities?
These should be clearly set out in your tenancy agreement, which you should read carefully before you sign. In general tenants are required to keep the property in good condition and pay rent by the monthly due date.
How long does it all take before I can move in?
The whole process can work as quickly as you the tenant can make it, but expect to take a minimum of three working days but not normally longer than 5 working days, to take up and confirm references, clear your cheque covering the holding deposit, arrange for inventory checks etc.
What do I need to do before I move in?
Make sure you have the necessary deposit and first month’s rent in cash, or bankers draft or a buildingsociety cheque. You also need to tell service providers like electricity providers that you will be paying bills at the property.
How long is a typical let?
All our tenancies are normally for a minimum period of 12 months.
What happens if I want to stay on or leave early?
Tenancies are frequently renewed and we normally agree the terms for the renewal at the beginning and include them in the tenancy agreement. If you’re likely to leave before the end of the original term agreed, you must negotiate break clauses to be written into the agreement. If not, you will remain responsible for the rent until the end of the term agreed, unless a new and satisfactory tenant can be found at your expense.
What else do I have to pay for?
The tenant pays the utility bills such as gas, electricity, water, telephone, internet and TV licence during the course of the tenancy.
What must I do at the end of a tenancy?
Ensure you fulfil your obligations stated in the tenancy agreement to leave the property in the condition it was in at the start, or deductions will be made from your deposit. These will include thorough cleaning of the property and if you’ve moved furniture, return it to where you found it at the time of the inventory.
How do I get my deposit back?
After an inventory check and condition inspection, provided there are no missing items or damage, your deposit will be returned shortly after you leave the property. You cannot set your deposit against any rent payment due. You must provide a forwarding address for the deposit to be returned to you.
Who has been holding my deposit?
On fully managed properties, Carlin will have retained your deposit in a designated client’s deposit account unless otherwise directed by the Landlord. This will ensure the safety of the money and that the correct amount will be returned to you or apportioned to the landlord if anything is missing or damaged.