Tenant Guide
Sinton Andrews will guide you step by step process to ensure your renting process is as smooth as possible. Not all agents are regulated, so it is important to choose someone who can offer high standards and professionalism. We are proud to be members of Propertymark – ARLA which ensures regular training sessions for all our staff who will be looking after you. This includes being part of the Client Money Protection Scheme which provides compensation to Tenants should an agent misappropriate the rent, deposit or other client funds.
Tenancy application and references:
Once an offer has been agreed you are required to make a payment of 1 weeks’ rent as a holding fee to indicate your commitment. Please note that this holding fee does not constitute a tenancy or offer of tenancy but as proof of your serious intention to proceed. The following references will then be taken up on behalf of the Landlord:
• Current Landlord or Proof of Home Ownership
• Employers/Accountant
• Character/Personal
• Credit Check
• 6 Months of bank statements
Due to the immigration regulations regarding Right to Rent, we would also require all tenants to bring their passports, visas and work permits (if applicable) and proof of address into the office before a tenancy commences. These need to be original documents and not copies.
Tenancy agreement:
Once satisfactory references have been obtained, you will be required to sign an Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement.
Initial monies:
• First month’s rent in advance
• Damages deposit – equivalent to 5 weeks
• The ‘initial monies’ must be paid in cleared funds by bank transfer or debit card
Damages deposit:
Before your tenancy commences you will be required to pay a damages deposit of 5 weeks rent. The deposit is held either by the Landlord or Sinton Andrews in a Tenants Deposit Scheme. You will receive a copy of the Certificate of Registration for the deposit once it has been registered within the scheme. We are members of The Dispute Service.
Rent payment:
All rent is payable in advance by standing order.
Further Fees are as follows:
Unpaid Rent Interest at 3% above the Bank of England Base Rate from Rent Due Date until paid in order to pursue non-payment of rent. Please Note: This will not be levied until the rent is more than 14 days in arrears.
Lost Key(s) or other Security Device(s) 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. If extra costs are incurred there will be a charge of £15 per hour (inc. VAT) for the time taken replacing lost key(s) or other security device(s).
Variation of Contract (Tenant’s Request) — £50 (inc. VAT) per agreed variation. To cover the costs associated with taking landlord’s instructions as well as the preparation and execution of new legal documents.
Change of Sharer (Tenant’s Request) — £50 (inc. VAT) per replacement tenant or any reasonable costs incurred if higher. To cover the costs associated with taking landlord’s instructions, new tenant referencing and Right-to-Rent checks, deposit registration as well as the preparation and execution of new legal documents.
Early Termination (Tenant’s Request) Should the tenant wish to leave their contract early, they shall be liable to the landlord’s costs in re-letting the property as well as all rent due under the tenancy until the start date of the replacement tenancy. These costs will be no more than the maximum amount of rent outstanding on the tenancy.