Finding a Property
Our personnel are specially trained and equipped to assist tenants to find properties to rent that will meet their individual needs. We maintain a database of properties available to rent and of prospective tenants and their requirements. As properties become available, our first action is to contact waiting tenants on the database, whose requirements match the property.  Many properties are reserved within days of coming on the market so it is important to register your details with us so we can contact you immediately. Typically, properties to rent become available about two months before occupancy date, so where possible it is advisable to start looking early.

Viewings
Having identified a potentially suitable property, we will arrange a viewing. This will be at a time to suit you, and could be at evenings or weekends, subject of course to the Landlords permission. All viewings will be accompanied by a member of staff, who will be able to provide immediate advice and answer any questions you may have.

Offer/Application
Having decided on a property, you will need to complete an application form together with a Reservation Deposit and Reference Fee. Also at this time any details or requirements can be provisionally agreed, such as occupancy date, duration of the letting, etc. The minimum period of the tenancy is for six calendar months.

A Reservation Deposit will be required. Assuming the rental proceeds, this will be deducted from the security deposit due before occupation. If we or the Landlord decline your application it will be refunded. It will however not be refunded if you decide not to proceed for any reason, or if the tenancy fails to proceed due to incomplete or inaccurate information provided in the tenancy application.

We will take references on behalf of the Landlord using a professional referencing company. Normally these will include your employer, any former landlord and a character reference. In addition a credit check will be undertaken. Where a Tenant is unable to meet the required income or credit checks, the Tenant may have a Guarantor, who would also need to be reference checked, to underwrite any rent liabilities.

If your application is unsuccessful the referencing fees are not refundable.

On some properties we act on an introductory basis only and may be subject to different fees and deposits. We will advise you if this is the case.

What Next
Once your application has been approved we will arrange a time, prior to moving in, for you to come in and sign your tenancy agreement. You will be given the opportunity to read through and understand the agreement before signing. Also you will need to pay the first month’s rent and security deposit minus the reservation deposit which you have already paid. This will need to be in cleared funds such as a bankers draft or building society cheque.

Security Deposit
A deposit (or 'bond') is required prior to occupation. This is equal to one and half month's rent, but may be more. Check with our representative. Where we are managing the property, this is held by ourselves as stakeholders in a client account until the end of the tenancy. The deposit will also be protected using a Government approved scheme under the terms of the Housing Act 2004. Where we are not managing the property the deposit will usually be passed over to the Landlord. It will be the Landlords responsibility to provide the required protection.

The deposit is held to cover any breakages, damage, or other tenant liabilities. Where we are managing, at the end of the tenancy we will check the property in the presence of the Tenant and assess any damages and deductions due.

Please note that the deposit cannot be used by the Tenant to cover rent.

Rent
Where we are managing agents rents are payable by standing order to our Company bank account monthly in advance, with the first month's rent due before taking occupation of the premises.

The Tenant is responsible for Council Tax, Water Rates, Gas, Electricity, television licence and Telephone costs etc

Tenancy Inspections
If we are acting as managing agent we will carry out a property inspection every three months. You will be informed in writing seven days before any inspection.

Insurance
You are responsible for you own belongings and should consider taking out appropriate insurance, we can provide you with details of specialist tenancy policies.