At Excelet we take pride in working alongside all our tenants we strive in keeping them happy during their stay. We know exactly how it feels being a tenant and frustrated when the service isn’t great, we hope to change your mind on that thought!
Step 1 – Searching & Finding The Right Property
Firstly, before you start your search, we would always recommend you have your budget in place do not only consider the rental amount you will pay there are other factors such as:
- Utility bills on top of your rent if it’s not included
- Broadband costs
- Any satellite or cable T.V you might want set up
- Monthly food shop
- All other outgoings you currently have i.e. mobile, car insurance, contents insurance etc
- Any travel costs
- Always have extra savings in case of any unexpected cost
Once you have this in place it would also be best to know the location you prefer whether it’s close to work, transport, schools and local amenities.
With the above in hand the search would be so much easier and less time consuming in you finding the right home.
Step 2- Securing A Property Referencing
Once you have found the right place, you will be required to pay one weeks holding deposit to secure the property, way of payment will be via bank transfer.
With the holding deposit received we will require from you:
- Contact details of all residents above 18
- Valid passport or equivalent proof of visa with rights to remain in the UK
- Latest utility bill for proof of address
Please also note at this stage we will agree for any items or works, such as furniture removal or any works to be completed.
Step 3 -Application & Referencing
Referencing is an integral part of the process so we can determine if you are able to afford the monthly rent and have a good track record, the type of checks involved will be:
- Proof of ID with right to rent check
- Current and possibly previous employment check
- Previous rental history
- Affordability
- Details of any bankruptcy within the last 5 years
- Credit Checks
All our reference checks are carried out by an independent company and all details you will provide to them and discuss.
If you don’t pass all checks
This totally depends on the reason you may have not passed if it’s down to may being a student, self-employed with less than 3 years tax returns, or being a first-time renter with no rental history. We would at first discuss your situation with the Landlord and if they are happy to proceed you may be required to provide a guarantor and even 3 to 6 months’ rent in advance.
Step 4 – Deposit & Tenancy Agreement
Once all checks have come back we will draft and arrange for you to sign the Tenancy Agreement. You should read the Tenancy Agreement carefully and make sure you are happy with all the obligations.
You will at this stage transfer the remaining balance of the deposit and your one month’s rent in advance.
Step 5 – Check In & Inventory
At this stage we will now book in our independent inventory clerk, to arrange for check in on the day of your move. Please do let us know a time you prefer and we will try and organise this for you, keys will be handed to you on the day.
We will need you to bring your ID too so we can make sure it is yourself moving in and collecting the keys.
Please note you should take pictures of the meters too and make sure you have them to hand as you will need to provide them to the utility companies.
We also recommend once you have received the check in report to keep it safe so it’s easier to compare with your check out report on vacating.
Step 6 – Documents To Be Provided
On the day of your move in you will be proved with the documents listed below by the Landlord or agent it is important you do receive them as it’s a prerequisite by law:
- How to Rent Guide – Click her to see guide
- A copy the Gas safety Certificate
- A copy of the Electric Certificate
- A copy of the EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)
- Deposit protection information
Step 7 – Moving in
We would have arranged a time for you to meet our independent clerk, you will meet at the property and will be given a set of keys each.
A standing order will also need to be set up so there are no delays and further charges in case the rental payment is missed.
If you think you will be late on the day please try to inform us as soon as you can so we can make any necessary arrangements.
Step 8- Renewing Or Ending Your Tenancy
If you are happy to renew and your property is managed by Excelet Property we will contact you and the Landlord eight weeks property to the contract expiring to see if both parties are happy to renew. If this is the case we would issue you with another Tenancy Agreement. If the property is managed by the Landlord its best to contact them eight weeks prior as they may have a change of circumstances sometimes landlord may need to move back in, sell or other plans.
The Landlords may decide to increase the rent so we will inform you and give you time to have a think
If you or the Landlord decide to end the tenancy then notice must be served normally it is two months prior to the tenancy ending but do check your Tenancy Agreement as some maybe one month’s notice.
Here is some advice on what you should be doing before you vacate:
- Make sure all your rent is paid and up to date
- Ensure all utility and other bills are paid to date
- Arrange cleaners to leave the property in the same state you moved in
- If you have a garden make sure it is clean and tidy, all clear of rubbish, your items and cut any lawn.
- Make sure any damage you feel you may have caused is reported two weeks prior so the issue can be rectified.
- All keys handed back to the check out clerk
- Read the checkout report thoroughly and inform us of any disagreement.
It usually takes up to 10 days to return your deposit if all is well and no damage has been reported. If there are any discrepancies and all parties cannot come to an agreement this process will take longer.
In order to process your deposit on most cases we will require your forwarding address.
For further details, please visit our tenants’ responsibilities page by clicking here