Information for Tenants

Once you have found your new home through us, you should be able to move in pretty quickly – we normally ask for the following information and documents from you before you are able to move in [or reserve]:

• Photographic proof of identity – Passport
• Proof of right to rent in UK – Visa
• Proof of current address – bank or utilities correspondence
• Deposit – Nil Deposit certificate or a deposit of Five weeks’ rent (for rent under £50,000 per year) or Six weeks rent (for rent of £50,000 or over per year)
• Holding deposit – the equivalent of one week’s rent
• Initial rent payable up front
• Signed tenancy agreement – see more below
• Guarantor (only where specifically required)

We understand that finding a deposit when you’re moving into a new rental home can be tough when your previous deposit hasn’t been returned, and you’re paying your first month’s rent and the costs associated with moving. Our partner’s Nil Deposit Scheme provides an alternative to the traditional deposit.

To opt in, please speak to your negotiator or lettings progressor.

How does it work?

• You pay a Nil Deposit fee of 1 week’s rent plus VAT
  For Example £780PCM. 1 week’s rent £180 – Nil Deposit service charge is £216
• Our Nil Deposit service manages the payment of any entitlement to your letting agent,
  up to a maximum of 8 week’s rent, for any breach of the tenancy agreement agreed by
  you
• You will reimburse our partner for the sum agreed by you, or determined by an
  independent adjudicator in the case of a dispute, within 14 days of notification
• For rentals with more than one tenant you nominate a lead tenant
• You have tenants’ liability insurance in place for the complete tenancy term and provide a
  copy of your insurance certificate
• In the case of tenancy extensions a Nil Deposit extension service charge of £30 including
  VAT is payable to our partner, and the Scheme is renewable every 12 months as a
  minimum

Whilst not mandatory, we always recommend our Tenants procure Liability Insurance. For just £7.52 including Insurance Premium Tax* per month by direct debit, you can be protected against paying for any damage to your landlord’s property, fixtures, fittings and furniture. You’ll also be covered against time-consuming deposit disputes.

You can apply for tenant liability insurance through our referencing platform.

Accidents happen and burglary or other unforeseen problems are a constant risk and could mean losing your deposit.

Our partner provides specialist tenants’ contents insurance which gives you peace of mind by protecting your valued possessions and protecting you against any accidental damage to your landlord’s property.

You can obtain a quote through our referencing platform

With regards to applying to rent a property from one of our Landlords. Before your application can be fully considered, you will need to pay to us a holding deposit equivalent to one weeks’ rent for the property you are interested in. This document explains what happens to that holding deposit and the circumstances in which the deposit will / will not be refunded. It is important that you know your legal rights and accordingly you should feel free to seek independent legal advice before signing this or indeed any other document which we might put before you.

Once we have your holding deposit, current legislation stipulates that the necessary paperwork should be completed within 15 days or such longer period as might be agreed.

If at any time during that period you decide not to proceed with the tenancy, then your holding deposit will be retained by our firm. By the same token, if during that period you unreasonably delay in responding to any reasonable request made by our firm, and if it turns out that you have provided us with false or misleading information as part of your tenancy application or if you fail any of the checks which the Landlord is required to undertake under the Immigration Act 2014, then again your holding deposit will not be returned.  It will be retained by this firm and your Landlord.

However, if the Landlord decides not to offer you a tenancy for reasons unconnected with the above then your deposit will be refunded within 7 days. Should you be offered and you accept a tenancy with our Landlord, then your holding deposit will be credited to the first months’ rent due under that tenancy.

Where, for whatever reason, your holding deposit is neither refunded nor credited against any rental liability, you will be provided with written reasons for your holding deposit not being repaid within 7 days.

You will not be asked to pay any fees or charges in connection with your application for a tenancy.  However, if your application is successful under our standard assured shorthold tenancy agreement, you will be required to pay certain fees for any breach of that tenancy agreement in line with the Tenant Fees Act 2019. In consideration of us processing your tenant application, you agree to pay those fees to us on request.

To access our online reservation form please click here.

If you want an idea of what you and your landlord will sign when you come to rent your property, click on the following links:

Example Managed Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement

Example Let Only Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement

Example Company Agreement

We have a very handy and easy-to use online portal – mycentrick  making it really easy for you to pay your rent and report any maintenance issues affecting your rental property. In the future this portal will also allow you to see all your tenancy documentation.  

We have access to specialist maintenance people who will get the problem fixed as quickly as possible, whether it’s a broken window, a faulty boiler or a lighting problem.

If you have already activated your account, simply click here to go to the portal.

If you have not activated your account, simply click here to get set up and follow the instructions on screen.

Tenant Fees

Company Tenancies

We have teamed up with Experian to take part in The Rental Exchange. The Rental Exchange is a way to strengthen your credit report without you needing to take on new credit. The scheme enables us to share details about the rent you pay with Experian on a monthly basis. This is then included in your credit report, meaning you will then be recognised for paying your rent on time.

Please read through The Rental Exchange – Fair Processing Notice for more details