Questions & Answers

Ensure you calculate the rent you will pay correctly

Remember in most cases agents calculate the rent by calendar month, not on a 4 weekly basis. The calculation is 52 weeks divided by 12 months giving you the per calendar month figure.

Holding deposits and other charges

You will always have to put down a holding deposit to secure a property and to ensure it is removed from the market. This amount is generally £500 in advance. This would normally be deducted from the first rental payment. You will also have to pay an administration charge.

Who pays for utilities?

Normally the tenant takes over the utilities on moving into the property. Be sure to check the readings as you move into the property.

Who should fix items that need repairing in the property?

The landlord should fix any appliances that need repairing. However tenants are responsible for breakages. A tenant should report repairs as soon as they become aware.

Can the landlord or their agent come round when the like?

No. Your privacy is respected. If you rent through an agent it is not usual that either the landlord or letting agent will try to gain access to the property outside pre agreed times.

Should the agent want to inspect the property, they should give you reasonable notice of this. These details are normally outlined in the tenancy agreement signed by you and agent.

If I want to leave can I give notice at any time during the tenancy?

If you give notice earlier you'll be liable to pay the rent until the end of the tenancy. However, when drawing up agreements you could negotiate a break clause entitling you to give notice after 6 months. This would mean you'd be liable for the rent for the notice period of 2 months - releasing you from the remaining 4 months on a 12 month tenancy.

Who do I deal with - the letting agent or landlord?

The letting agent will deal with the property viewings, references, agreements and getting you moved in. From that point on contact depends on whether the landlord pays the agent to manage their property. If the property is managed you will normally report any repairs or queries to the agent - otherwise you will deal with the landlord direct.

What is the agent's role?

The agent acts for the landlord. Therefore their powers are limited in helping you. However the accepted guidelines in the letting industry mean that you should be able to rely on a professional letting agent taking any of your concerns seriously during the tenancy, advising the landlord if they are being unreasonable. A profession should not undertake to let property that is unsafe (doesn't conform to safety regulations) or over priced.

Where can I find more information on renting property?

The Association of Residential Letting agents publish a leaflet called 'Trouble Free Renting'. You can download a copy at www.arla.co.uk