This page contains a set of useful hints and tips for tenants. If you are looking for a property in Cambridgeshire, why not search our database of available properties.
One way to be sure of security - both in your tenancy and with your money, is to use a professional, dedicated letting agent who is a member of ARLA (The Association of Residential Letting Agents).
They are accredited and will help you find the home that will suit you. They are fully bonded so your deposit and your rent will be safe. They also have membership of the Deposit Protection Scheme which provides a dispute resolution service in the case of disagreement at the end of a tenancy.
To help you make up your mind we would like to share some questions and answers to make the renting process simpler. Naturally, if you have questions specific to you please click here to contact us .
What is the difference between a Fully Managed property and a Let Only?
A Full Management means the agent will be looking after the property throughout your tenancy. Tenants report any repair or other problem to the agent who will act on behalf of their client, the Landlord, and fix the problem.
Let only means that the agent finds tenants for the property and arranges the paperwork. The Landlord then takes over the management and the tenant contacts the Landlord direct if there are any problems. Always check with an agent as to who will be looking after your tenancy and who will be holding your deposit. Noonan Crane Property Management always hold the deposit when the property is under full management.
What can I expect in a fully furnished or an unfurnished property?
Typically unfurnished means curtains, carpets and cooker. Full furnished includes furniture, beds and in some cases all the crockery and cutlery and other household equipment.
Always ask the negotiator when you look at a property which items are included as part of the tenancy.
What kind of commitment am I entering into?
A Tenancy Agreement is a legal and binding document. You will be committed to paying rent until the end of the term. Normal terms are 6 months or 12 months. If you have special requirements speak to the agent who will advise you on your best action.
What do I pay an Agent?
It is important to ask any agent this question, as many do charge for renewals, check-outs and may have other hidden fees during the tenancy.
Do I need insurance?
Yes. Your contents need to be insured, as the landlord's insurance covers the actual property/goods, but not tenant's possessions.
How much is the deposit and how secure is it?
This is normally a sum equal to one and a half month's rent. It is held by the agent as Stakeholder in a bonded client account. It is kept safe during your tenancy and returned when you vacate the premises as long as the property is left as per the inventory and all clauses in the tenancy agreement are fulfilled.
Example:
You choose to rent a flat which is £650 per calendar month:
Your deposit will be £650 x 1.5 which is equal to £975.
Use our letting calculator and find out how much it will cost you to move into a property.
How long will it take from choosing a property to moving in?
It is wise to allow 14 days for the process. Which includes taking up references and the preparation of the property. In many cases, the timescale can be much shorter.
How do I pay my rent?
Rent is paid monthly by standing order from your bank. This is set up to be withdrawn from your account three days before the date on which the rent is due.
How much money do I need to move into a property?
There is a non returnable administration fee of £175.00 (No VAT). Before your tenancy begins you will need to pay the rent until the end of the month and a returnable deposit equivalent to one and half months rent. All these funds must be paid in cleared funds i.e. cash or a bankers draft.
Use our letting calculator and find out how much it will cost you to move into a property.
Who pays the council tax and other bills?
All utility accounts at the property will have been closed in the Landlord's name. We advise reading of the meters and contacting the relevant suppliers as soon as you move in. Full information on the property and the area in which the property is located is enclosed in the property welcome pack.
What about service charges if I rent a flat?
Generally, service charges are paid by the Landlord, but would advise checking your tenancy agreement before you sign it.
What is ARLA and how does it help me?
ARLA members are accredited for their experience, professionalism and compliance with ARLA's bye laws, regulations, accounting procedures and their professional indemnity which complies with the requirements of the Association's Fidelity bond.
What information will I need to supply?
You will be asked to complete a form as references are done by an independent referencing company. Generally you will be required to brings 2 forms of id, at leat one which has a photo.
The folowing forms of id are accepted: Passport, Driving License, Bank Statement, Utitlity Bill
Why a tenancy agreement?
These should clearly set out your responsibilities. Read it carefully before you sign. If in doubt, ask the agent. There is a duty for professional agents to ensure that anyone entitled to rely on them is offered correct advice.
What is a tenancy agreement?
It is a legally binding document between you and the landlord, applicable only to you and the property you are renting, that states the amount of rent, the length of the tenancy, your rights and responsibilities. Your agreement will most probably be an Assured Shorthold tenancy under the Housing Act as amended in 1996. For bona fide companies and/or rental values over £25,000 a year, the agreement will be drawn up under contract law.
How long does it all take?
Once you have found a property you would like to rent. It takes between five and ten working days, to take up and confirm references, clear your cheque covering the first rent period and the deposit, arrange for inventories and the transfer of utility accounts into your name. No professional agent can allow you possession before all this has been done.
How long is a typical let?
Most agents require it to be a minimum of six months and occasionally write a tenancy agreement for longer than 12 months.
What happens if I want to stay on? Or Leave early?
Tenancies are renewed and agents often agree the terms for the renewal at the beginning and include them in the tenancy agreement. If you're likely to leave before the end of the original term agreed, you must negotiate break clauses to be written into the agreement. If not, you will remain responsible for the rent until the end of the term agreed, unless a new and satisfactory tenant can be found usually at your expense.
What else do I have to pay for?
The tenant pays the utility bills such as gas, electricity, water and telephone during the course of the tenancy, T.V. license, etc; and the Council Tax applicable to the property.
What must I do at the end of a tenancy?
Ensure you fulfill your obligations stated in the tenancy agreement to leave the property in the condition it was in at the start, or deductions will be made from your deposit. These will include thorough cleaning and all linen, used or not, freshly laundered. If you've moved furniture, return it to where you found it at the time of the inventory.
How do I get my deposit back?
After an inventory check and condition inspection, provided there are no missing items or damage, your deposit will be returned shortly after you leave the property. You cannot set your deposit against any rent payment due.
Who has been holding my deposit?
Normally, the agent in a designated Government approved scheme. Noonan Crane Property Management use the Deposit Protection Scheme (DPS).
