- I will be looking for rented accommodation. How and when shall I start looking at properties and register my details?
- How do I reserve a property?
- How do we check tenants are suitable and reliable?
- Would I have to sign a tenancy agreement?
- How much money do I have to find up front before I can move into a property?
- Would I be expected to pay agency fees?
- Would maintenance be provided?
- What facilities can I expect in the property?
- Is the property furnished?
- Do I need insurance?
- Are pets allowed in the property?
- How and when do I pay my rent and utility bills?
1) I will be looking for rented accommodation. How and when shall I start looking at properties and register my details?
It is always advisable to decide what type of accommodation you need before
you actively start looking. Do your research - what area would you like to
be in? What is the maximum rent you can afford? Do you need parking or transport
links?
The first step is to contact us and provide brief details about yourself and
the accommodation you require. We will be able to give advice on the
availability of the type of property you will be looking for. Viewings
can be arranged at times to suit you, including Saturdays and you will be able
to speak to a member of staff who can give advice and address your queries.
It is important to realise that taking up references and doing checks does
take time, as does drawing up a tenancy agreement. Do not assume that you will
be able to move into the property within a day, even though it may be vacant. We
strongly recommend that you start looking one month up to six weeks in advance
to be able to secure your ideal accommodation.
2) How do I reserve a property?
Once you have decided on a property, you will need to reserve it by paying a ‘holding deposit’; usually equivalent to one week’s rent. Assuming that the tenancy goes ahead, this will be deducted from the total amount due before you move in. However the deposit would be forfeited if for any reason you are unable to proceed with the tenancy by the agreed date, or if you fail to provide us with the necessary references and information.
3) How do we check tenants are suitable and reliable?
We use a well-established scheme to run references on all prospective tenants before a tenancy commences. We would require references from your employer, previous landlord, proof of address, proof of earnings, passport, etc.
4) Would I have to sign a tenancy agreement?
We would arrange for you to sign a tenancy agreement, drafted by a solicitor, for a standard period of six months, which you may renew subject to agreement. The terms of the contract may be discussed and explained to you by one of our advisers.
5) How much money do I have to find up front before I can move into a property?
One calendar month rent in advance plus dilapidation deposit equivalent to six weeks rent. The deposit will be held by us until you vacate the property and as a security against damage, breakage and any other liabilities under the terms of the tenancy agreement.
6) Would I be expected to pay agency fees?
Unlike most estate agents, DML do not impose agency or booking fees on their prospective tenants.
7) Would maintenance be provided?
We always ensure that our property portfolio is of the highest standard and maintenance issues are dealt with promptly and professionally, and we have a network of specialist local tradesmen who undertake repairs.
8) What facilities can I expect in the property?
This would depend on the type of property you are looking for, most properties would have a lounge area, bathroom and kitchen, the latter would be fully fitted with a cooker, fridge/freezer and washing machine.
All our properties are fully furnished with a lounge suite and usually a dining table, chairs, wardrobe(s), coffee table chest of drawers, etc. Some of the furniture may be taken out upon request.
Tenants’ possessions are not covered by buildings insurance. We recommend that you take out separate cover for your personal belongings (content insurance), including any furniture, audio equipment, etc.
11) Are pets allowed in the property?
Most of our available properties are recently decorated and newly refurbished and we would not allow pets in them.
12) How and when do I pay my rent and utility bills?
The rent is payable monthly and in advance. You can pay by cheque, cash (at our office’s cash desk) or bank standing order to our company bank account. Tenants are usually also responsible for Council Tax, Water Rates, Gas and Electricity, unless stated otherwise.