Information for Tenants
Application
References may be required for all prospective tenants and may be obtained in part through a credit referencing agency. All prospective tenants will be required to complete an application form and provide proof of identity and Right to Rent documentation in accordance with current legislation.
Non-UK nationals may be required to provide evidence of their immigration status and legal right to rent in the United Kingdom.
Landlords may specify reasonable requirements relating to the suitability of a property for certain occupants or pets. Where applicable, we will endeavour to make any specific property requirements clear within our property adverts. Prospective tenants are encouraged to discuss any specific requirements with us before applying.
Failure to provide accurate information as part of an application may result in the tenancy not being granted and may lead to the loss of the holding deposit in accordance with the Tenant Fees Act 2019.
Fees
In accordance with the Tenant Fees Act 2019, no prohibited fees will be charged to tenants. This includes application or referencing fees.
As part of a prospective tenant’s application, a holding deposit equivalent to one week’s rent may be requested in order to reserve a property, subject to contract and referencing.
A holding deposit may be retained where a prospective tenant:
- provides false or misleading information;
- fails a Right to Rent check;
- withdraws from the proposed tenancy; or
- fails to take all reasonable steps to enter into the tenancy agreement within the agreed timescale.
If the Landlord or Collins and Butler decides not to proceed with the tenancy, the holding deposit will normally be refunded in full.
Deposits
A tenancy deposit equivalent to five weeks’ rent will normally be required and will be protected within a government-authorised tenancy deposit protection scheme.
Unless otherwise agreed, the holding deposit may be transferred towards the tenancy deposit, with the remaining balance payable before the commencement of the tenancy.
Rent
Unless otherwise stated, rent is payable monthly in advance and must clear into our bank account on or before the rent due date.
The tenancy deposit and first month’s rent must be paid in cleared funds before the tenancy start date. Tenants will normally be required to pay rent by standing order.
Tenants have the right to request permission to keep a pet in accordance with current legislation. Any request will be considered reasonably by the Landlord. Where permitted, additional conditions may apply, including a requirement for appropriate pet insurance where reasonable.
Tenants’ Responsibilities
Unless otherwise stated, the tenant is responsible for payment of Council Tax, water charges, gas, electricity, broadband, telephone services and television licence fees during the tenancy. Tenants must notify the relevant utility and service providers at the commencement and termination of the tenancy.
Insurance of the building, and the Landlord’s contents where applicable, remains the responsibility of the Landlord. Tenants are strongly advised to arrange contents insurance for their own belongings and to consider accidental damage cover for fixtures and fittings within the property.
End of Tenancy
The property may be inspected by Collins and Butler and/or the Landlord at the end of the tenancy.
The tenant is required to return the property in substantially the same condition and level of cleanliness as recorded within the inventory and schedule of condition at the commencement of the tenancy, allowing for fair wear and tear.
Where deductions from the tenancy deposit are proposed, these should be agreed between the Landlord and tenant wherever possible.
In the event of a dispute regarding the tenancy deposit, the disputed amount may be referred to the relevant tenancy deposit protection scheme’s alternative dispute resolution service, where the matter will be considered independently.