The Greater Bristol Letting Agency
0117 973 9394
Accommodation Unlimited Letting Agents
Tenants FAQs - Commonly Asked Questions Answered!

Tenants FAQs - Commonly Asked Questions Answered!

 

Q. Do you charge a Letting Agents fee?

A. No. As of 1st June 2019 it is illegal for a lettings agent to charge a tenant fee.

Q. Why do you need to reference my guarantor?

A.  Your landlord needs to know that your guarantor is able to cover your rent if you default.

Q. I have just arrived from abroad, and have no credit or landlord history in the UK.  How do I rent a property if you cannot reference me?

A. If it's possible for you to provide references from overseas landlords or agencies from whom you rented your last property, we will check them as part of our fees. Alternatively, some landlords will accept a lump sum (3 or 6 months in advance) in lieu of references.

Q. I have just arrived from abroad, and have no credit or landlord history in the UK.  How do I rent a property if you cannot reference me?

A. If it's possible for you to provide references from overseas landlords or agencies from whom you rented your last property, we will check them. Alternatively, some landlords will accept a lump sum (three or six months in advance) in lieu of references.

Q. How does a holding deposit work?

A. You can use a holding deposit to reserve a property while the arrangements for proceeding are finalised. A holding deposit is normally in effect for a maximum of 15 calendar days. It must be repaid within seven days of this limit or when the decision to proceed with the property is made or if the landlord decides not to proceed – whichever comes first.

However if the agreement does not go ahead for reasons caused by you, the holding deposit will be retained. These include failing a Right to Rent check, materially misleading us or the landlord, you deciding not to proceed, or if you do not take all reasonable steps to enter into the agreement.

The maximum holding deposit which can be requested is equivalent to one week’s rent.

Q. Do I need insurance?

A. Your possessions will not be covered by the landlord’s contents insurance. You will need to insure your own contents. Call Jo on 0117 973 9394 or email jo@aul.org.uk for a quote.

Q. Am I liable for the Council Tax and utilities?

A. Typically, yes. Sometimes we offer properties that include Council Tax and/or utilities and this will be prominently mentioned in the advertising.

Q. I have a six-month contract but want to leave after three months.  Am I liable for rent for the whole period?

A. The letter of the law says ‘yes’. You have entered into a contract and you cannot break the tenancy agreement without penalty.  However, the landlord must make every effort to find a replacement and must prove that he has done this.  You should then expect to pay rent up to the date when a new tenant moves in.

Q. Can I give notice whenever I like?

A. Yes. You can give one month’s notice whenever you like, including within your initial term. It is effective from the day of the month following your initial start day. For example, if your tenancy started on the 14th of the month, notice would start from the 14th.  If you gave notice to your landlord on the 16th July, the notice would not start until the 14th August and your leaving date would be the 13th September. Paying rent on a different date to your start date does NOT affect your notice date.

Q. I don’t like the décor in my property - can I redecorate?

A. Unless you have prior, written permission from your landlord you cannot redecorate the rental property.

Q. Who is responsible for maintaining the property?

A. As a general rule, your landlord is responsible for the upkeep of the fixtures and fittings included in the rental of your property. Very rarely landlords insert exceptions into an agreement.  If there is an exception, make sure you are aware of this and you agree to it before signing your tenancy.

Q. I am not happy with the inventory, it doesn’t seem accurate. What do I do?

A: Bring this up with your landlord or agent within five working days of moving in. Explain why you are not happy and back it up with photos if necessary. Time is of the essence. Complaining that, “It was like that when we moved in” at the end of your tenancy is not credible and will not be accepted when it comes to the return of your deposit.

Q. I’m new to Bristol and don’t know where to start. Can you help me?

A. Absolutely! If it wasn’t already abundantly obvious, we LOVE Bristol and like to think we know everything there is to know about what to do, where to live, and why. If you don't know where to start, then just give Peter a call on 0117 973 9394 or email peter@aul.org.uk

Or check out the following websites that can help you discover more about Bristol:

http://visitbristol.co.uk/

http://www.discoverbristol.co.uk/the-area

http://www.whatsonbristol.co.uk/Attractions

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As you may have gathered, we like to keep things simple and believe that transparency between tenant and letting agency is better for everyone involved. 

If you have any other questions or queries please feel free to pick up the phone or drop us an email. We would be only too happy to help any prospective tenant, and can promise an honest answer at all times. 

0117 973 9394 
brizzle@aul.org.uk