Whether you are a first-time renter, or a lettings pro, you can always learn more to protect yourself, and your money while renting.
At Belvoir Peterborough, we have compiled some of the questions we are frequently asked by our prospective or in situ tenants;
When moving into a property you will need to pat the first months rent along with a damage deposit which is equal to 5 weeks rent. This is taken at different points and will be as follows; 1 weeks rent to secure the property t application stage. The remaining first month’s rent and deposit before move in day. No keys can be released until payment has been received.
You will need to complete the following referencing checks:
A guarantor is an individual who has agreed to ‘guarantee’ the tenancy and tenant(s), this is usually a friend of family member. They are equally liable for the rental income and obligations of the tenancy and they are also required to sign the agreement to this affect. A guarantor must pass all the same referencing criteria as the tenant, in order to be accepted as a suitable guarantor.
This is really dependent on your situation, possible reasons for needing a guarantor are;
If you are unsure if you require a guarantor for your application then please contact the office.
A tenancy agreement is a contract between a landlord and tenant. This is a legally binding document that sets out the requirements and obligations of both parties. Any negotiated and agreed upon terms must be included in the agreement prior to signing, for example, the agreed duration of the tenancy. Belvoir Peterborough’s legal team have created fair and balanced agreements that clearly state any responsibilities or each party during tenancy
Yes, usually the rent can be increased annually, whilst an existing tenancy is on-going, this is usually only inline with the terms in your tenancy agreement and will a % increase of the current rental income. However, should any new tenancy be entered into a landlord is within his rights to request an increased rent at this time also.
Landlords and agents will generally require access to the property periodically, to carry out maintenance works or general property inspections. However, they are required to provide the tenant with 24 hours written notice of their upcoming visit. Should a tenant refuse access the landlord or agent, does not have the right to enter the property without prior permission.
The only exception to this, is if access is required on an urgent or emergency basis, and if waiting the required time would be negligent to the property, tenant or landlord – for example to repair a large leak.
If a landlord wishes to serve notice on the tenant, they have obligations and rules as to what they are allowed to do, the same as tenants do. A landlord cannot lawfully force tenants to move out during a fixed term tenancy, however they are able to serve a notice requiring possession of the property at the end of a fixed term agreement, or whilst the tenant is on a periodic (monthly rolling) contract. The legal section 21 that will be served is a minimum of two months’ notice.
Firstly, this depends whether you are in a fixed term agreement or on a periodic (monthly rolling) contract.
Whilst you cannot legally leave your fixed term contract earlier than originally agreed, you can request to vacate the property earlier. This is subject to a landlord’s approval, and usually involves compensation for additional costs and work required to let the property early. You are also still liable for the rent and all obligations set forth in your agreement until a new tenant is found, or your fixed term agreement comes to an end, whichever is first.
If you are on a periodic contract, or coming up to the end of your fixed term, you are able to serve your notice to vacate. Check your documents, a two-month notice is usually required. Please ensure you serve your notice correctly and in line with your tenancy dates. If you are unsure of anything, make sure you speak to your agent or landlord as early as possible to avoid any mistakes.
