Millard Southern Rentals

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	Tenants Questions and Answers

	Millard Southern Rentals PO Box 901 Woking Surrey GU21 7ZX
	T: 01483 721542 F: 01483 724810 E: info@rentinginwoking.co.uk

Tenants Questions and Answers

Q What is a holding deposit? A This is a sum of money, normally Ł150 which is paid to Millard Southern Rentals when you have found the property you would like to rent. This prevents any other prospective tenants being shown the property by Millard Southern Rentals and is credited to your performance deposit when you move in. Once a firm tenancy offer has been made to you, you should singe the agreement and pay the balance of your Performance deposit within 3 days or you will forfeit your holding deposit and we will remarket the property. Q What is a performance deposit? A A performance deposit is paid by the tenant to Millard Southern Rentals against any damage to the property. It is normally equivalent to six weeks rent and is held by Millard Southern Rentals on behalf of the landlord. If the tenant incurs no damage or other costs, it will be returned in full within 14 days of the end of the tenancy. The performance deposit cannot be accepted as full or part payment of the rent and you are responsible for the rent until the end of your agreement. No interest is paid by the agent on the performance deposit. Q How long will it be before I can move in? A This can vary but remember that the sooner you start looking, the more likely you are to find the ideal property for you. You may have to wait for other tenants to move out before you move in. Referencing can take a few days, particularly if a guarantor is needed. Don`t forget that every tenancy agreement that Millard Southern Rentals issue is written individually to suit both the tenants and the landlords needs. In general, the average tenant will move in three to four weeks after they start looking Q Is there a minimum or maximum term I can stay in the property and can I change my mind during the term? A The term of the agreement is set at the beginning of the tenancy and normally cannot be changed. Assured shorthold tenancies are for a minimum of six months but can be as long as a year. If you want to be released from the agreement early, the landlord may do so, but you are still responsible for the rent until the end of the term or the property is relet. The tenancy can normally be renewed on a regular basis, usually for a further six months or a year. Short extensions to a tenancy can be arranged at the landlords discretion, although this requires a different agreement document. Q What are my responsibilities? A As a tenant, you must keep the property clean and tidy, pay your rent and utility bills in full and on time. You should follow the assured shorthold tenancy agreement that you signed, and advise the landlord or Millard Southern Rentals of any problems as soon as they arise. Q Should I take out any insurance? A Millard Southern Rentals recommend that both the tenant and the landlord take out insurance. In the tenants case, you should insure your own property and the contents of the property, even if they belong to the landlord. This will enable you to get your full performance deposit back (less Ł50 excess, should you need to claim on your insurance) if you accidentally damage anything in the property. Millard Southern Rentals have a full range of affordable insurance policies, specially written for the rental market.
Q What are the landlords responsibilities? A The landlord will allow you "quiet enjoyment" of the property, which will be supplied in clean and tenantable condition for the term of your agreement at the rent agreed. He will insure the property itself, although he doesn`t have to insure the contents. He will be responsible for maintaining the property but should you cause damage then you will have to reimburse the landlord for the cost of repairs Q What if there`s a problem with the property or something breaks down? A If Millard Southern Rentals are managing the property, they should be your first point of contact, however in some cases the landlord will be the property manager. This will be specified in your agreement. Q What is an assured shorthold tenancy agreement and why do I need one? A This is a legal contract between you and the landlord. Each agreement is written individually to ensure that both you and the landlord are happy with the tenancy. It is designed to protect both of your interests. Q Why do I need an inventory? A The inventory is a legally binding document that lists the contents and condition of the property its fixtures and fittings. You will be taken around the property when you first move in checking everything against the inventory providing you are happy with this you will be asked to sign the document. At the end of your tenancy we will repeat the process and providing everything is in the same condition (less fair wear and tear) your performance deposit will be returned to you in full. At the check in and check out inspections the meters will also be read and the readings recorded for the utility companies to record your start and end point of responsibility for the usage and these will be passed to the relevant service providers. It protects both you and the landlord. Q What if I accidentally damage the property or something belonging to the landlord? A Millard Southern Rentals recommend that you insure the contents, since if you break or damage any of the landlords property, you are responsible for the repair or replacement. This could result in some or all of your performance deposit being retained by the landlord to cover the damage. Q Can I install cable or satellite TV or have new phone lines installed? A If the landlord agrees, yes, you will be given a letter of authority by us. You will normally be responsible for the cost of doing so. Q Could I redecorate the property? A This is at the discretion of the landlord. Normally Millard Southern Rentals will negotiate on your behalf with the landlord. Remember that the landlord owns the property and will want to keep it in good decorative order. He will be unlikely to agree to black ceilings or purple walls. Keep the colours light, plain and neutral and he will be more likely to agree.
Q What about children or pets? A This is up to the landlord. Some don`t mind, but others may insist on adults only. The same applies to smokers, sharers or people receiving housing benefit. Q What should I do if I am having difficulty paying my rent? A Contact Millard Southern Rentals or your landlord immediately as soon as you think you may have trouble paying your rent. We can often come to an arrangement with you and the landlord and providing you contact us this will prevent you from being charged for chasing letters. Don`t ignore the problem because it won`t go away.