Tenant Information

 

Why rent with Surelet

 

From studio flats to large family homes, we have expert knowledge of the local market to ensure the entire process of renting your new home runs as smoothly as possible. By registering your requirements with SureLet, we will help you find a property that suits your needs and budget. SureLet are committed to providing exceptional service and advice to Landlords and Tenants where possible and strive to deliver "best practice advice" where possible. For more information please speak to your local office.

 

The Surelet experience

 

Things to consider:

 

• Location – e.g., close to work? Close to the local school?
• Rental budget – please remember that as well as the rent, you may also need to pay council tax and utility bills.
• Move in dates by when you must move by – most properties tend to only be on the market for a couple of weeks so it is essential that you look at the right time to avoid missing out on the property.
• Furnishings - the majority of properties are un-furnished but may include white goods such as cookers, fridge freezers etc.
• Parking - it’s worth paying extra for off-street or secure parking.
• If you have young children, then you will probably want ground floor accommodation or a property with a lift. Check if there is a secure garden for your children to play and avoid properties where the front door leads directly onto a main road. Homes within the catchment of a good state school are more easily rented than finding a property to buy.

 

Exclusions:

 

Each specific property may have a list of restrictions on the property. These will vary from property to property but you may expect to find the following:

 

• Pets - both the landlord’s head lease and the landlords’ insurance policy may prevent pets being kept at the property. If you are permitted a pet then you may well need to pay an additional deposit to the agent and to pay for steam cleaning of carpets and flea de-infestation at the end of the tenancy. Animal fleas can lie dormant for weeks, so the agent may hold some of your deposits until after the new tenants have moved in. The increased deposit may also be needed to cover the additional wear on the property.
• Smokers - smoke damages the decorative surfaces of the property and leaves an odour which puts off non-smokers so landlords will stipulate that you are not to smoke within the property. Remember, properties are inspected so if evidence is found that you have smoked within the property then you may be liable for additional cleaning and redecoration costs.
• Young children – many landlords would prefer not to have young children living at the property, extra wear and tear can mean landlords would prefer a childless professional couple. However, if it’s a larger house with garden then the natural tenants are a family and it’s always worth asking if the landlord will consider children. It may be worth offering a large deposit. You never know.
• Housing benefit - the landlords’ insurers and mortgage lender may impose this restriction.

 

How much rent can I afford?

 

As a guide, your annual income(s) (before tax) must be at least 2.5 times the annual rent of the property you are applying for. Should you need a guarantor the must be earning at least 3 times the annual rent of the property you are applying for.

 

For example: Rent £700 / month

Per year £8.400 (£700 x 12 months)

Minimum annual salary £21,000 per Annum (£8.400 x 2.5)

 

Viewings

 

Surelet always insist on accompanied viewings for potential tenants – mainly as a security precaution that protects you as much as anyone and it gives you an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the property.

 

Take a cheque book or a debit card with you and a means of photo-ID. The turnover of rental properties is quite quick so by having these items it will allow you to proceed quickly if you view something you like. We would also recommend that you take something to measure the rooms with. There is nothing worse than finding a property and then discovering your furniture will not fit. Some of our tenants take a camera with them to help picture what a room will look like.

 

If you are meeting at the property, please ensure you are on time. Our negotiators work to tight diaries so it may only be possible to wait for a couple of minutes. Please plan your route and arrive early if necessary.

 

Handy things to check

 

• Can you afford the rent of the property? Use our calculations above to find out your maximum budget
• Will the property be managed by Surelet?
• How much deposit is required for the property?
• What date is the property available from?
• What furniture (if any) and white goods are supplied?
• Are there any changes to be made to the property? Properties are let as seen unless we are able to negotiate alterations when submitting your offer to the landlord.
• What are the parking arrangements if any?
• Are there any restrictions on the type of tenant?
• How much are the agency fees? This will usually depend on the amount of tenants moving into the property or if Surelet have any special offers.

 

Applying for a tenancy

 

You must be over the age of 18 to apply to rent a property through Surelet. Application forms will need to be completed for each adult who wishes to reside in the property. All applicants / guarantors will be credit checked, have their employment verified and previous/current landlord references will be obtained where applicable.

 

The essential information you will need in order to proceed with a tenancy through Surelet is:

 

• A recent utility/council tax bill or a current tenancy agreement
• A photo style driving license/passport
• If you are not an EU citizen you will need official evidence of permission to live in the UK until the last day of the tenancy
• Details of your current and previous addresses for the past 3 years
• Contact details for your current or previous landlord(s)
• Contact details for your current employers / accountant (if self employed)
• Next of kin and contact details
• Details of any adverse credit history

 

The time is takes to process your application will vary on the circumstances involved. You may be asked by the agent to get in touch with your employer if they are slow in providing a reference.

 

If you are sharing, the tenancy cannot be approved until each and every sharer has successfully completed all of the relevant paperwork and has been referenced. Legally, you will each be liable for the whole of the rent and not just “your own share” . We would recommend you nominate a lead tenant as a point of all communication.

 

If your application is successful your agent will set a date for you to attend their office to sign the tenancy agreement. All of the tenants will need to attend the appointment or will need to sign the tenancy agreement in advance. Any Guarantor(s) will also need to sign in advance.

 

You will be asked to ensure you have “cleared funds” meaning cash or a banker’s draft. We cannot allow you to move into a property without this. We are unable to accept credit and debit card payments for move-in funds.

 

The tenancy is not legally binding until it has been signed.

 

Guarantors

 

What is a Guarantor?

 

A guarantor is someone who agrees to abide by all of the terms of your tenancy agreement, including the payment of rent, but has no right to live at the property. Your Guarantor will also need to be fully referenced.

A Guarantor may be requested for the following reasons:

 

• If you are a student or are on housing benefit
• If you have not been in the UK longer than 3 months
• If you have a low income to rent ratio
• If you are not on a permanent contract of employment e.g. Agency work or fixed term contract
• If you have a poor credit history
• If you are self employed and are unable to provide two years of tax returns