Step 1 Register Your Interest
The first step is to register with us. You can do this via email to info@citywest.co.uk or by calling our office on +44 (0) 20 8814 1110.
We will ask for your specific property requirements to include whether you require furnished or un-furnished.
Step 2 The Search Begins
After establishing a thorough understanding of your requirements you will receive a selection of property details that will match to your needs.
Step 3 Appointment to View
We will make every effort to arrange a viewing for you to go and see the selected properties as soon as possible. This will give you you the best opportunity to secure the property of your choice.
Step 4 Selecting a Property
When you have selected the property that you want to live in you will then be asked for a holding deposit to confirm your selection. We will need two forms of identification in order to proceed with your application. Proof of present address and photo identification will be sufficient. Confirmation is subject to status and references.
Step 5 Deposit & Rental Paperwork
You will now be required to pay £250.00 deposit fee which secures the property for you. (please note that this is deducted at completion from final balance of the total amount due) You will now fill out our Tenancy Application form where you will be asked to supply us with your Employment Details, Bank Details, Bank Statements, Payslips, Previous Landlord (if applicable), Employers Reference, Character referee and Rental Guarantor (where required). References will be obtained by an external referencing agency (cost to be paid in advance). Additional Initial costs: Agency Fee(s) £75.00 Per Adult Tenant, £50.00 Per Student, Administration Fee(s): £75.00
Step 6 Rent Payment
One month’s rental payment is required prior to commencement of the Tenancy.
Step 7 Deposit
A rental deposit is required which is equal to one month’s rent, a higher deposit may be requested depending on personal circumstances. This will be reimbursed to you at the end of the tenancy, subject to the details of your agreement and the findings of the inventory check-out-report. As per recent government legislation, your deposit will be held by a third party as part of the TDPS (Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme).
Tenancy deposit scheme
At the start of every tenancy we collect a deposit against an inventory or schedule of condition normally equal to one month’s rent, to be used in the event of breakage or damage at any time during the tenancy.
In accordance with the Housing Act 2004, Landlords are no longer permitted to retain a Tenant’s deposit and must select either an insured based or custodial based scheme in which to hold a Tenants deposit. CityWest.co.uk Estate Agents is able to look after Tenants deposits in an insurance based scheme. We retain the deposit in a trust on behalf of the Tenant. It is held in a designated client bonded account and will be apportioned and returned only after the property is vacated and checked. In the event of dispute, CityWest.co.uk Estate Agents will attempt to arbitrate for 10 days, after which time if a satisfactory resolution between both parties has not been agreed the dispute will be referred to The Dispute Service for independent arbitration. This service is offered free of charge to CityWest.co.uk Estate Agent Landlords.
Step 9 Completion & Keys
Congratulations, keys are now handed over and you can move into your new home.
Step 10 After Moving In
Rental:
Rental is payable monthly in advance as specified in your "Tenancy Agreement".
Utilities: You will be responsible to transfer the utility accounts into your name and inform the relevant utility companies of the correct meter readings. CityWest.co.uk Estate Agents will help where necessary.
Council Tax: You will be required to provide the council with a copy of your "Tenancy Agreement" so they can bill you for the correct amount.
Insurance: You will be responsible for insuring your own possessions. Talk to CityWest.co.uk Estate Agents about arranging Home Contents Insurance.
FAQ’s
Identification/Proof of Residency
All tenants must show proof of address. Only the following forms of identification are accepted:
Full driving license & Passport
Utility bill (last 3 months)
Bank Statements (last 3 months)
Payslips (last 3 months)
Saving Statement (last 3 months)
References
We will also contact your employer and your landlord (if you are in rented accommodation already. Your previous employer will also be contacted if you have recently changed jobs. If you are self employed we will need to contact your accountant. A credit check will also be conducted.
To assist us in collating the necessary references, it would be advantageous for you to warn the above individuals in advance that references are required as these can be return to us within a matter of a few days, barring any delays.
Occasionally, a GUARANTOR will be required if, for example the tenant has not been continuously employed for the past 18 months; has been working abroad in the previous 6 months; the tenants’ income falls short of our criteria or the tenants’ employment is considered as changeable.
Please note that the same criteria applies to the guarantor and, furthermore, the guarantor must earn the equivalent of 3 times the yearly sum of the rent, be in full time employment or be able to prove by bank statements that they have “independent means”. All tenants should be able to provide a guarantor and should the tenant be unable to provide one, we will decide that the tenant has withdrawn their application. The tenant will therefore forfeit their deposit.
The guarantor must be aware that they will stand as guarantor for you, (and your partner if you are moving in to the property with someone else), for the entire occupancy of the property, not just for the period of the initial tenancy term.
How Much do I Need to Earn to be Considered for the Property?
Having passed all the referencing criteria to be considered for the property and, subject to the Landlord’s decision, you must earn at least 1.5 times the yearly rent (however, you will require a guarantor) or at least 2.5 times the yearly rent (you will qualify on the income part of the referencing without a guarantor).
Other Points of Interest:
The Tenant will be responsible for insuring their own possessions.
The Tenant will take over all utilities such as Gas, Electricity, Water/Sewage charges, Council Tax & Telephone upon moving into the property and will be responsible for contacting the relevant suppliers accordingly prior to commencement of the tenancy.
The Landlord is responsible for any repair/maintenance problems to appliances etc. but the Tenant is responsible for any breakages which should be reported immediately.
Decoration of the property must only be done with your Landlord’s permission.
No pets are allowed unless the Landlord has given consent.
Reasonable notice should be given in the event that the Letting Agent or Landlord wishes to inspect the property outside pre-agreed times. It is usual for the Agent to inspect the property at least twice during the term of your Tenancy and the Tenancy Agreement should cover this eventuality.
Most lets are for 12 months, although some Landlords may consider shorter terms of say 6 months.
Should you wish to quit your Tenancy earlier than the agreed term, you will be liable for all rent until the end of the agreed Tenancy. However, it may be worth considering negotiating a BREAK CLAUSE with the Landlord which, for example, could entitle you to give notice after 4 months.
In this case, you would only be liable for the rent for the notice period of 2 months, releasing you from the remaining 6 months of a 12 month Tenancy.
Return of deposits is normally subsequent to the final inspection of the property. Letting agents generally encourage Landlords to employ a professional inventory agent to conduct the inspection and produce a report as to the condition of the interior at the beginning of the Tenancy and again at the end but this is not obligatory. In most cases, the deposit will be returned once any damages are ascertained by the Tenant/Landlord/Inventory Clerk and appropriate deductions agreed.
The most common type of Tenancy Agreement is the assured short hold used for 6-12 month lets and usually takes the form of a standard contract between both parties.
However, should any “extras” be agreed such as certain furnishings to be provided by the Landlord, you should ask that an extra clause be added to the agreement to this effect. It should be noted that the landlord is not obliged to carry out promises so it is important that your requests are documented.
The Letting Agents will deal with the property viewings, references, agreements and getting you moved in. If the agent has been instructed to manage the property then you will normally report any repairs or queries to them. If not, then you will deal directly with the Landlord.
The Letting Agent, whilst acting for the Landlord, operates within accepted guidelines in the industry to ensure that you are able to rely on a professional letting agent taking your concerns seriously and advising the Landlord if they are being unreasonable. In this regard, you should be assured that the property conforms to all safety regulations and is fairly priced.
You require a professional service and, as such, CityWest.co.uk Estate Agents is a member of a recognised body such as The Property Ombudsman and The Office of Fair Trading. This ensures that professional standards are met, for example, the correct Tenancy Agreement is used; proper procedures are in place for reporting and dealing with repairs; safety checks are conducted and a bonding scheme is provide to protect your deposit.
|
