Do I need a Guarantor?
In some instances where the tenants situation placing a risk on the ability to sustain the rent, we may ask for a Guarantor, someone who can enable the rent to be paid if your circumstances change. This is a Plan B for keeping the tenancy and avoiding rent arrears. The Guarantor would be credit checked at the start of the tenancy and would be legally responsible along with yourself for the rent being paid
Do you accept pets?
Some of our landlords do accept pets but is landlords discretion. We ask that you detail your pet and the breed/size in the early correspondence and on the application form and then we can discuss with the landlord in each case. Pets can leave odours in the soft furnishings which are difficult to eradicate and sometimes landlords will ask for additional deposit or assurances before accepting pets.
Are longer terms available?
General Assured Shorthold tenancy agreements commence with six months or twelve months. Longer terms are available in discussion with the landlord pending the potential stability of the tenancy. We can only accept AST’s to a maximum of three year term. The Renters Reform Bill, when it becomes law may change this position and all tenancies may become periodic. Please talk to us about the implications.
What about the Renters Reform Bill?
The Renters Reform Bill, when it becomes law, will give greater protection for tenants. There will be a protected first year where landlords cannot ask the tenant to leave. And, there will be protection for parents or those tenants claiming benefits when applying for a home. Another improvement in the law will be Awaab’s Law applying to the Private Sector homes, where serious hazards will have to be dealt with in a reasonable time. We can give you a full explanation should you need to know more.
Can you tell me the council tax rates for a property?
Yes, we can. This would normally be included on the advert, but you can always ask for more details. Please contact us.
You can also search the tax rates online using the property postcode: http://cti.voa.gov.uk/cti/inits.asp
Can you tell me the utility and bills I would be responsible for?
In most tenancies you would be responsible for Gas, Electricity, Water, wifi, Council Tax and insuring your goods. In some of our tenancies the landlord does apply a whole rate agreement but this is only on selected properties.
Water charges move in line with the council tax (rateable value of the house) unless there is a water meter.
Gas and electric usage can be reviewed in line with the EPC for we provide when we advertise the home.. This Energy performance certificate will show the energy efficiency of the house and potential savings from certain measures. If you do decide to change supplier during the tenancy you must inform us please. You will also be responsible for upkeep of the garden as part of your tenancy.
Why do you need to inspect my home during my tenancy?
This is a condition of the tenancy agreement, it is done to ensure the house is being looked after and mainly to ensure there are no maintenance or other issues you may have missed yourself. We use it as an opportunity for you to mention any maintenance issues we may not identify. We try to be as quick and non-intrusive as we can, but we are checking the home, and not the occupier. You do not have to be around, as long as you give consent to enter your home. Please be aware, it is mandatory we can enter for Gas checks and other regulatory instances. If you see any maintenance issues in the interim, please just get in touch.
What about damp or condensation in the property?
Dealing with damp isn’t an easy fix. Taking only one or two measures may not solve the problem, and it could mean adjustments to your daily routines to become part of your lifestyle. Striking the balance between warmth and ventilation is key to looking after your home.
Common household moisture activities
A well looked after and thoroughly cleaned and ventilated house should not have a major issue with condensation. Living in, cleaning and ventilation of the home is the responsibility of the occupants. Everyday activities can add extra moisture to our homes. For example, one person asleep adds half a pint of water to the air overnight and an active person adds twice that during the day.
- Two people at home for 16 hours adds 3 pints
- Bath or shower adds 2 pints
- Drying clothes indoors adds 9 pints
- Cooking and using a kettle adds 6 pints
- Washing dishes adds 2 pints
By opening windows and ventilating your home you may feel you are losing heat, but what is actually happening is that warm moisture laden air is released and dry cool air is allowed to enter the home. Dry cool air is actually cheaper to heat than moist air! Many people who experience condensation issues with double glazed windows may not have had that with poorly fitted older windows. Simply because all of the natural draughts have been sealed. But by opening windows on the trickle ventilation, this problem is solved.
Open windows to let moist air escape, warm air holds more moisture than cold air. Dry air has less ability to hold moisture that causes condensation.
- Ventilate kitchen and bathrooms and close other doors to prevent moisture reaching other parts of the house.
- Open bedroom windows two hours per day and throw back bedding to air.
- Leave space between furniture and walls. Clear windows of clutter.
- Avoid overfilling of cupboards and wardrobes that may prevent circulation.
If the home isn’t ventilated:
In time, those affected damp areas attract black mould that grows on its surface. Condensation mainly occurs during the colder winter months. It is usually found in the corners of rooms, north facing walls and rear windows. It is found in areas of poor air circulation, often behind beds or wardrobes, especially if pushed up against external walls.
What if I don’t want to give you access?
We need access to the home to ensure the requirements of the Homes for for Human Habitation are being met .And of course that the landlord’s property is being maintained. We need access for Gas checks, Carbon Monoxide checks and electrical checks to keep your home safe.
What is the Council Tax for my property?
We will generally list these on the advert, as we always want you to know what the charges are prior to your application. But, if you need to clarify, you can check here: http://cti.voa.gov.uk/cti/inits.asp Current Westmorland and Furness tax charges can be found here http://www.barrowbc.gov.uk/default.aspx?
I have a previous debt recovery action. Will I still be able to rent?
Please still enquire with us before you submit your application. Whilst previous judgements could still affect your prospects of success we would still consider as part of the whole applications we receive. We are currently seeing a significant number of applications for the properties we advertise, and it can be disappointing for unsuccessful applicants. As an affordability measure we consider the rent to be around, or less than 30% of household income to be a viable and sustainable tenancy. If there are high levels of unsecured borrowing or credit cards, this may affect your application. Other considerations would be if there is a second income, or the age of the CCJ and your current circumstances. In some cases we would request a Guarantor, who would complete the same credit checks that the applicant completes.
Your website shows the Right to Rent Guide. Why is this?
For every tenancy, it is mandatory that we provide the Right to rent Guide. This explains all of the necessary implications of renting homes and all agents ought to provide this for you when you commence a tenancy agreement. This is available for download on our website or from the Government publications here: