FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions we receive from Tenants…
Q: What does referencing involve?
A: This is nothing to be worried about – it is normal practice for a good agent. It generally involves checking information you provide with your employer, previous/current landlords and credit referencing agency.
Q: Why do I need to pay an application fee?
A: Whilst referencing is a straightforward process for the tenant, it can often be a complex process for the agent. Your application fee covers this and the preparation of the legal paperwork.
Q: Why do I need to pay a deposit?
A: The Landlord is trusting you to keep their property in good order. The deposit is held against non payment of rent and to ensure that any damages over and above fair wear and tear can be corrected at the end of the tenancy.
Q: Why do I need to be referenced?
A: Referencing gives the Landlord a clearer picture of you and its there to help them make an informed decision on who to accept.
Q: Who will hold my deposit?
A: The deposit must be registered with an approved scheme and held by either the Agent, Landlord or paid directly to the deposit scheme (depending on its membership rules). You should be provided with details of the Scheme and where the deposit will be held by the Landlord or his agent.
Q: What is the Tenancy Deposit Scheme?
A: All Landlords and agents are required by law to register and protect your deposit with a government approved scheme on an Assured Shorthold Tenancy.
Q: What if I want to leave?
A: If you are in a fixed term contract, you cannot normally leave the property before the end of the contract. If you are out of your fixed term contract there would normally be a notice period to serve.
Q: What happens if I lose my job?
A: It is always your responsibility to ensure your rent is paid, however you can talk to your Agent/Landlord to discuss possible payment plans – don’t let the arrears pile up. YOUR MOVE can offer Accident, Sickness and unemployment insurance product to help guard against these unforeseen circumstances.
Q: Can my Landlord let himself into the property while I am living there?
A: Your Landlord cannot enter the property without giving you notice (unless it is an emergency).
Q: Why do I need a guarantor?
A: Sometimes referencing decisions ask for a guarantor as your earnings may not be considered quite enough to pay the rent or you may not achieve the appropriate rating set by the referencing agency. Do not worry, this is not uncommon – your agent will be able to explain the details.
Q: What does a guarantor need to do?
A: A guarantor normally needs to be referenced in the same way as the applicant. They would normally be required to be employed and resident in the UK with sufficient earnings to cover your rental commitment. The Guarantor is responsible for paying any rent arrears if the tenant does not pay and any damages costing more than the deposit.
Due to the level of financial commitment required, we normally find guarantors are family members rather than friends.
Q: Why does my guarantor have to guarantee all tenants?
A: This is because the tenancy agreement makes all sharers in a tenancy jointly responsible for all rents and liabilities – which means there is no individual ‘share’ of the rent. The guarantor has the same responsibility.
Q: What is a tenancy agreement?
A: A legal documents which sets out the rules with which the tenant and landlord agree to comply.
Q: Who can I go to if my Landlord is not keeping to his side of the agreement?
A: Initially talk to your agent – YOUR MOVE can give some advice to tenants as we have a duty of care but we would also suggest independent advice such as The Citizens Advice Bureau.
Q: Who is responsible for repairs?
A: In most cases the Landlord is responsible for repairs either themselves or via their agent. If you do damage to the property, you would normally be expected to cover the cost of putting this right.