Below are some commonly asked questions by our tenants. However, should the below not answer your question, please do get in contact and we will be happy to assist further.
Letting agent fees for tenants – Which fees are banned?
The ban came in on 1 June 2019 for most private tenancies starting on or after that date. From 1 June 2020, it applies regardless of when your tenancy started.
The ban covers assured shorthold tenants, student lettings and lodgers living with a private landlord.
You can’t be charged for things like:
- references
- administration
- credit and immigration checks
- renewing your tenancy when your fixed term contract ends
It covers fees charged to tenants and their guarantors.
What can the agent charge you?
Contract variation, novation, amendment or change of occupant at the tenant’s request within an existing tenancy – £50 incl VAT
Default fee of interest on late rent if rent is more than 14 days overdue – 3% above Bank of England base rate
Default fee for lost keys or other respective security devices – Actual cost of replacement
Holding Deposit
Once the terms of an offer has been accepted between the landlord and applicant, the equivalent of 1 weeks holding deposit will need to be paid by the applicant in order to secure the property.
Who is responsible for maintenance and repairs?
If the property you are renting is managed by us, we’ll be responsible for the day-to-day maintenance of your property. Our contractors will be instructed to carry out the work with prior warning provided to you and we have a spare set of keys to provide access so that you do not have to take time off work to be present. There may, however, be some instances whereby you will need to provide access.
What happens at the end of the tenancy agreement?
We aim to contact our tenants 3 months prior to the end of the tenancy to find out whether you would like to stay on at the property or if your situation has changed and you would like to vacate at the end of the current tenancy. In either instance, we will advise you of the next steps.
What do I need to do at the end of the tenancy?
The basic rule of thumb is to hand the property back to us in the same condition when your tenancy commenced, subject to an allowance for fair wear in line with the schedule of condition agreed at the beginning.
Who manages the property whilst I am a tenant?
You will be notified on the first day of your tenancy whether we, Accommodate Management, or the landlord manages the property.
Can anyone enter the property whilst I am a tenant?
No, absolutely not. If anyone needs to access the property for any reason you will be notified by ourselves or your landlord.
What is an AST?
An AST is an Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement which is a legally binding contract between you the, tenant, and your landlord. Both parties have obligations during your stay in the property which are outlined in this.
Who is responsible for utilities and council tax?
You, the tenant, are responsible for utilities and council tax unless otherwise informed by the landlord or ourselves.
I have lost my keys.
We recommend that you get a spare set of keys cut and give them to a friend or neighbour in case of an emergency. If you do lose your keys in office hours you can come into the office with proof of ID and get a new set cut at your expense.