Tenants
Renting a property can be a daunting prospect, but Geo Hallam & Sons endeavour to make the process as simple as possible. Once you have viewed a property, you will need to complete an application form which you can download at the bottom of this page.
Processing the application
We will ask you to attend a brief interview at our office, so that we can discuss the application and the property with you. At this appointment you will be asked to provide your Passport as proof of your identity and also pay a Credit Reference fee. We will need to carry out a credit reference check and also request a reference from your current Employer, previous Landlord and Personal Referee. The processing of an application usually takes 5-10 working days.
Rental & Deposit
Before you sign the Tenancy Agreement, you will need to pay a deposit, a minimum of one month’s rent in advance and also an application fee. We will hold the deposit until the end of the tenancy, through a recognised Tenancy Deposit Scheme.
Rent is payable on the first day of each calendar month and to ensure that this is paid on time, we ask you to set up a standing order with your Bank. You will be responsible for paying all utility bills. (ie , Council Tax, Gas, Electricity, Water and Telephone) You will also need to ensure that you have a valid television licence for the property.
Tenancy Agreement
The Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement is usually for an initial period of six months and once the initial period has expired, the tenancy will become ‘periodic’ and continue under the same terms until such time as either party gives notice.
Insurance
Whilst the Landlord of the property insures the building and any contents that are provided, it is important that you insure your own contents and also obtain accidental damage cover for any damage that may occur during the tenancy.
Repairs & Maintenance
As a tenant, you will be expected to act in a responsible manner by keeping the property clean and maintaining the garden. We carry out regular inspections of the property, so that we can ascertain if the property is being maintained to an acceptable standard and if any repairs are needed. We would ask that you contact us immediately if you have any problems at the property, we will then discuss the matter with the Landlord and take instructions.
End of the Tenancy
If you wish to leave the property at the end of the six month period, you must give one month’s notice of your intention to leave. During the periodic tenancy, you are required to give one month’s written notice which must always terminate on the last day of the month. If for any reason you need to leave the property before the lease has expired, you will be held legally responsible for payment of the rent and any utility bills until the expiry of the term. We will arrange a Final Inspection of the property to ensure that it is handed back in an acceptable condition and once this has been done we will arrange to refund your deposit.
