Information and Fees for Tenants
At Balmforths we appreciate that people are tenants for different reasons, some because they choose to whereas some are because they have to, but all have the same needs, that is to find the right property, in the right location, with the minimum of stress.
We deal solely with unfurnished properties as we firmly believe that tenants should feel that ‘at home’ with their own possessions during their rental period. At viewings we will be pleased to give you all the information you need about local amenities, shops, school catchment areas and medical services.
If you are considering renting for the first time or want to change your property please feel free to contact us and we start searching for your perfect property.
Deposit
To the value of one month's rent, either in cash or a clreared cheque before the date of commencement of the tenancy. The deposit is lodged with the Deposit Protection Service.
Tenancy Process
- When you view a property we will give you an application form. We will not contact you to see if you are going to fill it in as we don’t believe in pressurising you
- If you decide to return the application form, we will request references from your employer (if applicable) and from the current landlord/agent
- From the details supplied we carry out a credit reference check through a specialist company called HomeLet
- If accepted, we require one months rent in advance plus a sum equivalent to one months rent as deposit, which we deposit with the Deposit Protection Service, as required by law
- On the day of handover we require you to sign the contract, a Standing Order mandate and to check and sign an inventory
- We provide you with copies of letters sent to gas, electricity, water and local council, informing them that you are now responsible for the property
- If case of problems with the property simply contact us and we will organise for an appropriate tradesperson to contact you to arrange a convenient time to fix the problem. In case of real emergency contact us and we will attend to the problem or advise you as to what to do in such a case
- At the end of the tenancy we will take final meter readings and inform gas, electricity, water and the local council that you are no longer responsible for the property
- Following the conducting of a Leaving Inspection we will contact the Deposit Protection Service to arrange the return of your deposit. If the property is not in a satisfactory condition we will contact you to attempt to reach agreement on the cost of repairs. In the event that agreement can’t be reached the Deposit Protection Service has an arbitration service
The Contract
The contract signed by the Landlord and Tenant is an Assured Shorthold Tenancy, which ordinarily lasts initially for a period of six months after which Tenants can give one months notice (from the 5th month) and the Landlord can give two months notice (from the 4th month).
If everyone agrees, a new contract can be drawn up for a period of either six or twelve months, or the Tenant can go onto a Statutory Periodic Contract, by where either side can give two months notice at any time.
Your Safety
Your safety is of paramount importance to us. When a Landlord places their property with us, we give them written information as to their obligations to their tenants. We make every effort to ensure that all gas and electrical requirements are adhered to.
Your Privacy
We totally believe that just because you rent a property does not mean you have any less rights to privacy as a homeowner, and as such we will never enter your property without your consent, nor will we arrive unannounced. If we need to visit for inspections or any other business we will contact you to arrange a convenient time for you.
Property Inspections
At regular intervals throughout the tenancy we will carry out property inspections to ensure that there are no problems. This benefits both you and the Landlord as we can sort any outstanding issues out quickly. We will contact you to arrange a convenient time to visit.