A Guide for Tenants

Once you have found a property that suits your needs, anyone aged 18 or over will be required to fill out an application form. If you're under the age of 18 you will need an adult to act on your behalf. Please complete all sections of the form correctly to ensure your reference checks can be carried out as quickly as possible. This will help in avoiding any unnecessary delays.

• Restrictions

  Please be aware that some Landlords impose certain restrictions in respect of the following:

  • Housing Benefit
  • Students
  • CCJ's (County Court Judgments)
  • Pets
  • Smokers
  Please speak to us for further information on individual properties and if restrictions apply.

• Tenants Administration Fee / Holding Deposit

  The Tenants Administration fee is paid to cover the admin costs of preparing documentation and running reference checks. This fee is payable once you have decided which property you wish to rent and have submitted an application. Please note that if your applications fails or is withdrawn, the administration fee is non refundable. A Holding Deposit is paid in order to take a property off the market. If you decide you no longer wish to take the property this payment is also non-refundable.

• Timescales

  In most cases it takes around 7 working days before you will be able to move into your property. This can sometimes vary depending on how soon we receive your references and required documents. Although every effort will be made by all parties to accommodate your moving date, unfortunately no guarantees can be made. Once your application has been approved, it will be necessary for all prospective tenants and guarantor/s (where required) to attend the office to sign the relevant documents. Then a mutually convenient time and date will be agreed for the tenancy to commence.

• Advance Payment

  Please note that an advance payment of one month's rent and the security deposit must be paid before the keys can be released. Your initial payment can only be made by cash, debit card or banker's draft.

• Rent Payment

  You will be asked to complete a direct debit/standing order mandate for the monthly rental payments. The rent will be payable each month in advance and will be collected on a set date as stated in the tenancy agreement. For joint or multiple tenancies, only one mandate can be accepted.

• Guarantors

  If you are unemployed, a student, unable to provide proof of your income or a foreign national then we will require a guarantor to sign the deed of guarantee before the tenancy can start. Before we consider any tenancy, the guarantor will need to complete an application form and be referenced checked.

• Tenants Content Insurance

  The Landlord's are not responsible for insuring any of tenant's personal belongings. Therefore we strongly recommend that you obtain adequate contents insurance.

• Non-Managed Lets

  Where Smartmove Lettings is not responsible for the management of the tenancy, you will be given the Landlord's contact details in case you need to report any maintenance problems.

• Utilities

  Please note that we strongly recommend that you also inform the suppliers to ensure that your details have been registered so you can order a new gas/electric key if required and to avoid paying any previous outstanding debt left on the account, soon as you have agreed your moving in date.