A local guide to Renting FAQ
For successful renting, choose a good letting agent and the correct property… Finding the correct rented property is often a case of knowing what you want, but how do you choose?
Start by using an agent whose speciality is in lets similar to the one you are looking for and asking friends and colleagues who rent for recommendations when it comes to agents.
propertynewshomes.co.uk agents are all well-established in the Slough, Windsor, Ascot and South Bucks area and a have a good reputation, with years of experience in the rented sector.
You may also choose one who is a member of the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA), the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) or the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Members work by a professional conduct code, ensuring there is some kind of come-back should things not go to plan.
Dealing with a letting agent
Make sure you are matched with the right property by talking over your requirements so the agent is completely clear about the style of the property you are after.
This means establishing whether it is furnished or unfurnished; whether parking space is available; the property location; and the length of the tenancy.
- Ask also about any services that are included with the property, like resident concierge, caretaker, porter, gardener or maid service. Find out too whether the property is managed or whether you will have to deal directly with the landlord.
- As a potential tenant you will usually be expected to pay a minimum of a month's rent in advance plus four to six weeks' rent as a deposit. An administration fee will be charged to compile an inventory, to organize the tenancy agreement and for seeking references.
- References needed may include one from your accountant or bank to establish your financial standing. A character reference is also normally needed. This could be from a former landlord, employer or possibly your solicitor.
What to expect as a tenant
Your responsibilities and rights as a tenant should be clearly laid out in
the tenancy agreement. These will include an agreement to pay the rent on time and maintain the property in a reasonable state. Be sure to read the agreement with care and bring up any queries with the agent before you sign.
- Your deposit is normally looked after by the agent.
- As the tenant you will be expected to organize contents insurance for your possessions.
- Unless specified otherwise in the tenancy agreement, you will be expected to pay for utility services such as water rates, electricity, gas, TV Licence and telephone during the course of the tenancy. You might also have to pay council tax.
- At the end of the tenancy, make sure you have stood by all of the
- If the property is a managed let, the agent will deal with communication between the tenant and the landlord, otherwise the tenant will need to deal with the landlord directly
obligations as specified in the tenancy agreement, otherwise there may be deductions made from your deposit. At this point the agent will conduct an inventory check and inspect the property. As long as there are no items missing or any damage, you should get your deposit back soon after you leave the property
The landlord's responsibilities
- The tenancy agreement will detail the landlord's responsibilities to the tenant. They include looking after the property and any appliances inside, such as the washing machine. The tenant cannot hold the landlord accountable for any damage they have caused themselves.
- The agreement should confirm, among other things, that the landlord has fully insured the property, made sure all soft furnishings meet fire regulations, arranged safety checks for all of the gas and electrical appliances, and that the smoke alarms are working.
- The landlord will also be responsible for collecting the rent, looking after maintenance and carrying out regular inspections on the property if it is not managed