Tenants

Tenants Guide to Renting Property

If you are currently seeking a property to rent, check out our property listings page. If you have seen a property that you would like to view you can use the contact form on each of the individual property details pages to arrange a viewing or make an enquiry, or alternatively, you can give us a call.

If you have a specific type of property in mind we can take details of your requirements and place you onto our data base and contact you should a suitable property become available.

Once you have viewed a property and decided to proceed with the letting we will start the process of arranging the tenancy agreement, deposits, references etc...

Reserving a property

References

Before commencing with the tenancy we will need to obtain satisfactory references from your employer and/or a previous or current landlord. There may also be instances when we require a personal reference or guarantor. We may also use the services of an independent referencing agency to obtain and evaluate these references. Personal & photographic identification may also be required, such as a passport or driving licence.

The Tenancy Agreement

Once the terms have been agreed by both parties and satisfactory references received, the relevant documentation will need to be signed by you and the landlord.

Tenancy Fee Schedule (New Tenancies signed after the 1st June 2019)

Holding Deposit (per tenancy)

One week’s rent. This is to reserve a property. Please Note: This will be withheld if any relevant person (including any guarantor(s)) withdraw from the tenancy, fail a Right to-Rent check, provide materially significant false or misleading information, or fail to sign their tenancy agreement (and / or Deed of Guarantee) within 15 calendar days (or other Deadline for Agreement as mutually agreed in writing).

Security Deposit (per tenancy. Rent under £50,000 per year)

Five weeks' rent. This covers damages or defaults on the part of the tenant during the tenancy.

Security Deposit (per tenancy. Rent of £50,000 or over per year)

Unpaid Rent

Interest at 3% above the Bank of England Base Rate from Rent Due Date until paid in order to pursue non-payment of rent. Please Note: This will not be levied until the rent is more than 14 days in arrears.

Lost Key(s) or other Security Device(s)

Tenants are liable to the actual cost of replacing any lost key(s) or other security device(s). If the loss results in locks needing to be changed, the actual costs of a locksmith, new lock and replacement keys for the tenant, landlord any other persons requiring keys will be charged to the tenant. If extra costs are incurred there will be a charge of £15 per hour (inc. VAT) for the time taken replacing lost key(s) or other security device(s).

Variation of Contract (Tenant’s Request)

£50 (inc. VAT) per agreed variation. To cover the costs associated with taking landlord’s instructions as well as the preparation and execution of new legal documents.

Change of Sharer (Tenant’s Request)

£50 (inc. VAT) per replacement tenant or any reasonable costs incurred if higher. To cover the costs associated with taking landlord’s instructions, new tenant referencing and Right-to-Rent checks, deposit registration as well as the preparation and execution of new legal documents.

Early Termination (Tenant’s Request)

Should the tenant wish to leave their contract early, they shall be liable to the landlord’s costs in re-letting the property as well as all rent due under the tenancy until the start date of the replacement tenancy. These costs will be no more than the maximum amount of rent outstanding on the tenancy.

Tenant protection

Riverside Residential Property Services Ltd is a member of Client Money Protect, which is a client money protection scheme, and also a member of The Property Ombudsman, which is a redress scheme. You can find out more details on the agent’s website or by contacting the agent directly.

Inventory & Schedule of Condition

Before the start of the tenancy, an inventory is prepared detailing the contents and condition of the property. You will be provided with a copy and so will the landlord.

Deposit & Rent

Prior to the commencing of the tenancy, we will require a deposit and the first rental payment, a month in advance. Your deposit will be treated under the tenancy deposit protection scheme (TDS), which is a scheme accredited by the Government.

As part of the Housing Act 2004 the Government has introduced tenancy deposit protection for all assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs) in England and Wales where a deposit is taken. From April 6th 2007, all deposits paid under an AST have had to be protected within 14 calendar days of receipt by the agent/landlord.

How the TDS Scheme works?

The tenant pays the landlord or letting agent their deposit.

The letting agent/landlord pays the money in to the TDS scheme with 14 days of receiving it.

Upon receipt of the deposit, the TDS provides confirmation and details of the protection scheme to the letting agent/landlord and tenant.

When the tenancy comes to an end, the letting agent/landlord and tenant agree repayment of the deposit including any interest accrued, usually within 10 days.

In the case of any dispute, The TDS return any undisputed monies plus interest to the relevant party, but hold the disputed portion until the Alternative Dispute Resolution Service (ADR) or courts decide what is fair.

Your deposit cannot be used to pay your rent.

When can I move in?

Once the tenancy has been signed and rents & deposits have cleared, the tenancy can proceed. You can now collect the keys to your new home.

Can I have pets in my new home?

You must consult us prior to obtaining a pet.

What if I find any faults or repairs that need addressing?

If you find any problems with the property you are renting, you should contact us immediately. Once we have been informed of any issues/faults we will instruct the landlord and await their instruction.

Can I decorate the property?

You must consult us prior to carrying out any changes to the property. We will contact the landlord and await his permission.   

Do I have to pay for Council Tax & Utility Bills?

As a tenant you will be responsible for any utility bills like water, gas, electric as well as council tax, unless there is a special arrangement with the landlord of the property. You will also be responsible for a TV license at the property, if you watch TV without a license you risk being fined. Please check the tenancy agreement details.

Do I need insurance, as a tenant?

The landlord of the property is responsible for insuring the building and any furnishings that come with it. You will be responsible for insuring your own contents/personal possessions stored within the rented property.

Can I run a business from the property I rent?

No. You must use the property solely for residential purposes unless specifically agreed in advance, in writing.

As a tenant, what am I responsible for?

As a tenant, you are responsible for:

• Prompt payment of the rent

• Prompt payment of gas, telephone, electricity, council tax

• Reporting any damages to the property or furnishings within the property as soon as possible

• Taking general good care of the property

• Respect the needs of your neighbours