Application
Once you have found a property you’d like to make your home, please contact us so we can discuss your application. We will email you an application form to complete and return. This form collects basic information about you and requests your permission to undertake reference checks and carry out a Right to Rent check. Should the basic information provided be satisfactory, we will ask you to pay the holding deposit so we can proceed with your application.
Holding Deposit
The holding deposit is equivalent to one week's rent and is paid when the decision is made to proceed with your application. Once the holding deposit is received the property will be reserved for you subject to receiving satisfactory results from referencing and Right to Rent checks. The holding deposit secures against all reasonable costs should you fail the Right to Rent check, provide false or misleading information or fail to enter into a tenancy agreement within 14 days of receipt of the holding deposit (where the agent has taken all reasonable steps to meet this timeframe).
Referencing
Once you have applied for a property a reference check will be required for each prospective tenant. This is undertaken in conjunction with the referencing company Homelet who will contact you and request that you fill out an online form. The process of referencing includes a full credit check (if you live in the UK). Homelet will also request references from your current or previous landlord (if applicable) and contact your employer to determine your employment status and confirm your salary. In some cases (e.g. where the affordability test is not met) the use of a guarantor or payment of rent in advance may be required. The requirements for people who are self-employed are also different and we can discuss what’s involved with you. It should be noted that the results of referencing are subject to the landlord’s approval.
Right to Rent Checks
On receipt of your application, Positive Property Management will need to undertake a Right to Rent Check as required by the Immigration Act 2014 Section 22. This check will need to be undertaken for all adult occupants (18 years or older). As part of this check, we will take a photocopy or picture of your passport, visa or residence permit.
Deposits
Prior to the completion of the tenancy agreement, the remainder of the deposit (and the first month’s rent) will need to be paid. Deposits are five week's rent. Positive Property Management is a member of an approved deposit scheme (The Deposit Protection Service) and we use this scheme for all our Assured Shorthold Tenancies. On receipt of your deposit, we will protect it with The Deposit Protection Service custodial scheme and then provide you with information of exactly where and how your deposit is held. The deposit scheme also provides an impartial dispute resolution service.
Tenancy Agreement
On completion of a successful application we will provide you with a tenancy agreement for signature. This is normally an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (unless there are unusual circumstance for example the tenant is a company). We ask that you read and ensure you understand the agreement before signing and returning to us. You will receive a copy of the agreement signed by the landlord.
Check In
We will meet you at the property at the agreed date and time to check you in. You will be provided with the keys and an inventory detailing the condition of the property. We will also give you a tour of the property and familiarise you with key aspects such as location of the meters and provision for bin storage etc.
Insurance
The landlord will hold insurance for the property but this does not cover the tenant’s belongings or damage to the property, fixtures and furnishings caused by the tenant or guests. Tenants should therefore make sure they have the appropriate insurance cover in place for their needs.
Rent
Rent is paid by standing order monthly in advance on the 1st of the month (unless otherwise advised).
