Information for Tenants

Stags Residential Lettings have produced this guide to inform tenants of the procedures and requirements relating to a typical tenancy taken through Stags. If you are unsure, then please contact your local Stags Lettings Office for further explanation prior to arranging any viewings.

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Tenancy Applications/References

When a letting of a property has been agreed then all persons over the age of 18 will need to complete a Tenancy Application form and will be named in the Tenancy Agreement. Forms will need to be returned together with a cheque made payable to Stags, in the sum of £205.63 (for both single and joint applications) to cover the initial administration costs in taking up references (to include a credit check). This will indicate your commitment to the tenancy and an invoice will be issued as receipt of your application. For all additional tenants referenced or guarantors there will be an additional charge of £35.25.

We are unable to withdraw a property from the register until we are in receipt of the completed forms.

This payment is non-refundable should your references prove to be unsatisfactory or you withdraw from the property. If the Landlord withdraws the property, or your application does not proceed because of other circumstances out of your control, then the administration fee will be refunded in full. Please note, this money in advance does not constitute a Tenancy, or offer of a Tenancy.

Tenancy Agreement

Prior to a Tenancy commencing you will normally be required to sign a standard Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement, which is usually for a period of six or twelve months. A Tenancy Agreement will fully explain and detail the terms and conditions on which you are taking the Tenancy plus any other special conditions that relate to that specific property. This is a legally binding document and you will be committing yourself to the initial fixed term period. You are only able to be released from the terms and conditions of the Agreement early by agreement with the Landlord. In addition, the Landlords are also committed to you as Tenants for the full period of the initial fixed term.

Security Deposit

Before the Tenancy commences you will be required to pay a security deposit equivalent to one month’s rent plus £100. This deposit is held by Stags as Stakeholder on behalf of the Landlord. No interest is payable to either party. The deposit is held against any damages or expenses arising during your tenancy and will not be released until you have vacated the property, all rent has been paid up to date and an end of tenancy inspection completed.

Tenancy Deposit Scheme and The Dispute Service

From 6th April 2007 all deposits taken must be protected by a Tenancy Deposit Scheme. Each scheme will be approved by an alternative dispute resolution service. (TDS). Stags will be operating an insurance based scheme as members of ARLA and RICS, and hold deposits as stakeholder on behalf of landlords and tenants. Please ask for further details.

Rental Payments

The first months rent is payable in advance along with the deposit either by cash, Bankers Draft/transfer or cheque. If you are paying by personal cheque please allow at least 10 working days for clearance. All future rent is payable in advance by standing order either directly to the Landlords or Stags Client Trust Account. Please note that all standing order payments should be made three days prior to your rent due date to allow for clearance.

Schedule of Condition and Inventory

A Schedule of Condition and/or Inventory of the property will normally have been prepared. This will be provided to you at the commencement of the tenancy requiring you to check it, sign and return back to Stags within 7 days. It is important that you take care in agreeing the Schedule of Condition and Inventory at this stage, as it will form the basis of any claim for damages by your Landlord at the end of the tenancy. At the end of the tenancy the Schedule of Condition and Inventory will be checked once you have vacated and on the basis that everything is acceptable your deposit will be returned within 10 days.

Tenants Obligations

You should be aware that responsibility for the property rests with the tenant during any tenancy. It is particularly important that any gas or electrical problems are reported immediately and the property is fully secured when you leave it unattended at any time. During the winter months, necessary steps must be taken to prevent the freezing of the water and heating systems. In addition, you will be liable to maintain the interior décor of the property to include carpets, and any fixtures and fittings that are included plus gardens and outside areas.

Stags Obligations

The obligations of Stags will vary dependent on which of the following services we provide for the Landlord.

You will be notified which of the above services applies to your tenancy and provide you with details of who to contact.

Property Visits

All properties Fully Managed by Stags will be subject to regular visits. The purpose of these is to check the condition of the property, that you are conducting your tenancy in accordance with the Tenancy Agreement and that gardens are being maintained. You will be notified in writing of the date and time of these visits, and giving you the opportunity to be present if you so require. This also provides an opportunity for you to notify us of any concerns you may have with the property or any items we should bring to the attention of the Landlord.

Utilities

Once you have signed a Tenancy Agreement you are usually liable for the service utility charges in relation to that property to include gas, electricity, and water. These companies will have been notified of your impending occupation of the property along with appropriate meter readings. You may wish to check with the appropriate utility company to ensure that this has been set up. With regards to telephones, it is British Telecom’s policy to carry out a credit check on all potential customers before activating a line and therefore you will need to contact them directly.

Television Licence

You are responsible for the television licence regardless of whether or not a television is provided by the Landlord.

Council Tax

It is the Tenants responsibility to pay the Council Tax direct to the local authority.

Insurance

The Tenant is responsible for insuring their own personal effects and furnishings. Should you require Tenants Insurance, Stags can provide appropriate details.

Tenancy Renewals

Approximately three months prior to the end of the initial fixed term Stags will write to you asking for information concerning your intentions and whether you would like to remain in the property. If a Tenancy Renewal is agreed this may be for either a further fixed term or on a Statutory Periodic basis. There will be a charge to cover the administration costs each time the Agreement is renewed.