Renting Process


1Register your interest

The first step is to contact us and we register you on our rental database. You could visit our office, or use our website registration or go via their properties on the market or Zoopla. Make sure that you are clear about what you want especially the number of bedrooms and your budget. Then make sure you stay contactable because desirable properties go quickly. If you have been served notice by your current landlord or you have served notice to leave, be sure to tell us and give us the latest date you need to move out.

2Finding the right property

Sit down with a pen and paper and describe your ideal property. Most importantly, be strict with what you do and don’t want, and what you consider to be a deal breaker. Don’t compromise on those deal breakers or you’ll come to regret it. Budget should be a key factor in your property search. Don’t overstretch yourself financially, make sure you take into account all other costs involved, including bills, council tax, moving costs, agency fees etc. Your take home pay (of all tenants combined) should be at least 2.5x your proposed monthly rent, otherwise you may not pass referencing on your income level.

3Is a short let right for you?

An assured shorthold tenancy agreement is issued for either 6 or 12 months. However, if you’re waiting for the purchase of a property to go through or you’re relocating for work for a short time, you may want to consider a short let. Periods available can be anything from a month to 5 months however the rent you’ll pay for these lets are significantly higher as a result.

4Holding payments

Once you’ve found a property you like you should put down a holding payment. This will secure the property and we will not arrange any more viewings. When your offer is accepted this money will form part of the initial rent or your deposit. If you pull out, you lose the money but if the landlord cannot or will not let to you it will be returned.

5Referencing

Once you have placed your holding deposit, you will be required to undergo reference checks to confirm your identity, your place of work and your earnings, and to confirm that you do not have any adverse credit. You will also be verified as permitted to reside in the UK and are not subject to any immigration controls. You should declare if you have any unsatisfied CCJ or bankruptcies as this may jeopardise your application. You will be asked to provide a photographic ID together with evidence of Right to Rent in the UK, your earnings and your current address.

6Guarantors

If you are on a low income or want to live in an expensive house you may need a guarantor. A guarantor is someone who should have a clean credit history, a homeowner and/or be in full time employment with take home earnings of a minimum of 3x monthly rent. The guarantor should understand their obligations as they will be asked to sign a legally binding document agreeing to certain conditions which will include paying the rent if for any reason you are unable to meet your commitment.

7Your Tenancy Agreement

The tenancy agreement will be the legal document that details your rights and obligations as tenants, and the obligations and expectations of your landlord, and the agreements made by all parties. It will set out the core terms and will include all the rules of the property.

8The security deposit

Before you move in, you will need to pay a security deposit along with your first months rent. Your security deposit (also called damage deposit) is there to indemnify the landlord against loss of rent or to pay for any damage if you were found to be responsible for causing it. In general, the amount required is equivalent to 4 weeks rent. By law this must be protected in a Government approved deposit scheme.

9The Inventory

The Inventory and/or Schedule of Condition processes is a formal way of noting the cosmetic condition and contents of a rented property. This descriptive information will, ideally, be supported by good quality photographs.

The Inventory document is then given to all parties to sign at the beginning of the tenancy to confirm that it’s accurate. Check it carefully and question anything that you do not understand. At the end of the tenancy, the same document is then used compare the state of the property and on the findings of this comparison the deposit is then awarded appropriately.

Sales

Buying a property, for the first time, or as an experienced purchaser of property, can be a long, complicated process. Working with an estate agent that knows the local area and that you can trust will make all the difference to your home buying journey. At Hamlet Homes we know the local area inside out, so we are well placed to make the buying process go as smoothly as possible for you and can help you with every aspect of your property journey

Selling

Selling your property can be a stressful and difficult time, luckily we can offer expert advice at every stage of the sale of your property.

Mortgages

Hamlet Financial Services are independent financial advisers specialising in mortgages, protection and general insurance since 1985. We pride ourselves on understanding the problems and opportunities in the financial services industry. We believe our clients are the most important asset of our company, and we are dedicated to serving your needs.

Renting

As part of Hamlet Homes, we can offer you a full range of services to help you at every stage of your tenancy.

Landlords

We offer a wide range of services, form marketing your property, and finding you the right tenant, to fully managed service.

Fees

Letting Fee Information

What will renting a property cost you?

As well as your regular rental payments, you may also be required to make the following permitted payments.

Prior to the start of the tenancy

• Holding Deposit - 1 week's rent

• Security Deposit - 5 week's rent

During the tenancy
• Late rental payment interest charge of 3.75% of amount owed

• Change of tenancy charge £75

If you require a key or key fob for the property to be replaced, the cost of the replacement key/fob will be passed on to you with an invoice to demonstrate proof of cost.

If you request an early termination of your tenancy, outside of any break clause stated in your tenancy agreement, you may be required to make payment of rent until the tenancy is terminated and cover the loss incurred by your landlord. You will be provided with an invoice to demonstrate proof of the landlord's loss.

Unless otherwise agreed in your tenancy agreement, you will also be responsible for paying for the following (if connected to the property):


• Utilities - gas, electricity, water

• Media - telephone, broadband, television packages (satellite/cable) and television licence

• Council Tax

How do we ensure our tenants are protected?
We are a registered member of the Propertymark Client Money Protection Scheme, which is a client money protection scheme to ensure your money is handled with in the correct manner. We are also members of The Property Ombudsman, which is a redress scheme for consumer complaints.