REFERENCES  We will also contact your employer and your landlord (if you are in rented accommodation already). Your previous employer will also be contacted if you have recently changed jobs. If you are self employed we will need to contact your accountant. A credit check will also be conducted.
To assist us in collating the necessary references, it would be advantageous for you to warn the above individuals in advance that references are required as these can be returned to us within a matter of a few days, barring any delays.

Occasionally, a Guarantor will be required if, for example your income falls short of our criteria or your employment is considered changeable.

Please note that the same criteria applies to the Guarantor. An additonal reference fee will be required. Should you be unable to provide a guarantor, you will forfeit the Reservation Fee. 

The Guarantor must be aware that they will stand as Guarantor for you, (and your partner if you are moving in to the property with someone else) for the entire occupancy of the property, not just for the period of the initial tenancy term.

TENANCY AGREEMENT  An appointment will be arranged with you to visit our offices to sign the tenancy agreement when all references have been received. The landlord will also be asked to sign this agreement.

RENT AND DEPOSIT  You will be required to provide the agreed sum of rent and security deposit before taking possession of the property.
The security deposit is taken to cover loss, damage or charges payable at the termination of the tenancy. It is returnable in full at the end of the tenancy subject to final inspection of the property and it should be noted that deductions will also be made for cleaning should the property (and garden areas) not have been left in a satisfactory condition.

Rent is to be paid monthly in advance commencing on the first day of the tenancy and then on the same day each month thereafter by bank standing order.

CHECK IN AND CONDITION REPORT  We will arrange for an independant Inventory Clerk to formally check you into your new home and to produce a report detailing the condition of the property.  A detailed inventory of contents will also have been prepared if we have been instructed to do so by your landlord.

OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST:
1. A tenant is responsible for insuring their own possessions.
2. A tenant will take over all utilities such as Gas, Electricity, Water/Sewage charges, Council Tax & Telephone upon moving into the property and is responsible for contacting the relevant suppliers accordingly prior to commencement of the tenancy unless the tenancy agreement states to the contrary.
3. The landlord is responsible for any repair/maintenance problems to appliances etc. However, the tenant is responsible for any breakages which should be reported immediately.
4. Decoration of the property must only be carried out with your landlord’s permission.
5. No pets are allowed unless the landlord has given consent.
6.  Reasonable notice should be given in the event that the letting agent or landlord wishes to inspect the property outside pre-agreed times. It is usual for the agent to inspect the property at least twice a year.
7. Most lets are for 12 months, although some landlords may consider shorter term of 6 months.
8. Should you wish to quit your tenancy earlier than the agreed term, you will be liable for all rent until the end of the agreed tenancy.
9. Security deposits are returned in accordance with the terms and conditions of the deposit scheme under which they have been registered.  This is normally subsequent to the final inspection of the property. Letting agents generally encourage landlords to employ a professional inventory agent to conduct the inspection and produce a report as to the condition of the interior at the beginning of the tenancy and again at the end but this is not obligatory.
10. We will deal with the property viewings, references, agreements and getting you moved in. If we have been instructed to manage the property then you will normally report any repairs or queries to us. If not, then you will deal directly with the landlord.
11. We, whilst acting for the landlord, operate within accepted guidelines in the industry to ensure that you are able to rely on us as a professional letting agent taking your concerns seriously and advising the landlord if they are being unreasonable. In this regard, you can be assured that the property conforms to all safety regulations.
12. You require a professional service and, as such, Paul Graham is a member of The National Association of Estate Agents. This ensures that professional standards are met, for example, the correct tenancy agreement is used; proper procedures are in place for reporting and dealing with repairs; safety checks are conducted and a bonding scheme is provided to protect your deposit.