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Tenant's Guide

We have listed below a set of questions that are frequently asked and our answers. This will hopefully explain any queries that you may have. However, if you do require any further information please do not hesitate to contact us.

What is a Holding Deposit? Do I get it back?

Holding Deposits - usually one week's rent - can be required when you make an offer on a property. If, for any reason, you decide not to go ahead by an agreed date, the holding deposit or part of it will be retained against administrative costs already incurred. Otherwise it will be off-set against the first rent and full deposit payments. If the landlord decides not to proceed then the holding deposit will be returned. The payment of a holding deposit in no way legally obliges either party to enter into the tenancy.

Do I pay any fees to Kerr & Co?

There will be certain costs for you to cover, for inventories and for administration including the preparation of the tenancy agreement and taking up references.

Reference Charge per tenant:
£40.00 (inclusive of V.A.T.)

Tenancy Agreement Charge:
1 Tenant £125.00 (inclusive of V.A.T.)
2 Tenants £150.00 (inclusive of V.A.T.)
3 Tenants £175.00 (inclusive of V.A.T.)
4 Tenants £200.00 (inclusive of V.A.T.)

What money do I need to find at the beginning?

One month's rent in advance and a six week deposit to be held as a deposit against damage (and the administrative charges noted above)

What information will I need to supply?

You will need to complete a reference form, which will require the following information:

What are my responsibilities?

These should be clearly set out in your tenancy agreement, which you should read carefully before you sign. If in doubt, ask the agent. There is a duty for professional agents to ensure that anyone relying on them is offered correct advice.

What is a Tenancy Agreement?

It is a legally binding document between you and the landlord, applicable only to you and the property you are renting that states the amount of rent, the length of the tenancy, your rights and responsibilities. Your agreement will be an Assured Shorthold tenancy under the Housing Act 1988.

How long does it all take?

From viewing a property it normally takes seven to ten working days for the referencing to be processed, inventories to be carried out and initial monies to clear.

How long is a typical let?

Kerr & Co Estate Agents issue either a six month contract or a twelve month contract with a six month break clause.

What happens if I want to stay on or leave early?

Kerr & Co Estate Agents will send out a tenant record update form three months prior to the expiry of the tenancy, which the tenants can complete to enter into negotiations with landlords if they wish to renew the tenancy agreement.

What else do I have to pay for?

The tenant is responsible for the utility bills such as gas, electricity, water and telephone during the course of the tenancy, T.V. licence, etc; and the Council Tax applicable to the property.

What must I do at the end of a tenancy?

Ensure you fulfil your obligations stated in the tenancy agreement to leave the property in the condition it was in at the start, or deductions will be made from your deposit. These will include thorough cleaning of the property and receipt of final bills from all utility companies and local council tax. If you have moved furniture, return it to where you found it at the time of the inventory.

How do I get my deposit back?

After an inventory check and condition inspection and provided there are no missing items or damage to the property the deposit monies will be returned according to the timescales under the Tenancy Deposit Scheme in the tenancy agreement. You cannot set your deposit against the last rent payment due.

Who has been holding my deposit?

Deposit monies can be held by either Kerr & Co Estate Agents or the landlord. If the landlord wishes to hold the deposit you will be informed prior to the signing of the tenancy agreement.

In the case that Kerr & Co Estate Agents hold the deposit, the deposit monies will be protected under the governments Tenancy Deposit Scheme and held in a separate deposit bank account. Any interest earned will belong to the agent.

 

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