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Tenants

Finding a suitable property

To view all of our currently available properties, use our Find a Property online search. You can register your interest in any of our properties or arrange to view online.

Applying for a property

Once you have viewed your chosen property please contact the Lettings Team for an application form which will be sent to you for completion via our Referencing Service Provider. This form provides us with all the relevant information we need to be able to reference your application, if the landlord decides to accept your application to tenancy, subject to contract.

Fees payable

The first month’s rent in advance and a deposit (the equivalent of five weeks rent) is required prior to receiving the keys to your new home. A holding fee equivalent to one week’s rent is taken prior to references being done and is subject to terms and conditions. Your deposit will be protected by the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (unless your landlord is a member of a different scheme) and further information regarding deposit protection regulations can be found on their website.

Tenant’s obligations

As a tenant, you are responsible for keeping the interior of the property clean and are expected to change light bulbs, replace batteries etc. as well as cover the cost for any items which are damaged during your tenancy.

Rent

You are responsible for ensuring your rent is paid on time and in full, payable by Standing Order. It is your responsibility to set up a Standing Order with your bank.

Deposit

You will be required to pay a deposit for your tenancy that will be protected by the TDS, unless your landlord is a member of a different scheme. This is only refundable after your tenancy has ended and you have vacated the property, provided that:

  • Your rent has been paid up to date
  • All utility bills relating to the tenancy have been paid
  • The property has been well maintained and is returned to the same condition and cleanliness as it was at the start of the tenancy (allowing for fair wear and tear)
  • All items listed on the inventory are present, in the correct places and in good condition

Faults & repairs

If a fault becomes apparent at the property you must inform the Lettings Team immediately. Failure to do so may mean that you are held responsible for any further deterioration as a result of the delay. Once we have been informed, we will contact the landlord and act upon their instructions. You should not instruct any contractors yourself as you will be liable for the cost, unless in the case of extreme emergency i.e. fire or flood.

Smoke/fire and carbon monoxide detectors

Where detectors are fitted in a property, you are obliged to ensure they are checked regularly and kept in good working order – this is for the safety of you and your family. We recommend a daily check, however, they must be checked at least once a week. If you become aware of a fault, you must notify the Lettings Team immediately.

Mould/condensation

It is important to ensure the property is adequately heated and ventilated throughout the duration of a tenancy to prevent the build-up of mould and condensation.

Legionella

Legionnaire’s disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia which can affect anybody. It is caused by inhaling small droplets of water from contaminated sources containing Legionella bacteria. Taking the following simple precautions will help you stay safe:

  • Flush through showers and taps for 10 minutes following a period of non-use (i.e. after you have been on holiday or when you first move into your new home)
  • Keep all shower heads and taps clean and free from build-up of limescale, mould or algae growth (regular bleaching and descaling a least every 3 months will help sterilise and kill any bacteria)
  • Keep the hot water on your boiler system at a temperature of 60 degrees centigrade or greater – Beware of scalding
  • Report any deposits such as rust or any unusual matter flowing from your water outlets

 

Leaving the property for long periods of time

If you are planning to be away from the property for more than two weeks at any one time you must inform us in writing as this may be in breach of the house insurance and we may need to take steps to protect the property. During periods of severe weather, we recommend you have the heating / water system drained down in order to avoid frozen / burst pipes as the damage this can cause is extreme and you could become liable for the cost if you haven’t taken preventative action. Alternatively, if you choose to leave the heating on to help prevent this, we recommend a minimum of 15 degrees for 24 hours a day.

Further information and useful links

We appreciate that moving home can be a stressful time for all involved and we aim to ensure this process runs as smoothly as possible. If you do require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact the Lettings Team on 01743 277069.

Alternatively, you can contact the Citizens Advice Bureau or your solicitor for further information regarding renting a property. A useful guide to renting can be downloaded here.

The Code of Practice for Landlords and Agents, Rent Smart Wales – download here