Information for tenants
Securing A Property
Having decided which property you would like to rent, you will be asked to complete a reference form and return it to this office. This form is used by a credit checking agency in order to determine your credit worthiness and reliability. A copy of your driving licence or passport will also be required. Please note we do not accept pre-written references.The Application Fee
In order to secure the property an application fee is payable, this is equal to 35% of one months rent (with a minimum fee of £125.00) plus VAT. This fee is not refundable if the tenancy does not come into effect or where Edison Ford does not receive satisfactory references. The application fee will only be refunded if the landlord withdraws the property from the market. (If you have concerns regarding your credit history we would always advise that you discuss this with us first).The Deposit
A security deposit equivalent to 1½ x the months rental (e.g. rent £500 deposit £750) prior to the commencement of the tenancy. If you intend to keep pets at the property this deposit may increase. Please note interest is not paid on deposits held.Tenancy Deposit Protection
When you pay a deposit, your landlord or agent must protect it using a government authorised tenancy deposit scheme. This is to ensure you deposit dealt with correctly when you leave the property at the end of your tenancy. Your landlord or agent is required to give you details about how your deposit is protected within 14 days of the start of your tenancy. This includes the contact details of the tenancy deposit scheme and what to do if there is a dispute at the end of the tenancy.Costs
Once all references have been received and are satisfactory the tenancy agreement, legal notices, standing order and initial invoice for the first month’s rent and deposit will be prepared. The initial invoice must be paid in cleared funds (i.e. cash, bankers draft or building society cheque. Personal cheques will not be accepted unless paid 10 working days prior to the start date of the tenancy).The Tenancy Agreement
The tenancy agreement will be an Assured Shorthold Agreement for a term certain for six months. This must be signed by all tenants party to the tenancy before keys to the property are released. All tenants on the tenancy agreement are jointly and severally liable for rent, utilities, dilapidations and any other cost which is due to tenant negligence whilst in occupation of the property. Keys will not be released where all tenants have not signed the agreement. Rent is payable from the commencement date of the tenancy whether occupation is granted or not. It is your responsibility to ensure the initial invoice is paid before the commencement date of the tenancy.Rental Payments
All rent are payable by Standing Order. Please note that all standing order payments should be made 3 days prior to your rent due date to allow for clearance. Should you experience any financial problems during the course of the tenancy it is essential that you contact us immediately.Moving In
The date the tenancy commences is the date that you are entitled to the keys for the property, subject to satisfactory references, payment of the initial invoice in cleared funds, a completed standing order and a signed tenancy agreement. Upon collecting the keys you will receive a copy of the inventory of the contents and condition of the property. You are required to check the inventory and advise Edison Ford of any amendments they wish to make within 7 Days of the start of the tenancy. The inventory will be used at the end of the tenancy to determine dilapidation charges if applicable. If there are discrepancies it is the tenant’s responsibility to inform Edison Ford of these.If maintenance is required to the property it is your responsibility to advise Edison Ford immediately that attention is required. Failure to notify Edison Ford of any maintenance requirements when first noted, which consequently leads to additional maintenance, will result in a charge to be levied on the tenant equivalent to the additional maintenance required.
Request for any alteration to the property i.e. the decoration or otherwise, must be made by the tenant in writing and written authorisation to carry out such alterations must be obtained from Edison Ford prior to any alteration being made.