Tenant Information
We are here to help you through the letting process from your first viewing to moving in.
Renting Through Stevens & Carter
If you see one of our properties to rent online, please feel free to call us to arrange a viewing. Once you have viewed the property and decided it is right for you, we will send you the required application forms to complete. These are then returned for consideration by the landlord. Subject to the landlord giving the go-ahead, a holding deposit equivalent to one week’s rent will be due before processing.
If this is the first time you have rented a property, we appreciate that the process may feel daunting. That is why we are here to help and advise you from your first viewing through to moving in. Even if you have rented before, we are still here to answer any questions you may have and provide a helpful, reassuring service.
Our Tenants are very important to us which is why we give you as much information as possible about each property so you can make an informed choice.
We will also ask questions to help match the right people with the right property and landlord.
Tenancies are a partnership, so it is important to look after the property throughout your time there. In our opinion, a well looked after property is more likely to be well maintained by the landlord.
Tenant holding deposit:
£ one week's rent
A non-refundable deposit is paid by a tenant in order to secure a property whilst the administration takes place. If the let proceeds, this fee is offset against the move in monies. The holding deposit will not be refunded to the Applicant where the reference fails, i.e. the Applicant does not have the ‘right to rent’ a property or provides false or misleading information when referenced or the Applicant notifies the landlord or letting agent before the Deadline for Agreement that the Applicant does not want to enter into a tenancy agreement. Please note that if the Landlord pulls out of the process, the holding deposit will be returned to the tenant.
Dilapidations deposit:
£ equivalent to five weeks' rental amount
A deposit paid by the tenant at the start of a tenancy can be protected by either Stevens & Carter Lettings or the landlord for the duration of the tenancy. At the end of the tenancy, it is dealt with in accordance with the terms of the tenancy agreement.
Tenancy deposit protection was introduced by the Government in April 2007 for all assured shorthold tenancies in England and Wales. The aim is to make sure you’re treated fairly at the end of your tenancy. Your landlord or letting agent have a number of legal obligations, as set out in the Housing Act 2004, that they need to fulfil to ensure your deposit is protected lawfully and you’re notified of this.
Variation of tenancy:
£50
Subject to the landlord’s approval for the amendment and satisfactory references of any incoming tenant, a charge made in order to administer a change to a tenancy including a replacement tenant situation.
Late payment of rent:
£ daily interest at the Bank of England’s base rate + 3%
An interest charge will be applied if a rent payment is more than 14 days overdue for each day the payment is outstanding.
Lost keys:
£ reasonable costs incurred
A charge for a lost key(s) or equivalent security device(s). The landlord or agent will provide evidence, in writing, to the person liable for the payment to demonstrate that the costs they have incurred are reasonable.
Report a Fault
This online fault reporting system benefits both landlords and tenants and is available 24/7 for tenants of properties managed by us.
The system creates a detailed report so we can quickly instruct a contractor to visit the property and help resolve the issue in a timely manner.
Client Money Protection
Client Money Protection (CMP) is a scheme that provides/protects tenants and landlords from the misappropriation of client monies by an agent.
Property Redress Scheme
The Property Redress Scheme (PRS) provides impartial dispute resolution between us and members of the public. Both schemes are now mandatory for all Lettings agents.
Tenant FAQs
Useful guidance for tenants applying for, moving into or reporting issues with a rental property.
How do I apply for a rental property?
If you have viewed a property and decided it is right for you, we will send you the required application forms to complete. These are then returned for consideration by the landlord. Subject to the landlord giving the go-ahead, a holding deposit equivalent to one week’s rent will be due before processing.
How much is the holding deposit?
The tenant holding deposit is equivalent to one week’s rent. If the let proceeds, this fee is offset against the move-in monies.
When do I pay my tenancy deposit and first month’s rent?
If your application is successful, you will be required to pay your tenancy deposit and first month’s rent before moving into the property, in accordance with current tenancy legislation.
How do I report a fault in a managed rental property?
Tenants of properties managed by Stevens & Carter can use the online fault reporting system, which is available 24/7. The system creates a detailed report so the issue can be passed on and dealt with as efficiently as possible.