Potential Tenants
Becoming a Tenant
Before you begin your search make sure you are clear on what you want and need.
Rental Properties usually go on and off the market much faster than properties
for sale.
Some points you need to consider
- Your Budget: Set a budget for yourself before you start viewing properties, resist the temptation to over stretch yourself because you are most likely to have other expenses such as Council tax, Gas/Electric bills and contents insurance. Some properties may have other expenses as well.
- Timing: Generally Properties will start to be advertised 4-6 weeks before available so if you are looking to move in three months, it might be better to just fill out the registration form for now with as much information as possible before seriously going out to view properties.
- References: Landlords want to protect their property, so naturally they want to " Check out " any prospective tenant before they move in. These references will be arranged by Astons of Sussex and you will be asked to pay an administration fee which is non-refundable. Passing the reference check will normally allow you to proceed to the next stage of the tenancy agreement.
- Guarantors: Sometimes guarantors are required if you are considered a higher risk; don't have a fully checkable background are self-employed; on housing benefit or your age. Checks will be made to ensure that the guarantor has a income of at least £27k pa or is a house owner or has a mortgage on a property. There is a non-refundable reference administration fee for these checks to be made. Having a guarantor normally gives you first refusal on a property against someone who doesn't.
- The Deposit: The deposit is a sum paid by the tenant to help protect the landlord in the event of damage being caused at the property by the tenant or non-payment of rent. Normally the equivalent of one month rent.
- Housing Benefit: We have many Landlords who are willing to accept tenants on Housing Benefits but you will be required to pay the deposit and first months rent, referencing fee's and charges.
Basic Responsibities:
- Paying Rent on time
- Repairing damages caused by you or those living with you
- Paying household bills (electricity, gas council tax etc)
- Keeping house secure
- Keeping house and garden clean and tidy
- Returning property in same state as you found it at the beginning of tenancy
Click here for our fees or call us on 01243 670765.