TENANT GUIDE
So you have found a property that you would like to live in. The first step is to make an offer to the Landlord. Should your offer be accepted then it will be strictly subject to contract, satisfactory references and vacant possession.
REFERENCES AND IDENTIFICATION
References need to be obtained and approved by the Landlord prior to the Tenancy commencing. As the Tenancy cannot go ahead without these, it is imperative referees are made aware of the need to respond as soon as possible. Typically, the type of references required are as follows;
• Work Reference – (which must be provided on company headed paper). Confirmation will be needed to confirm, start date, salary and position within the company.
• Current/Previous Landlord – confirming rent, length of Tenancy and condition of property.
• Character Reference – from someone who has known you for 2 years or more.
COMPANY LETS
Should the Tenancy be in your Company’s name, agents will usually require the following;
• Company Name & Address – (which must be provided on company headed paper)
• Proof of who is the Authorised Signatory (for signing the Tenancy Agreement) – This could be a letter which must be provided on company headed paper)
• Solicitors Reference
• Accountants Reference – (in house accounts references are not acceptable)
• Trade Reference – from a supplier.
Students
It is generally appreciated that students will be unable to provide some of the above, however, agents will still need to be in receipt of satisfactory references. Therefore the following will be required;
• Tutors Reference
• Previous/Landlord Reference
NOTE: It will also be necessary to provide a UK based Guarantor who is a UK Property Owner. They will be required to sign a Deed of Guarantor, which is a legally binding document stating that in the even you breach the Contract, the responsibility to, for example, pay the rent falls to the guarantor. If it not possible to provide an appropriate guarantor then the majority of the rent will need to be paid in advance. This is calculated on a case by case basis. Please note the Guarantor will also need to be referenced as per above.
IDENTIFICATION
In order to proceed with a tenancy through any reputable agency and to comply with money laundering legislation you will be required to provide proof of identity and residency, this should include at least one item from List A and two items from List B.
LIST A;
• Full Current National Passport; Full Current National Driving License; Pension Book/Child Benefit Book; Armed Forces I.D. Card; Signed Employer I.D. Card; Pensions Travel Pass; Building Society Passbook.
LIST B;
• Gas, Electricity or Telephone Bill (not a mobile bill); Mortgage Statement; Council Tax Demand; Bank/Building Society/Credit Card Statement; Reference from Accountant/Bank or Solicitor.