Tenants

Tenants Guide

Renting Your Next New Home Has Never Been Easier.
We Help Tenants Take The Strain Out Of Finding Their Next Home.

We know that finding your next home can be daunting, but we are on hand to help you along every step of the way to finding and moving into your new home.

Our expert team of lettings professionals bring a human touch to all that they do, after all, we have all been on the end of finding a new home and understand the process inside out. which is why we have put this guide together for you, but you can also be sure to call us any time should you have any questions or queries.

We bring you simplicity when it comes to searching, viewing and moving into your new home.

How would an expert hand help you in finding and moving you into your new home? With Somerset Lettings team of great lettings agents, we take pride in helping tenants to search, locate and view their next new home.

Whether you are a first-time tenant or an existing tenant, looking for that next home, whether it be a single let, as a couple, or professional, we can help you throughout your journey from day one to move into your perfect home. From our expert knowledge of the local area, arrange viewings to help guide you through all of the paperwork and checks that are required for your application.

Your Guide To Renting

Find all of the information you need to rent your property, from step one to completion - the only hard part will be deciding which
property to view first!

Budget

Knowing your budget is the first step in deciding to rent so that you know exactly what your income and expenditures are, how much you can comfortably afford to pay in rent per month.

You will require a deposit which is one month's rent and one months rent due upon move in.

You can learn more here about renting and upfront costs on the link below:

https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/how-much-rent-can-you-afford

Property Search

Now you know your budget, now you will have an idea of the property location, size and specifics that you require, you can start looking for an ideal match.

We can help with finding that perfect property, and  inform you on your chosen location.

Once you have found the right property or properties to view, simply book in and we shall set a time and day to meet and show you around and answer any questions that you may have.

Decision Time

Once you have found that perfect home, all you need to do is let us know, (this part needs to be done fairly quickly before someone else snaps it up)  and we can begin the process of application.

Paperwork

Now you have decided to go ahead, there are a few things that we need you to do to start the checks.

As well as completing an application form,  you will need to provide us with a few things - photographic identification, proof of address, etc, proof of income, etc, you will be made aware of everything that we require, and this can all be completed online.

References & Credit Checks

At this stage we ask that you pay a holding deposit to secure the property for you whilst we complete references and credit checks.

This part of the application can be the longest, but are team are always quick to chase up and get references in so that you can progress with your tenancy.

Paying Your Deposit

Once the references and credit checks are completed, and the landlord is happy for us to progress, we ask that you pay deposit to secure your home, which is usually one months rent.

Once the tenancy agreement is signed and the first months rent is paid, this will then be placed into a Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme.

Your deposit will be held with My Deposits, a Government backed Tenancy Deposit Scheme where your money will be kept for the duration of your tenancy and will come back to you at the end of your tenancy should everything be satisfactory upon you leaving.

Once completed you will receive a copy of your deposit certificate.

Sign Your Tenancy Agreement

Your Tenancy Agreement is a legally binding contractual Agreement between yourself, the Landlord and the Agent.

The tenancy agreement clearly sets out the terms and conditions and the obligations of all parties during the period of the tenancy.

Most tenancies will be of a standard Assured Shorthold format and will run for a minimum period of 12 months and either goes to a rolling 12 months thereafter, or on a month to month basis as may be agreed between the parties.

Photographic Inventory Report

Prior to your occupation of the property, a Photographic Inventory Report will be completed, this is a document that shows in detail the condition of the property and what items the property may have within it when you are you moving in.

You will receive a copies of this at the commencement of the tenancy and it is imperative that you check its accuracy, sign and return to Somerset Lettings within 7 days of the first day of your move in, so that any discrepancies can be reported immediately.

This will form the basis of resolving any dispute relating to damage to the property or contents at the end of the tenancy.

Move In Day

Once you have paid your first months rent and a date is agreed, we will arrange with you the key collection and give you your welcome pack which includes all information relating to your new tenancy, utilities etc.

So all you have to do now is enjoy moving in and making your new home a home.

During Your Tenancy

Throughout your tenancy, we are always on hand to answer any queries or questions that you may have.

During your tenancy we will require access with you to come and check that everything is in order and the property is being well looked after and that there is no damage to the interior, exterior or mould, but this will be arrange wil you to suit a time and date for  you in advance.

We will also be on hand to deal with any repairs or issues within the property promptly and have a great team of contractors on hand to deal with any leaks or repairs as you require.

Ending Your Tenancy

If and when the time comes that you decide that you are ready to move on, we can not only help you to find your next home, but we can help ensure that your move out runs as smoothly as possible.

We will arrange for the move out and help ensure that everything in property meets the move out guidelines to make sure you receive your deposit back in full, such as making sure the property and carpets are cleaned thoroughly, if you have had a cat, that the carpets have been flea treated, that there is no damage, and the rent is paid up to date etc.

Once handover has been completed and everything is satisfactory, we will issue back your tenancy deposit.

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