Tenants Guide
At the start of your tenancy, we will require an initial payment of at least 1 month's rent in advance together with a deposit, usually a further month's rent, but this will be detailed to you at the time of signing of the missive of let. You will also be asked to complete a banker's standing order form for collection of the monthly rent on the first day of the month commencing 1 month after the date of entry (we cannot accept any other form of payment).
Check-in Procedure
At the date of entry, you will check into the property and go through the inventory you must sign a copy confirming that you are in agreement. A copy of the inventory will be left with you and you must return this to our office along with any amendments.
IF YOU DO NOT RETURN YOUR INVENTORY WITHIN FIVE WORKING DAYS WE WILL NOT
ACCEPT ANY ALTERATIONS/AMENDMENTS.
Maintenance and Repair
Usually the landlord will have left operating instructions for appliances within the property. However, all breakdowns and requests for repairs should be reported to us first and no repairs should be instructed unless authorised by us. In the case of an emergency out with office hours, for example burst pipe, gas leak, etc., you should contact the contractors detailed at the end of this note. In the event of an appliance breakdown during the period of your tenancy, you will be expected to check such basic items as fuses, etc., and generally to follow the self-help instructions in operating manuals prior to contacting us as regards a repair. Failure to do so could result in you being charged with the tradesman's account if the foregoing is found to apply.
Public Utility Services
Gas and electricity accounts will be transferred into your name at the date of entry and meter readings taken at that date will be notified to the service provider. All utility charges are the responsibility of the tenant throughout the duration of the tenancy and you will be required to exhibit receipted accounts for final readings at the date of your vacation before any deposit is returned to you. Where a telephone has been installed in the property you will be required to contact British Telecom direct to arrange for connection and billing in your own name. Similarly, the telephone will require to be disconnected by you on departure.
Council Tax
The local authority will be notified of your tenancy and you will be liable for the payment of all Council Tax directly to the local authority. We will require to see a receipt for the Council Tax payment up to date at your departure prior to releasing your deposit.
Insurance
The landlord will be responsible for insuring the building and/or his contents. However, you will require to arrange insurance for all of your own personal effects contained within the property and it should be clearly understood that the landlord would have no liability in respect of any items not belonging to him contained within the property during the course of your tenancy.
Gardens
Tenants are expected to keep any garden ground attached to a property in a tidy and maintained condition.
Pets
No pets may be kept at the property unless our specific written authority is obtained.
Any mail arriving at the property for the landlord or previous tenants should be forwarded to our office.
Television Licences
Tenants are responsible for obtaining a television licence in their own name. No television aerials or satellite aerials may be erected without written consent from ourselves.
Persons Sharing
Where the tenancy of a property is shared amongst two or more persons, it is advisable to appoint one of your number as a spokesperson to deal with any queries that arise. Persons sharing tenancies are reminded that they have a joint and several liability in respect of rent and other obligations under the lease.
Routine Inspections
As part of our service to the landlord, we will carry out periodic routine inspections of the properties normally every 3 months. You will be notified in writing of the proposed inspection date, although generally we cannot give a specific time for our visit. It is always helpful if the tenant is present during the course of our inspection but it is not essential for you to be there. The main purpose of the inspection is to satisfy ourselves that the property is being maintained to the standard set out in the lease and any problems arising will be notified to you at the time of our inspection or shortly thereafter. Where it is necessary for us to revisit a property arising from problems caused by tenants, we reserve the right to charge you for these supplementary visits.
Termination of Tenancy
As the tenant, you are legally obligated to meet the full liabilities of the lease for the entire period of tenancy. Where sharing tenants wish to change one of the occupants, a new occupant will only be accepted as a replacement if he or she meets all our criteria in terms of suitability and references. Any such alterations or substitutions are entirely at our or the landlord's discretion and must fulfil all the criteria set down in the current housing legislation.
Vacating the Property
One month's notice to quit is required in writing prior to the termination date of your lease. Your rent is due and payable each month on 1st day of each calendar month. If your rent is not paid on the due date we would point out that we are under no obligation to issue a reminder notice to you, but if it is more than seven days late and we find ourselves in the situation of having to write to you regarding late payment, then a charge in this respect will be made of £10.00 +vat per letter/reminder. Any outstanding sums will be deducted from your deposit at the end of tenancy.
It is essential you notify us one month in advance of your intention to terminate your tenancy as stated in clause 14 (b) of your lease. (You must notify us in writing.)
We recommend that you arrange an appointment which will ensure you are present at the final inspection. This will give you the opportunity to discuss the check out.
A Goodearl representative will attend your appointment and will talk you through the check out procedure.
Our representative will ask for your forwarding address, current phone number and details of your bank account to allow us to return your deposit as quickly as possible. You will require to submit copies of your final paid utility bills and confirmation from the council tax authorities stating there is no outstanding council tax.
TIPS TO ENSURE A SATISFACTORY CHECK OUT
1. Ensure all light bulbs are replaced.
2. Ensure all broken/lost items are replaced with similar substitutes
3. Ensure all items listed on the original inventory are in place
4. Ensure garden where applicable is tidy and balconies are clean
5. Ensure the property is cleaned to a high standard throughout
TIPS TO ENSURE HIGH STANDARD OF CLEANING
1. Windows should be cleaned inside and out
2. Bedding/towels if applicable should be laundered/ironed and stored in a tidy manner and all beds made up
3. Remember to move furniture and clean underneath
4. Carpets should be checked for stains and if stained, stains removed
5. Sofa covers/upholstery should be cleaned where necessary and cushions and sofas vacuumed
6. Mattresses should be checked for any staining and stains removed
7. KITCHEN
A. Check all appliances are cleaned inside and out (ovens, cookers, fridges, freezers, microwaves)
B. All foodstuffs should be removed from cupboards, fridges, freezers and disposed of by the tenant
C. All cupboards should be cleaned inside and out and worktops washed down
D. All crockery/cutlery/glasses/pots should be cleaned
E. Extractor fans should be cleaned
8. BATHROOM
A. Extractor fans should be cleaned
B. Grouting should be cleaned and mould removed
C. Shower curtains/screens should be washed
D. WC/wash hand basin/bath should be cleaned